Cheapest Car Insurance for 21-Year-Olds


Key Takeaways
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GEICO, State Farm, Allstate, Progressive and Nationwide are the top five cheapest car insurance companies for 21-year-olds.

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The cheapest monthly car insurance costs for 21-year-old drivers start at $101 for minimum coverage and $224 for full coverage nationally, but rates in some states are as low as $51 per month.

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Male drivers pay about $152 monthly for minimum coverage and $311 for full coverage, while females pay about $147 and $293 respectively, showing consistent gender-based pricing differences.

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Best Cheap Car Insurance for 21-Year Olds

Progressive offers the cheapest car insurance for 21-year-olds at $102 per month, followed by Nationwide at $127 monthly. 21-year-olds can also find high-quality affordable car insurance through GEICO, State Farm and Allstate.

Progressive$102$1,224
Nationwide$127$1,520
GEICO$158$1,898
State Farm$161$1,930
Allstate$191$2,294

Rates are for a family policy for both male and female drivers with clean records and good credit insuring a 2012 Toyota Camry.

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Cheapest Minimum Liability Car Insurance for 21-Year-Olds

For 21-year-olds, GEICO provides the cheapest minimum liability car insurance among national providers, with an annual cost of approximately $1,218 per year or $101 monthly making it significantly cheaper than competitors. State Farm comes in second at $137 monthly, while Allstate, Progressive, and Nationwide cluster between $163 to $185 per month.

GEICO$101$1,218
State Farm$137$1,646
Allstate$163$1,961
Progressive$174$2,085
Nationwide$185$2,214

Rates are for a family policy for both male and female drivers with clean records and good credit insuring a 2012 Toyota Camry.

Cheapest Full Coverage Car Insurance for 21-Year-Olds

The cheapest full coverage auto insurance for 21-year-old drivers on a family policy is offered by GEICO with an annual cost of $2,692 or just $224 per month beating out other major insurers by significant margins. State Farm follows at $280 monthly, while Allstate, Nationwide and Progressive range from $324 to $352 per month.

GEICO$224$2,692
State Farm$280$3,364
Allstate$324$3,885
Nationwide$345$4,143
Progressive$352$4,219

Rates are for a family policy for both male and female drivers with clean records and good credit insuring a 2012 Toyota Camry.

Cheapest Car Insurance for 21-Year-Olds by State

Car insurance for a 21-year-old on a family policy costs $51 to $302 monthly, depending on your state. GEICO offers the lowest rates in 35 states. State Farm and Progressive lead specific regional markets with competitive pricing for this age group.

AlabamaGEICO$133$1,599$50
AlaskaGEICO$89$1,063$78
ArizonaGEICO$175$2,101$46
ArkansasGEICO$155$1,864$33
CaliforniaGEICO$114$1,364$90
ColoradoGEICO$140$1,684$72
ConnecticutGEICO$174$2,089$132
DelawareGEICO$194$2,323$79
District of ColumbiaGEICO$219$2,632$57
FloridaState Farm$266$3,192$143
GeorgiaGEICO$189$2,264$73
HawaiiGEICO$51$617$25
IdahoState Farm$80$962$41
IllinoisGEICO$122$1,461$71
IndianaGEICO$101$1,211$26
IowaProgressive$107$1,284$16
KansasGEICO$144$1,727$32
KentuckyState Farm$183$2,193$36
LouisianaGEICO$237$2,846$190
MaineGEICO$94$1,127$27
MarylandGEICO$182$2,178$86
MassachusettsGEICO$164$1,962$104
MichiganGEICO$124$1,488$127
MinnesotaState Farm$160$1,922$43
MississippiProgressive$165$1,986$21
MissouriGEICO$141$1,697$90
MontanaState Farm$64$767$83
NebraskaGEICO$106$1,271$52
NevadaGEICO$302$3,624$80
New HampshireGEICO$97$1,159$39
New JerseyGEICO$193$2,313$161
New MexicoGEICO$131$1,569$35
New YorkProgressive$151$1,809$95
North CarolinaProgressive$58$696$46
North DakotaGEICO$88$1,051$31
OhioGEICO$113$1,357$28
OklahomaProgressive$138$1,659$36
OregonGEICO$153$1,833$31
PennsylvaniaNationwide$191$2,295$76
Rhode IslandState Farm$156$1,871$102
South CarolinaAllstate$173$2,075$46
South DakotaProgressive$64$769$57
TennesseeGEICO$164$1,969$22
TexasState Farm$157$1,881$66
UtahGEICO$140$1,681$83
VermontState Farm$73$876$25
VirginiaGEICO$128$1,534$56
WashingtonGEICO$185$2,216$8
West VirginiaGEICO$161$1,930$19
WisconsinGEICO$87$1,049$69
WyomingState Farm$81$974$20

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

Cheapest Car Insurance for 21-Year-Olds by Gender

Female drivers typically pay about 6 to 9% less for car insurance than male drivers at age 21. This translates to real savings. Women might pay around $2,596 annually while men pay $2,891 for the same coverage.

Young men statistically file more claims and are involved in more serious accidents than women their age. Insurance companies use this data when calculating rates, which means male drivers face higher premiums during their early twenties.

Cheapest Car Insurance for 21-Year-Old Female Drivers

GEICO provides the cheapest national car insurance for 21-year-old women at $102 per month for minimum liability coverage, beating State Farm by $27 monthly and saving nearly $950 annually compared to Nationwide's $180 rate.

Data filtered by:
State Minimum Liability Only
GEICO$102$1,230
State Farm$129$1,543
Allstate$161$1,935
Progressive$173$2,077
Nationwide$180$2,164

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

Cheapest Car Insurance for 21-Year-Old Male Drivers

GEICO provides the most affordable car insurance for 21-year-old male drivers at $100 per month for minimum liability coverage, with State Farm following at $146 monthly and Nationwide at $189 per month. That's a difference of nearly $1,100 annually between cheapest and least affordable provider.

Data filtered by:
State Minimum Liability Only
GEICO$100$1,206
State Farm$146$1,749
Allstate$166$1,988
Progressive$174$2,093
Nationwide$189$2,265

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

Average Cost of Car Insurance for 21-Year-Olds

On average, annual car insurance costs for 21-year-olds are approximately $150 per month for minimum coverage and $302 for full coverage. These averages apply to drivers with clean records and good credit; your actual rate may differ based on your individual driver profile.

Car Insurance Cost for 21-Year-Olds by Coverage and Gender

Male 21-year-olds consistently pay more than females across coverage levels. For minimum liability, females pay $147 monthly while males pay $152. With full coverage, females pay $293 monthly compared to males at $311.

Data filtered by:
State Minimum Liability Only
Female$147$1,764
Male$152$1,827

Liability limits expressed above (e.g., 100/300/100) refer to bodily injury liability per person, bodily injury liability per accident and property damage liability per accident, respectively. Numbers expressed after these limits are deductible amounts for both collision and comprehensive coverage.

Average Cost of Car Insurance for 21-Year-Olds by State

Average car insurance rates by state can vary widely, ranging from $31 to $418 per month for 21-year-old drivers. These variations are influenced by location-specific factors like crime rates, weather conditions and population density. To help you estimate costs in your area, we've included average state rates in the table below.

Alabama$154$1,843
Alaska$155$1,856
Arizona$229$2,743
Arkansas$158$1,895
California$198$2,376
Colorado$211$2,534
Connecticut$300$3,594
Delaware$279$3,348
District of Columbia$204$2,453
Florida$387$4,646
Georgia$269$3,224
Hawaii$68$817
Idaho$110$1,315
Illinois$174$2,094
Indiana$131$1,574
Iowa$124$1,483
Kansas$163$1,951
Kentucky$222$2,664
Louisiana$395$4,734
Maine$109$1,302
Maryland$298$3,580
Massachusetts$217$2,604
Michigan$242$2,908
Minnesota$176$2,117
Mississippi$168$2,015
Missouri$227$2,721
Montana$143$1,714
Nebraska$167$2,005
Nevada$353$4,232
New Hampshire$145$1,736
New Jersey$328$3,940
New Mexico$166$1,986
New York$283$3,395
North Carolina$122$1,469
North Dakota$120$1,436
Ohio$142$1,700
Oklahoma$199$2,393
Oregon$195$2,335
Pennsylvania$253$3,040
Rhode Island$251$3,007
South Carolina$210$2,517
South Dakota$129$1,547
Tennessee$153$1,839
Texas$260$3,117
Utah$211$2,535
Vermont$102$1,222
Virginia$176$2,117
Washington$181$2,175
West Virginia$163$1,957
Wisconsin$139$1,674
Wyoming$91$1,089

Why Is Car Insurance So Expensive for 21-Year Olds?

Car insurance for 21-year-olds is expensive because they are considered high-risk drivers. While 21-year-olds still fall into the high-risk category, they typically pay cheaper premiums compared to younger drivers. 

Teens, particularly those aged 16 to 19, have higher rates of accidents and violations, with fatal crashes nearly three times more common than among older drivers. Risky behaviors such as night driving, speeding, distractions and failing to wear seat belts contribute to these elevated rates, especially among male drivers.

How to Save Money on Car Insurance for 21-Year-Olds

Twenty-one-year-old drivers pay higher car insurance premiums than older age groups. You and your family can reduce these costs through strategic coverage choices and discount opportunities.

  1. 1
    Stay on a parent's policy

    Remaining on a parent's policy usually costs less than buying your own coverage. You benefit from your parents' insurance history and multi-car discounts. Most insurers allow 21-year-olds to stay on the family policy if they live at home and drive a family vehicle.

  2. 2
    Shop around for quotes

    Compare quotes from multiple auto insurance providers to find the best rate. MoneyGeek's research shows price differences up to 30% between the cheapest and most expensive policies for young drivers.

  3. 3
    Find discounts you qualify for

    Twenty-one-year-olds qualify for several car insurance discounts:

    • Good student discounts
    • Driver education course completion
    • Usage-based insurance programs

    These discounts reduce premiums by up to 40%.

  4. 4
    Choose a safe, older car

    Affordable vehicles with strong safety ratings cost less to insure. Insurers charge lower rates for cars that are cheaper to repair and pose less risk.

  5. 5
    Adjust your coverage amount

    Consider liability-only car insurance if you can replace your car out of pocket. This option cuts your premium substantially. If you prefer full coverage, raise your deductibles to lower your monthly payment.

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KEY CONSIDERATIONS WHEN SHOPPING: EXPERT TIP

Obtaining quotes from multiple insurance companies is a good idea to see which comes out as the best and cheapest for your specific profile. You also want to ensure the company has optional coverages that are good for a teen driver or any driver to have on their policy. They include roadside assistance and rental car coverage.

Mark Friedlander, Director, Corporate Communications, Insurance Information Institute

Cheapest Cars to Insure for 21-Year-Olds

Car insurance for 21-year-olds can be costly, but young drivers and their families can find more affordable coverage by comparing quotes, staying on a family policy and taking advantage of available discounts. GEICO and Nationwide are often the most affordable options among national providers for 21-year-old drivers, but shopping around helps you find the best rate.

Cheap Car Insurance for 21-Year-Olds: Bottom Line

When purchasing a new car for a teen driver, think about adding them to your policy with the safest and most affordable car to insure. Below, we’ve listed the most budget-friendly models by vehicle type for 21-year-old drivers.

Data filtered by:
Full Coverage
Subaru ForesterCompact SUVGEICO$1,626
Subaru OutbackSedanNationwide$1,685
Acura MDXLuxury SUVTravelers$1,771
Toyota TacomaPickup TruckGEICO$1,790
Ford ExpeditionSUVNationwide$1,885
MINI ElectricCompactNationwide$1,893
Nissan LEAFElectricTravelers$1,935
Ford Mustang Mach ESports CarGEICO$1,961
Tesla Model YLuxury ElectricGEICO$1,995
Honda OdysseyMinivanGEICO$1,998
BMW 1 SeriesLuxury CompactGEICO$2,056
Porsche TaycanLuxury Sports CarGEICO$2,076
Mercedes GLA 250Luxury Compact SUVGEICO$2,192
BMW 3 SeriesLuxury SedanState Farm$2,506

Rates are for drivers with clean driving records and good credit.

Car Insurance for 21-Year-Olds: FAQ

Finding affordable car insurance for 21-year-olds can be challenging because of the risks that contribute to higher premiums for this age group. To help, we've addressed some of the most frequently asked questions on this topic:

What is the cheapest car insurance for a 21-year-old?

How much is car insurance for a 21-year-old per month?

Why is car insurance expensive for 21-year-old drivers?

Is car insurance more expensive for 21-year-old males?

Auto Insurance for 21-Year-Olds: Our Methodology

MoneyGeek used a sample driver profile to determine national and state averages for vehicle insurance for 21-year-old drivers. Using this information, we assist readers in selecting 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 consists of 4,284 price estimates from 100 different 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

To determine which companies provide the most affordable policies, MoneyGeek compared rates for 21-year-old drivers across different states. We made adjustments to this profile to reflect the differences in age, location and driving behavior.

Coverage Levels and Deductibles Explained

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

For minimum liability coverages, we used state-required limits to judge 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 when researching the cheapest providers. 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!

He writes about economics and insurance, breaking down complex topics so people know what they're buying.


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