Cheapest Car Insurance for 18-Year-Olds


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Car insurance for 18-year-old drivers represents one of the largest expenses young adults and their families face. While costs remain high at this age, understanding which insures offer the cheapest rates, the factors that influence premiums and how to  implement strategic approaches can result in substantial savings while maintaining adequate protection.

Key Takeaways

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State Farm and GEICO dominate the affordable insurance market for 18-year-olds offering premiums significantly under the typical rates for this age bracket.

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Nationally, minimum coverage starts at $67 monthly and full coverage at $122 monthly, but state rates vary dramatically — some as low as $50 per month.

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Joining your parents' existing policy delivers massive savings versus standalone coverage, with the most economical options available through family plans.

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Best Car Insurance Rates for 18-Year-Olds

Among our analysis, State Farm emerges as the most economical choice for 18-year-olds at $230 per month for comprehensive coverage. Allstate follows closely at $233, while GEICO rounds out the top three at $236. That extra $3 with Allstate gets you nationwide service and proven claims support. GEICO's additional $6 provides streamlined digital tools and competitive pricing, whereas Progressive brings telematics-based savings and cutting-edge policy features.

State Farm$230$2,759
Allstate$233$2,801
GEICO$236$2,837
Progressive$245$2,941

Cheapest Minimum Liability Car Insurance for 18-Year-Olds

For minimum liability requirements, GEICO leads at $205 monthly, with State Farm trailing by just $7 at $212. These premiums sit well under industry averages and work perfectly when you need to satisfy state mandates without stretching your budget.

Geico$205$2,462
State Farm$212$2,543
Allstate$319$3,824
Nationwide$385$4,625
Progressive$433$5,193

*Rates are for a family policy for male and female drivers with clean records and good credit who insure a 2012 Toyota Camry.

Cheapest Full Coverage Car Insurance for 18-Year-Olds

State Farm claims the top spot for comprehensive coverage at $230 monthly, while Allstate matches closely at $233. Both insurers provide excellent protection without the inflated costs of competing carriers. GEICO adds only $6 more for nationwide accessibility and solid service.

Geico$184$2,210
State Farm$236$2,836
Progressive$282$3,389
Allstate$284$3,410
Nationwide$298$3,575

*Rates are for a family policy for male and female drivers with clean records and good credit who insure a 2012 Toyota Camry.

Cheapest Car Insurance for 18-Year-Olds by State

Insurance premiums for 18-year-olds fluctuate dramatically across regions, spanning from $51 monthly in the most affordable areas to $475 in expensive markets. GEICO offers the most affordable pricing in most states, while State Farm and Progressive excel in specific regions

AlabamaGeico$105$1,257$50
AlaskaGeico$76$908$56
ArizonaGeico$139$1,664$47
ArkansasGeico$104$1,249$47
CaliforniaGeico$107$1,284$74
ColoradoGeico$99$1,189$75
ConnecticutGeico$116$1,393$129
DelawareGeico$144$1,729$81
District of ColumbiaAllstate$195$2,339$35
FloridaState Farm$217$2,610$116
GeorgiaGeico$167$2,008$50
HawaiiGeico$51$617$24
IdahoGeico$61$727$39
IllinoisGeico$101$1,207$62
IndianaGeico$73$873$29
IowaGeico$84$1,005$17
KansasGeico$95$1,134$48
KentuckyState Farm$149$1,783$31
LouisianaGeico$216$2,596$159
MaineGeico$74$893$24
MarylandGeico$139$1,664$84
MassachusettsGeico$125$1,506$52
MichiganGeico$108$1,297$104
MinnesotaState Farm$132$1,588$35
MississippiProgressive$136$1,628$16
MissouriGeico$100$1,199$86
MontanaState Farm$62$738$56
NebraskaGeico$85$1,018$46
NevadaGeico$208$2,498$98
New HampshireGeico$77$928$35
New JerseyGeico$183$2,198$120
New MexicoGeico$106$1,275$33
New YorkProgressive$126$1,513$79
North CarolinaProgressive$58$696$42
North DakotaGeico$73$872$26
OhioGeico$94$1,124$26
OklahomaGeico$103$1,239$38
OregonGeico$120$1,444$33
PennsylvaniaNationwide$166$1,992$52
Rhode IslandState Farm$126$1,507$80
South CarolinaAllstate$156$1,873$29
South DakotaProgressive$54$650$46
TennesseeGeico$133$1,596$20
TexasState Farm$132$1,578$58
UtahGeico$98$1,178$83
VermontState Farm$59$708$21
VirginiaGeico$102$1,224$56
WashingtonProgressive$151$1,811$10
West VirginiaGeico$122$1,469$24
WisconsinGeico$61$732$67
WyomingGeico$71$855$16

*Rates are for male and female drivers with clean driving records and good credit insuring a 2012 Toyota Camry with minimum coverage.

Cheapest Car Insurance for 18-Year-Olds by Gender

Due to increased accident risks, 18-year-old male drivers typically pay higher insurance rates than female drivers of the same age.  These reduced premiums reflect the fact athat 18-year-old women make fewer accident claims than males. Given the pricing variations across providers, you can prioritize your preferences — perhaps local agent relationships through State Farm or tech-forward service via GEICO.

Cheapest Car Insurance for 18-Year-Old Female Drivers

Female drivers at 18 enjoy advantageous pricing compared to male peers, with State Farm providing basic liability at $195 monthly and GEICO following at $205. Competition remains fierce among leading insurers — Allstate increases costs by $112 monthly over the most economical option.

Data filtered by:Results filtered by:
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Coverage Level:State Minimum Liability Only
State Farm$195$2,335
GEICO$205$2,461
Allstate$307$3,683
Nationwide$370$4,440
Progressive$423$5,076

*Rates are for female drivers with clean driving records and good credit insuring a 2012 Toyota Camry.

Cheapest Car Insurance for 18-Year-Old Male Drivers

Young men encounter steeper premiums than women, yet GEICO and State Farm provide affordable options with ranging between $82 and $119 monthly between the two cheapest providers. Pricing spreads even more across other carriers. Progressive adds $22 monthly compared to State Farm's rates.

Data filtered by:Results filtered by:
Select
Coverage Level:State Minimum Liability Only
GEICO$82$979
State Farm$119$1,429
Progressive$141$1,691
Allstate$145$1,741
Nationwide$158$1,895

*Rates are for male drivers with clean driving records and good credit insuring a 2012 Toyota Camry.

Cheapest Cars to Insure for 18-Year-Olds

Vehicle selection can slash hundreds from annual premiums. A MINI Cooper requires only $149 monthly while high-end sports cars' premiums can cost $250+ monthly. The most budget-friendly choices blend practical family transportation with affordable performance models, demonstrating that style doesn't require premium pricing.

MINI Cooper$149$1,789
MINI Electric$153$1,837
Subaru Outback$155$1,865
Subaru Forester$159$1,910
Ford Mustang Mach E$164$1,968
Honda Odyssey$166$1,994
VW ID.4$167$2,000
Volvo XC40$167$2,002
Ford Mustang$167$2,003
Subaru Legacy$167$2,008

Average Cost of Car Insurance for 18-Year-Olds

Annual car insurance costs for 18-year-olds are around $1,776 for minimum coverage and $3,606 for full coverage. However, this average represents only drivers with clean driving records and good credit. Your rate may vary based on your driver profile.

How Much is Insurance for an 18-Year-Old? State by State Breakdown

Average car insurance costs by state range from $148  to $300 per month epending on coverage levels. Basic coverage costs approximately $1,776 and $3,606 for comprehensive protection. Expenses fluctuate based on residence, vehicle selection, and whether coverage exists through family plans or individual policies. To give you a general idea of the cost in your area, we've provided average costs by state in the table below.

Alabama$197$2,361
Alaska$184$2,202
Arizona$292$3,504
Arkansas$207$2,490
California$229$2,752
Colorado$279$3,349
Connecticut$390$4,681
Delaware$392$4,708
District of Columbia$245$2,946
Florida$475$5,704
Georgia$357$4,286
Hawaii$69$831
Idaho$138$1,658
Illinois$231$2,778
Indiana$160$1,923
Iowa$149$1,793
Kansas$205$2,461
Kentucky$278$3,331
Louisiana$465$5,585
Maine$145$1,743
Maryland$383$4,592
Massachusetts$240$2,883
Michigan$302$3,624
Minnesota$219$2,633
Mississippi$214$2,565
Missouri$292$3,500
Montana$197$2,363
Nebraska$210$2,519
Nevada$420$5,043
New Hampshire$190$2,285
New Jersey$413$4,959
New Mexico$200$2,399
New York$334$4,004
North Carolina$132$1,590
North Dakota$141$1,692
Ohio$174$2,087
Oklahoma$234$2,804
Oregon$251$3,010
Pennsylvania$312$3,746
Rhode Island$327$3,924
South Carolina$263$3,150
South Dakota$170$2,037
Tennessee$185$2,217
Texas$307$3,685
Utah$269$3,230
Vermont$140$1,675
Virginia$216$2,591
Washington$245$2,935
West Virginia$190$2,278
Wisconsin$184$2,211
Wyoming$105$1,255

Why Car Insurance Is Expensive for 18-Year-Olds

Research from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety shows that car insurance for 18-year-olds is expensive due to higher crash rates than drivers over 20. Although premiums are lower than for younger teens, 18-year-olds are still classified as high-risk drivers.

Understanding these risk factors helps 18-year-olds and their families make informed coverage decisions and qualify for available discounts:

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    Inexperience

    Newly licensed drivers often struggle with hazard recognition while overestimating their driving abilities, contributing to many accidents particularly in the  initial six-month period of coverage.

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    Speed-Related Incidents

    Significant portions of teen fatal crashes involve excessive speed, with 18-year-olds particularly vulnerable to these situations.

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    Gender Differences

    Males aged 18 typically encounter higher premiums reflecting statistical tendencies toward aggressive driving and speeding versus females.

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    Distracted Driving

    Distracted driving remains a primary accident cause among young motorists, frequently involving mobile devices and passenger interference.

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    Other Risky Behaviors

    Risky behaviors such as nighttime driving, failure to wear seat belts and general inexperience contribute to increased accident and fatality rates, particularly among young male drivers.

When Do Car Insurance Rates Go Down for 18-Year-Olds?

Fortunately, car insurance rates for 18-year-olds decrease as they gain driving experience and demonstrate maturity. The timeline for rate reductions typically follows this pattern:

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    After One Year

    Many carriers provide moderate discounts following 12 claim-free months, recognizing responsible driving patterns and reducing perceived risk. Keep a clean record during this time to maximize savings.

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    Age 19

    Premiums often drop noticeably at 19 as drivers accumulate experience and demonstrate improved judgment, creating meaningful annual savings.

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    Age 21

    Many insurers implement additional reductions at 21, viewing this transition from high-risk to moderate-risk classification and generating substantial cost decreases.

Car Insurance Quotes for 18-Year Olds

To find affordable car insurance for your 18-year-old, compare quotes from multiple insurers using the MoneyGeek calculator. Enter your teen's gender, GPA, driving experience and ZIP code for quick rate comparisons. Explore the costs of different vehicles, assess potential savings from family policies versus separate coverage and adjust deductibles to discover the best rates.

Calculate Car Insurance for 18-Year Olds

MoneyGeek's car insurance calculator will give you a customized estimate of your auto insurance cost. It's free to use, requires no personal information and we won't send you any spam.

$157
High
$109
Average
$68
Low

Rates updated:

Jul 11, 2025

Insurance Carrier
MoneyGeek Score
Average Monthly
Payment
1
96
/of 100
$68
2
Nationwide

Nationwide

92
/of 100
$83
3
75
/of 100
$92
4
GEICO

GEICO

75
/of 100
$110
5
76
/of 100
$143
6
63
/of 100
$157
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KEY CONSIDERATIONS WHEN SHOPPING: EXPERT TIP

Getting quotes from multiple insurance companies helps you determine the best and cheapest for your profile. You also want to ensure the company has optional coverages for teen drivers or any driver on its policy. These include roadside assistance and rental car coverage.

Mark Friedlander, Director, Corporate Communications, Insurance Information Institute

How 18-Year Olds Can Get Cheap Car Insurance

Despite facing peak rates at 18, several proven methods can reduce premiums while maintaining essential protection. From leveraging family policies to academic achievements, these approaches help minimize expenses without compromising coverage.

  1. 1

    Stay on a parent's policy

    Adding an 18-year-old to an existing family insurance policy can provide significant savings through multi-car discounts and an established insurance history. Families may save thousands of dollars annually compared to independent policies.

  2. 2

    Shop around as much as possible

    Substantial price differences between insurers for 18-year-olds can exist. Compare quotes from various companies to find the best rates for your situation.

  3. 3

    Find discounts you qualify for

    Most insurers offer large discounts for maintaining good grades, usually requiring a GPA of 3.0 or higher. You can enjoy these savings each semester with strong academic performance.

  4. 4

    Choose a safe, older car

    Vehicle decisions directly impact insurance expenses. Prioritize dependable models with strong safety ratings over high-performance or luxury alternatives to minimize premiums.

  5. 5

    Adjust your coverage amount

    Balance protection with budget constraints by considering higher deductibles for comprehensive and collision coverage. For older vehicles, eliminate these coverages while maintaining sufficient liability protection.

  6. 6

    Enroll in usage-based insurance programs

    These programs monitor driving behavior through smartphone apps and reward safe driving with discounts. They track factors like braking patterns, acceleration, night driving and overall habits for potential savings.

  7. 7

    Complete professional driving training

    Professional driver training beyond basic requirements can earn insurance discounts while improving safety skills. Defensive driving courses and advanced programs offer premium reductions and enhanced driving abilities.

  8. 8

    Bundle multiple policies

    Combining auto insurance with renters or homeowners coverage can lead to multi-policy discounts. This bundling approach can generate substantial savings, especially if you have multiple coverage types with one provider.

  9. 9

    Qualify for low-mileage discounts

    Driving fewer miles annually can qualify you for low-mileage discounts. This is especially beneficial for students with limited driving needs or those using their vehicles primarily for local transportation instead of commuting.

  10. 10

    Leverage modern vehicle safety features

    Vehicles equipped with advanced safety features may qualify for additional discounts. Anti-theft systems, multiple airbags, ABS brakes, and collision avoidance technology can all contribute to lower insurance premiums.

Best Car Insurance Discounts for 18-Year-Old Drivers

Smart discount stacking can slice hundreds off your annual premium. Many insurers offer savings specifically designed for young drivers, and combining these discounts can lead to substantial reductions in your monthly costs.

Good Student Discount

Maintaining strong grades pays off beyond college applications. Most insurers slash premiums by 10-25% for students with a 3.0 GPA or higher. For an 18-year-old paying $200 monthly, that's $20-50 back in your pocket each month. You'll typically need to provide transcripts or report cards, and the discount often continues through college.

Multi-Car Discount

Staying on your parents' policy isn't just convenient — it's profitable. Multi-car discounts can reduce your family's total premium by 10-25%. This stacks with other discounts and explains why family policies beat standalone coverage for teens.

Defensive Driving Course Discount

Completing an approved defensive driving course can earn you 5-15% off your premium. These online programs usually cost $25-75 and take just a few hours to complete. The discount often lasts three years, easily paying for itself while making you a safer driver.

Usage-Based Insurance Programs

If you're a cautious driver, telematics programs can reward your good habits. Programs like Progressive's Snapshot or State Farm's Drive Safe & Save monitor your driving through smartphone apps. Safe drivers can earn discounts of 10-30% based on factors like smooth braking, steady acceleration, and limited nighttime driving.

Safety Feature Discounts

Modern cars equipped with advanced safety technology may qualify for additional savings. Anti-theft systems, multiple airbags, electronic stability control, and collision avoidance features can all contribute to lower premiums. If you're car shopping, prioritize vehicles with these safety technologies.

Low Mileage Discount

Drive less than 7,500 miles annually? You might qualify for low-mileage discounts of 5-15%. This works especially well for students who primarily drive locally rather than commuting long distances. Some insurers offer pay-per-mile programs that can dramatically reduce costs for occasional drivers.

Bundling Discount

If you're renting an apartment or have renters insurance needs, bundling with your auto policy can trigger multi-policy discounts. Even though you're young, combining coverages under one insurer often reduces both policies' costs.

Away-at-School Discount

College students who attend school more than 100 miles from home without a car can qualify for significant discounts. Since you're not driving regularly at school, insurers reduce your rates accordingly. This discount can cut premiums by 10-40% during the school year.

Early Signing Discount

Some insurers reward customers who renew their policies before expiration. While this seems minor, every discount counts when you're facing high teen rates.

Best Cheap Car Insurance for 18-Year-Olds: Bottom Line

Car insurance expenses for 18-year-old drivers represent major financial commitments for young adults and families. State Farm and GEICO consistently provide competitive pricing, though comprehensive shopping remains essential given significant variations across states and carriers.

Emphasize family policy participation, academic achievement maintenance, and economical vehicle selection. These tactics, combined with consistent rate comparison, help manage premiums while securing adequate financial protection. Current high expenses are temporary, declining substantially as young drivers accumulate experience and establish responsible driving patterns.

Car Insurance for 18-Year-Olds: FAQ

Finding the best affordable car insurance for 18-year-olds can be daunting due to the risk factors that drive up premiums for this age group. We've answered frequently asked questions on the topic to assist you:

What is the cheapest car insurance for an 18-year-old?

How much is car insurance for an 18-year-old per month?

Why is car insurance expensive for 18-year-old drivers?

Is car insurance more expensive for 18-year-old males?

Affordable Car Insurance for 18-Year-Olds: Our Methodology

MoneyGeek used a sample driver profile to determine national and state averages for vehicle insurance for 18-year-old drivers. Using this information, we help readers select the best policy at the lowest price possible.

Data Sources and Depth

We collected data from each state's insurance department and Quadrant Information Services. The data comprises 4,284 price estimates from 100 ZIP codes and six auto insurance providers.

Sample Driver Profile

MoneyGeek calculates yearly car insurance policy estimates based on a policyholder with the following characteristics:

  • Toyota Camry LE
  • Clean driving record
  • 12,000 miles driven every year

MoneyGeek compared rates for 18-year-old drivers across different states to determine which companies provide the most affordable policies. We adjusted this profile to reflect the differences in age, location and driving behavior.

Coverage Levels and Deductibles Explained

A deductible is the money you must pay out of your pocket before your insurance company will pay for your claim. Most drivers would benefit from purchasing full coverage vehicle insurance, which includes collision and comprehensive coverage.

When researching the cheapest providers, we used state-required minimum coverage limits to assess which provider was most affordable. For full coverage, we used 100/300/100 liability limits with a $1,000 deductible for comprehensive and collision coverage. 

Liability limits of 100/300/100 stand for:

  • $100,000 bodily injury liability per person
  • $300,000 bodily injury liability per accident
  • $100,000 property damage liability per accident

Learn more about MoneyGeek's car insurance methodology.

About Mark Fitzpatrick


Mark Fitzpatrick headshot

Mark Fitzpatrick, a Licensed Property and Casualty Insurance Producer, is MoneyGeek's resident Personal Finance Expert. With over five years of experience analyzing the insurance market, he conducts original research and creates tailored content for all types of buyers. His insights have been featured in publications like CNBC, NBC News and Mashable.

Fitzpatrick holds a master’s degree in economics and international relations from Johns Hopkins University and a bachelor’s degree from Boston College. He's also a five-time Jeopardy champion!

Passionate about economics and insurance, he aims to promote transparency in financial topics and empower others to make confident money decisions.


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