Cheapest Car to Insure for Teenagers


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Key Takeaways

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The MINI Cooper is the cheapest car to insure for most teens, with annual premiums ranging from $1,128 to $2,305, depending on age.

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Choosing a safer, lower-risk vehicle with strong safety ratings and moderate horsepower can reduce teen auto insurance costs. For instance, a MINI Cooper is $1,096 cheaper annually to insure than a Tesla Model S, which has higher repair costs and performance risks.

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For teens aged 18 and 19, staying on their family’s insurance policy is the most cost-effective option unless they move out and drive their own cars.

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Cheapest Cars to Insure for Teens

The MINI Cooper is the cheapest car to insure for teens, with an average annual premium of $1,730, followed by the Chevrolet Corvette ($1,741) and Subaru Forester ($1,891). 

Generally, vehicles with strong safety ratings, lower repair costs and moderate horsepower have the lowest insurance rates. Since teen drivers face higher premiums, choosing an insurer that offers teen-friendly discounts or usage-based insurance can help lower costs.

Car Make/Model
Average Insurance Cost for Teens

MINI Cooper

$1,730

Chevrolet Corvette

$1,741

Subaru Forester

$1,891

MINI Electric

$1,910

Subaru Outback

$1,929

Cheapest Cars to Insure for Teens by Age

Auto insurance rates for teen drivers vary by age, with younger teens paying the highest premiums due to their limited experience. Below is a breakdown of the cheapest cars to insure for teens by age, helping families choose cost-effective options at each stage.

Cheapest Car to Insure for 16-Year-Old Teens

The Chevrolet Corvette is the cheapest car to insure for 16-year-olds, costing $2,303 per year for minimum coverage. The MINI Cooper is next at $2,305, followed by the Subaru Forester at $2,532. Since 16-year-olds can't legally buy their own policies, they must be added to a parent or guardian’s plan.

Compare rates across models with our interactive data.

Data filtered by:Results filtered by:
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Coverage:State Minimum
Chevrolet Corvette$2,303
MINI Cooper$2,305
Subaru Forester$2,532
MINI Electric$2,550
Subaru Outback$2,575
Mercedes C-Class$2,599
Mazda CX-5$2,618
Chevrolet Camaro ZL1$2,638
Chevrolet Camaro SS$2,669
Honda Odyssey$2,672
Honda Pilot$2,673
Ford Mustang Mach E$2,679
Audi Q5$2,691
BMW 4 Series$2,709
Subaru Impreza$2,729
Toyota Sienna$2,741
Audi A4$2,750
Subaru Legacy$2,751
BMW 7 Series$2,754
Honda Ridgeline$2,761
VW Tiguan$2,761
Ford Mustang Ecoboost$2,766
Honda CR-V$2,773
VW Golf$2,783
Audi Q7$2,785
Volvo XC40$2,787
BMW 1 Series$2,803
Hyundai Kona$2,809
VW ID.4$2,823
Acura MDX$2,824
Kia Niro$2,827
Subaru BRZ$2,828
Ford Mustang$2,834
Honda Passport$2,837
Toyota RAV4$2,842
Honda Accord$2,843
Mercedes CLA 250$2,851
Toyota Prius$2,854
Tesla Model 3$2,861
Mercedes GLA 250$2,872
Subaru WRX$2,874
Toyota Highlander$2,875
Nissan LEAF$2,875
Honda HR-V$2,876
Honda Insight$2,877
BMW X3$2,883
VW Jetta$2,885
Chevrolet Camaro$2,889
BMW X5$2,890
BMW 3 Series$2,891
BMW 5 Series$2,891
Chevy Equinox$2,897
Ford Escape$2,903
Ford Expedition$2,903
Toyota Camry$2,906
VW Passat$2,909
Ford Explorer$2,916
Ford F-150$2,919
Hyundai Ioniq$2,923
Kia Soul$2,924
Chevy Tahoe$2,925
Jeep Wrangler$2,936
Audi A3$2,937
Audi E Tron$2,938
Jeep Gladiator$2,947
Tesla Model Y$2,954
Mazda3$2,956
Kia Stinger$2,966
Nissan Rogue$2,971
Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat$2,975
Honda Civic$2,981
Toyota Tundra$2,982
Chevy Bolt$3,003
Toyota Tacoma$3,004
Nissan Maxima$3,017
Dodge Challenger R/T$3,027
Nissan Versa$3,038
Toyota Corolla$3,053
Chevy Silverado$3,056
Ram Rebel$3,084
Nissan Altima$3,096
Nissan Pathfinder$3,103
Jeep Cherokee$3,109
Nissan Frontier$3,118
Chevy Malibu$3,155
Jeep Grand Cherokee$3,172
Nissan Sentra$3,176
Ram 2500$3,187
Hyundai Elantra$3,277
Dodge Challenger$3,289
Dodge Charger$3,348
Porsche Taycan$3,602
Tesla Model X$3,771
Tesla Model S$3,803
BMW X7$3,992
Audi R8$4,487

Average Car Insurance Rates for 16-Year-Olds

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Added to a family policy:
$3,371 per year for full coverage

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On an individual policy:
$5,318 per year for full coverage

Cheapest Car Insurance Companies for Cars Owned by 16-Year-Olds

State Farm offers the cheapest car insurance for a 16-year-old driving a Chevrolet Corvette, with minimum coverage costing $1,497 annually. Other insurers charge much more, with rates as high as $3,311. 

Since premiums vary widely, comparing multiple providers can help secure the lowest rate. Use the table below to see how different insurers price coverage for this vehicle model.

Data filtered by:Results filtered by:
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Car make/model:Chevrolet Corvette
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Coverage:State Minimum
State Farm$1,497
Travelers$1,716
GEICO$1,962
Nationwide$2,055
Allstate$2,756
Farmers$3,062
Progressive$3,311

Cheapest Car to Insure for 17-Year-Old Teens

The MINI Cooper is the cheapest car to insure for 17-year-olds, costing $1,867 yearly for minimum coverage. The Chevrolet Corvette comes next at $1,887, followed by the Subaru Forester at $2,040.

Many teens drive unsupervised at age 17, increasing their accident risk and keeping insurance rates high. Use the table below to compare costs by model and see how premiums vary with coverage.

Data filtered by:Results filtered by:
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Coverage:State Minimum
MINI Cooper$1,867
Chevrolet Corvette$1,887
Subaru Forester$2,040
MINI Electric$2,064
Subaru Outback$2,088
Mazda CX-5$2,115
Mercedes C-Class$2,123
Honda Pilot$2,156
Chevrolet Camaro ZL1$2,159
Honda Odyssey$2,167
Ford Mustang Mach E$2,176
Audi Q5$2,177
Chevrolet Camaro SS$2,202
Subaru Impreza$2,208
Toyota Sienna$2,216
BMW 4 Series$2,220
Subaru Legacy$2,223
Honda Ridgeline$2,227
VW Tiguan$2,230
Honda CR-V$2,238
Audi A4$2,241
Audi Q7$2,245
BMW 7 Series$2,248
VW Golf$2,260
Volvo XC40$2,265
VW ID.4$2,268
Ford Mustang Ecoboost$2,268
Hyundai Kona$2,280
BMW 1 Series$2,287
Kia Niro$2,292
Honda Accord$2,300
Acura MDX$2,300
Toyota RAV4$2,302
Honda Passport$2,304
Subaru BRZ$2,307
Toyota Prius$2,315
Ford Mustang$2,319
Mercedes CLA 250$2,321
Toyota Highlander$2,323
Honda HR-V$2,326
Mercedes GLA 250$2,333
BMW X3$2,334
Tesla Model 3$2,338
Honda Insight$2,339
BMW X5$2,344
Chevy Equinox$2,350
VW Jetta$2,350
Ford Expedition$2,352
Ford Escape$2,355
BMW 5 Series$2,356
VW Passat$2,356
Subaru WRX$2,357
Toyota Camry$2,359
Nissan LEAF$2,359
Audi E Tron$2,360
Chevrolet Camaro$2,363
BMW 3 Series$2,365
Ford Explorer$2,369
Ford F-150$2,376
Chevy Tahoe$2,377
Kia Soul$2,381
Audi A3$2,381
Jeep Wrangler$2,392
Jeep Gladiator$2,392
Hyundai Ioniq$2,392
Mazda3$2,395
Nissan Rogue$2,409
Kia Stinger$2,411
Toyota Tundra$2,413
Honda Civic$2,416
Tesla Model Y$2,423
Toyota Tacoma$2,433
Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat$2,453
Nissan Maxima$2,460
Nissan Versa$2,461
Chevy Bolt$2,466
Chevy Silverado$2,473
Toyota Corolla$2,480
Dodge Challenger R/T$2,480
Ram Rebel$2,497
Nissan Altima$2,512
Nissan Pathfinder$2,515
Nissan Frontier$2,522
Jeep Cherokee$2,524
Jeep Grand Cherokee$2,562
Chevy Malibu$2,565
Nissan Sentra$2,580
Ram 2500$2,592
Hyundai Elantra$2,656
Dodge Challenger$2,688
Dodge Charger$2,739
Porsche Taycan$2,828
Tesla Model X$2,974
Tesla Model S$2,994
BMW X7$3,340
Audi R8$3,662

Average Car Insurance Rates for 17-Year-Olds

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Added to a family policy:
$3,139 per year for full coverage

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On an individual policy:
$4,621 per year for full coverage

Cheapest Car Insurance Companies for Cars Owned by 17-Year-Olds

Travelers offers the cheapest car insurance for a 17-year-old driving a Chevrolet Corvette, with minimum coverage costing $1,295 annually. Rates from other insurers vary widely, reaching up to $3,220 with Progressive. Compare providers in the table below to find the best rate.

Data filtered by:Results filtered by:
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Car Make and Model:Chevrolet Corvette
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Coverage:State Minimum
Travelers$1,295
State Farm$1,317
GEICO$1,525
Nationwide$1,873
Allstate$2,225
Farmers$2,270
Progressive$3,220

Cheapest Car to Insure for 18-Year-Old Teens

The MINI Cooper is the cheapest car to insure for 18-year-olds, costing $1,619 per year for minimum coverage. The Chevrolet Corvette and Subaru Forester follow at $1,644 and $1,770, respectively.  

Use the table below to compare costs across different models and see how premiums vary based on coverage.

Data filtered by:Results filtered by:
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Coverage:State Minimum
MINI Cooper$1,619
Chevrolet Corvette$1,644
Subaru Forester$1,770
MINI Electric$1,791
Subaru Outback$1,809
Mazda CX-5$1,834
Mercedes C-Class$1,851
Honda Pilot$1,867
Honda Odyssey$1,884
Chevrolet Camaro ZL1$1,885
Ford Mustang Mach E$1,896
Audi Q5$1,898
Chevrolet Camaro SS$1,918
Subaru Impreza$1,922
Toyota Sienna$1,927
Subaru Legacy$1,928
Honda Ridgeline$1,934
BMW 4 Series$1,934
VW Tiguan$1,938
Honda CR-V$1,943
Audi A4$1,956
BMW 7 Series$1,958
Audi Q7$1,961
VW Golf$1,964
Ford Mustang Ecoboost$1,972
VW ID.4$1,977
Volvo XC40$1,981
Hyundai Kona$1,987
Kia Niro$1,991
BMW 1 Series$1,991
Honda Accord$2,003
Honda Passport$2,003
Toyota RAV4$2,003
Acura MDX$2,005
Toyota Prius$2,012
Subaru BRZ$2,013
Toyota Highlander$2,019
Honda HR-V$2,027
Ford Mustang$2,028
Mercedes CLA 250$2,029
Ford Expedition$2,036
Honda Insight$2,038
BMW X3$2,039
Tesla Model 3$2,041
VW Jetta$2,041
Mercedes GLA 250$2,042
BMW X5$2,044
Chevy Equinox$2,044
Ford Escape$2,046
VW Passat$2,049
Ford Explorer$2,055
Nissan LEAF$2,055
BMW 5 Series$2,056
Subaru WRX$2,057
Toyota Camry$2,057
Chevy Tahoe$2,062
Chevrolet Camaro$2,064
BMW 3 Series$2,066
Audi E Tron$2,069
Ford F-150$2,071
Kia Soul$2,071
Jeep Gladiator$2,076
Hyundai Ioniq$2,077
Jeep Wrangler$2,082
Audi A3$2,083
Mazda3$2,084
Kia Stinger$2,095
Nissan Rogue$2,096
Toyota Tundra$2,099
Honda Civic$2,108
Tesla Model Y$2,114
Toyota Tacoma$2,122
Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat$2,134
Nissan Maxima$2,141
Nissan Versa$2,143
Chevy Bolt$2,153
Chevy Silverado$2,160
Toyota Corolla$2,160
Dodge Challenger R/T$2,168
Ram Rebel$2,172
Nissan Pathfinder$2,188
Nissan Altima$2,189
Jeep Cherokee$2,196
Nissan Frontier$2,197
Jeep Grand Cherokee$2,230
Chevy Malibu$2,234
Nissan Sentra$2,247
Ram 2500$2,256
Hyundai Elantra$2,321
Dodge Challenger$2,347
Dodge Charger$2,397
Porsche Taycan$2,526
Tesla Model X$2,643
Tesla Model S$2,669
BMW X7$2,980
Audi R8$3,308

Average Car Insurance Rates for 18-Year-Olds

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Added to a family policy:
$2,867 per year for full coverage

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On an individual policy:
$3,997 per year for full coverage

Cheapest Car Insurance Companies for Cars Owned by 18-Year-Olds

Travelers offers the cheapest car insurance for an 18-year-old driving a Chevrolet Corvette, with minimum coverage costing $1,065 annually. Other insurers charge much more, with rates reaching $2,699 from Progressive. 

Premiums may decrease slightly at this age but remain higher than those for older drivers. Use the table below to compare providers and find the most affordable option.

Data filtered by:Results filtered by:
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Car Make and Model:Chevrolet Corvette
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Coverage:State Minimum
Travelers$1,065
State Farm$1,171
GEICO$1,268
Allstate$1,748
Nationwide$1,754
Farmers$2,125
Progressive$2,699

Cheapest Car to Insure for 19-Year-Old Teens

The MINI Cooper is the cheapest car to insure for 19-year-olds, costing $1,128 per year for minimum coverage. The Chevrolet Corvette and Subaru Forester follow at $1,131 and $1,221, respectively.  

Use the table below to compare premiums across different models and find the most affordable coverage.

Data filtered by:Results filtered by:
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Coverage:State Minimum
MINI Cooper$1,128
Chevrolet Corvette$1,131
Subaru Forester$1,221
MINI Electric$1,236
Subaru Outback$1,245
Mazda CX-5$1,261
Honda Pilot$1,288
Mercedes C-Class$1,289
Chevrolet Camaro ZL1$1,299
Honda Odyssey$1,301
Ford Mustang Mach E$1,310
Audi Q5$1,310
Subaru Impreza$1,326
Chevrolet Camaro SS$1,326
Toyota Sienna$1,327
Honda Ridgeline$1,327
Subaru Legacy$1,330
BMW 4 Series$1,335
Honda CR-V$1,336
BMW 7 Series$1,341
VW Tiguan$1,343
VW Golf$1,346
Audi A4$1,346
Ford Mustang Ecoboost$1,356
BMW 1 Series$1,359
Audi Q7$1,361
Hyundai Kona$1,362
VW ID.4$1,366
Honda Passport$1,368
Acura MDX$1,370
Kia Niro$1,371
Toyota RAV4$1,372
Volvo XC40$1,372
Honda Accord$1,375
Toyota Highlander$1,379
Toyota Prius$1,381
Subaru BRZ$1,387
Ford Expedition$1,394
Mercedes CLA 250$1,394
Honda Insight$1,400
Ford Mustang$1,401
BMW X5$1,401
BMW X3$1,403
Honda HR-V$1,404
Tesla Model 3$1,404
Chevy Equinox$1,405
Nissan LEAF$1,408
Mercedes GLA 250$1,408
Toyota Camry$1,409
BMW 5 Series$1,409
VW Jetta$1,411
Subaru WRX$1,411
Ford Explorer$1,411
Ford Escape$1,412
BMW 3 Series$1,412
VW Passat$1,413
Chevy Tahoe$1,416
Kia Soul$1,425
Chevrolet Camaro$1,430
Ford F-150$1,430
Jeep Gladiator$1,431
Mazda3$1,433
Audi E Tron$1,434
Kia Stinger$1,435
Hyundai Ioniq$1,436
Toyota Tundra$1,437
Nissan Rogue$1,440
Audi A3$1,442
Jeep Wrangler$1,444
Tesla Model Y$1,446
Honda Civic$1,449
Toyota Tacoma$1,457
Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat$1,462
Nissan Maxima$1,466
Nissan Versa$1,473
Chevy Bolt$1,477
Toyota Corolla$1,480
Dodge Challenger R/T$1,492
Chevy Silverado$1,495
Nissan Pathfinder$1,497
Ram Rebel$1,497
Nissan Altima$1,501
Nissan Frontier$1,510
Jeep Cherokee$1,512
Jeep Grand Cherokee$1,533
Chevy Malibu$1,538
Nissan Sentra$1,538
Ram 2500$1,557
Hyundai Elantra$1,597
Dodge Challenger$1,616
Dodge Charger$1,647
Porsche Taycan$1,738
Tesla Model X$1,823
Tesla Model S$1,837
BMW X7$2,107
Audi R8$2,334

Cheapest Car Insurance Companies for Cars Owned by 19-Year-Olds

Travelers offers the cheapest car insurance for a 19-year-old driving a Chevrolet Corvette, with minimum coverage costing $839 annually. Other insurers charge much more, with rates up to $1,505 from Progressive.

Use the table below to compare providers and find the most affordable coverage option.

Data filtered by:Results filtered by:
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Car Make and Model:Chevrolet Corvette
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Coverage:State Minimum
Travelers$839
GEICO$917
State Farm$986
Allstate$1,182
Nationwide$1,350
Farmers$1,366
Progressive$1,505

Cheap Cars to Insure for Teens: Buyer's Guide

Choosing the right car for a teen driver can greatly affect insurance costs. Safer, low-risk vehicles often result in lower premiums. This guide explains how to pick a cost-effective car and offers strategies to reduce rates.

How to Choose a Cheap Car to Insure

When insuring teenage drivers, your chosen car can greatly affect insurance rates. Balance safety, affordability and practicality rather than just catering to your teen's preferences. Factors like vehicle size, theft risk, repair costs and safety features determine premiums. Consider these factors and overall ownership costs to find a policy that fits your teen’s needs and your budget.

  1. 1

    Choose the right vehicle size

    Larger vehicles like SUVs may seem safer, but often have higher premiums. Smaller cars might cost less upfront, but can be more prone to theft and severe damage, which can increase insurance costs.

  2. 2

    Assess car theft risk

    Choosing a vehicle with a lower theft risk can help reduce insurance rates. Research car makes and models with your teen to identify those less likely to be targeted by thieves.

  3. 3

    Evaluate repair costs

    Cars with special features, customizations or foreign manufacturing often have higher repair costs, which can increase premiums.

  4. 4

    Prioritize safety features and ratings

    Newer cars often include advanced safety features that enhance protection and can lower insurance costs. Look for vehicles with high safety ratings, which are cheaper to insure.

  5. 5

    Balance age and safety

    Slightly older cars can provide a good balance of safety features and lower insurance costs, making them a practical alternative to brand-new ones.

  6. 6

    Go for practical over flashy

    Encourage your teen to choose practical, non-sporty vehicles. Cars with smaller engines and no high-performance features are much cheaper to insure

  7. 7

    Check for insurance discounts

    Cars with anti-theft devices and other safety features might qualify for insurance discounts, helping to lower overall costs.

  8. 8

    Location matters

    Your location affects insurance costs. Selecting a car suited to your local climate and driving conditions can help make insurance more affordable.

  9. 9

    Consider overall costs

    Look beyond insurance costs. Factor in fuel efficiency, maintenance and repairs to gauge the total cost of owning the car.

Why Car Choice Matters to Teen Drivers

Insurance companies assess risk based on the car a teen drives, making vehicle choice a major factor in insurance costs. Safer, more practical cars often result in lower premiums, as insurers consider crash test ratings, repair costs and safety features. 

For example, insuring a Chevrolet Corvette costs $2,303 per year for a 16-year-old, while a Tesla Model S costs $3,803. This is a $1,500 difference due to Tesla’s luxury status and higher repair expenses.

Some insurers let you assign a specific car to each driver on the policy. Choosing a lower-risk vehicle for your teen can help reduce insurance costs.

First Car Buying Tips for Teens

Buying your teen's first car affects insurance costs for years. We analyzed pricing data from major insurers and found vehicle choice can have a huge impact on premiums. Here are essential tips to make the right decision.

  • Calculate the True Total Cost: Before shopping, determine your complete budget, including insurance, and not just the purchase price. Our research shows parents often underestimate insurance costs when budgeting for a teen's first car. Add the vehicle cost, annual insurance premiums, maintenance reserves, plus registration and taxes for a realistic budget that prevents financial surprises.
  • Consider Vehicles from 2006 or Newer: Focus on cars built in 2006 or later to ensure essential safety features that insurers reward with lower rates. These vehicles include electronic stability control, multiple airbags, and anti-lock braking systems as standard equipment. Older cars often lack these features, resulting in higher insurance premiums that can cost more annually.
  • Verify Clean Title History: Always check the vehicle's title status before purchasing. Avoid cars with salvage, flood, lemon, or accident histories, as these increase insurance costs and may be difficult to insure. Many insurers charge substantially more for previously damaged vehicles or may deny coverage entirely. 
  • Prioritize Safety Features Over Style: Choose vehicles with comprehensive safety equipment rather than a sporty appearance. Features like backup cameras (standard on 2018+ models), electronic stability control, and multiple airbags not only protect your teen but also qualify for insurance discounts. Sports cars and performance vehicles cost much more to insure than standard sedans or SUVs.
  • Find the Sweet Spot in Vehicle Age: Vehicles between 2006 and 2012 offer the best balance for teen drivers. They're affordable to purchase but include modern safety features that reduce insurance costs. Newer models carry higher comprehensive and collision premiums, while older cars lack safety technology that insurers value. 
  • Inspect Before You Buy: Whether purchasing from a dealer or private seller, verify that all safety systems function properly. Check that airbag lights aren't illuminated, brakes respond correctly, and recall repairs are completed. Malfunctioning safety equipment can void insurance discounts and create liability issues.

Ways to Save On Car Insurance for Teens

Shopping around for the best car insurance rates, selecting a safe and budget-friendly car and maximizing discounts can significantly lower the overall expense of adding a teen to your policy.

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    Regularly compare rates

    Consistently shop around for insurance offers, as rates often vary between providers. Teens with clean driving records and affordable cars enjoy lower rates over time.

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    Add your teen to your policy

    Generally, adding a teen driver to an existing family policy is cheaper than buying a separate policy for them.

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    Encourage safe driving habits

    Insurers often provide discounts for a clean driving record. Some also offer programs that monitor driving behavior, rewarding safe drivers with lower rates.

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    Choose the right car

    To lower insurance costs, choose a vehicle with a strong safety record, modest engine size, and low theft risk.

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    Increase the deductible

    Opting for a higher deductible can reduce your premium. Ensure you can afford to pay it if an accident occurs.

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    Bundle policies

    If you have multiple insurance policies with the same company, bundling them can often lead to discounts.

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    Limit the coverage

    For older, less valuable cars, consider reducing coverage levels, such as choosing minimum coverage, to save on insurance costs.

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    Monitor and limit mileage

    Lower annual mileage can reduce insurance rates. Encourage your teen to drive sparingly to help keep costs down.

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    Consider usage-based insurance

    Some insurers offer usage-based insurance programs that track driving habits and mileage, potentially offering lower rates for less frequent or safer drivers.

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    Look for teen-specific discounts

    Many insurers offer car insurance discounts for teens who maintain good grades or complete an accredited driver's education course.

Car Insurance Discounts for Teens

Teens can lower car insurance premiums by taking advantage of various discounts. Availability and savings vary by insurer, so check with your provider for eligibility details.

  • Good student discount: For teens with a certain GPA, typically a B average or higher
  • Defensive driving course discount: For completing an approved defensive driving or driver’s education course
  • Low-mileage discount: For teens driving fewer miles annually, reducing on-road risk
  • Safe driving programs: Discounts for participating in programs that monitor and promote safe driving habits
  • Student away at school discount: For students attending school far from home and not using the family car regularly
  • Multi-car discount: Applies when multiple vehicles are insured with the same company
  • Anti-theft device discount: For cars with anti-theft technology, lowering theft risk
  • Safety features discount: For vehicles with features like anti-lock brakes, airbags and stability control
Maximizing Teen Insurance Discounts

Strategic discount optimization can help with teen driver savings. Our research shows most families miss key savings opportunities by not maintaining discount eligibility or combining multiple programs effectively.

1. Set Up Automatic Grade Reporting: Contact your teen's school to establish automatic transcript submission to your insurer. Many families lose valuable savings when grades aren't reported on time, even when students maintain qualifying GPAs.

2. Track Driving Habits Early: Use your phone's driving apps or your insurer's monitoring program to establish safe driving patterns before your teen gets their license. Early data showing responsible behavior can lead to immediate discounts when coverage begins.

3. Time Your Policy Changes: Shop for new rates 30 to 45 days before your teen's birthday or when they get their license. Insurers often have different pricing tiers based on age milestones, and advance planning helps you secure the best available rates. 

4. Document Mileage Accurately: Keep a driving log for the first six months to establish low-mileage patterns. Many insurers offer retrospective discounts based on actual usage data, which can provide ongoing savings. 

5. Maintain Continuous Coverage: Avoid any gaps in insurance coverage, even if your teen isn't driving regularly. Continuous coverage history helps qualify for better rates and prevents being classified as a high-risk driver.

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Why do we need ZIP code?

Cheapest Vehicles to Insure for Teenagers: Bottom Line

The Chevrolet Corvette has the lowest insurance costs for 16-year-olds, while teens aged 17, 18 and 19 usually pay less with the MINI Cooper. Compare premiums across car models and insurers to find the best rates for your teen. Opting for an older SUV instead of a sports car or luxury vehicle can further reduce costs.

Cheapest Cars to Insure for Teens: FAQ

Here are answers to common questions about the cheapest cars to insure for teenagers, helping you make informed coverage decisions:

What is the cheapest car to insure for 16-year-olds?

What cars have the cheapest insurance for 18-year-olds?

What is the cheapest type of vehicle to insure?

At what age is car insurance cheapest for teens?

Does car color affect car insurance rates?

Best Teen Car Insurance Rates by Model: Our Review Methodology

Finding affordable car insurance for teen drivers feels like an impossible puzzle, especially when you're trying to figure out how the specific car model affects rates. We designed our research to answer the questions parents actually ask: which cars cost the least to insure for teens and how much you can expect to pay based on your specific situation.

Sample Driver Profiles

We created realistic teen profiles representing different risk levels and demographics. Each profile included factors that insurance companies actually use for pricing: age, driving experience, grades, and location. This approach shows you rate ranges rather than misleading "average" prices that don't match anyone's actual situation.

Data Sources and Verification

Our research team analyzed over 83,000 individual quotes from 46 major insurers across hundreds of ZIP codes. We partnered with Quadrant Information Services for real-time rate data, then verified findings by contacting customer service lines during peak hours to test actual quote accuracy. 

Why This Methodology Works for Teen Insurance

Teen car insurance pricing is notoriously complex because young drivers represent the highest risk category. Our approach accounts for the unique factors that affect teen rates: the specific vehicle's safety features, theft rates, repair costs, and how insurance companies view different car models for young drivers.

We focused on financial protection scenarios that matter most to families: what you'll actually pay to protect your teen and cover potential liability if they cause an accident.

MoneyGeek's editorial standards and policies prioritize clear, helpful content by addressing common questions and topics our readers value. Our editorial team ensures accuracy through thorough research and multiple review stages.

Learn more about MoneyGeek’s car insurance methodology.

Cheapest Car to Insure for Teenagers: Related Topics

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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