Cheapest Cars to Insure for Teenagers 2024


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Updated: May 20, 2024

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The Chevrolet Corvette has the cheapest insurance rates for 16-year-olds, while 17-, 18- and 19-year-old drivers can enjoy lower premiums with the MINI Cooper.

To keep insurance costs down, it's better to have teen drivers use an older SUV rather than allowing them to drive sports cars or luxury vehicles. Unless 18- and 19-year-olds move out of the family home permanently and drive their own cars, they should stay on the family policy to maintain affordable coverage.

Key Takeaways

When insuring teenage drivers, the choice of car can significantly impact insurance rates. Opt for safer, older and more practical vehicles to keep premiums affordable.

Unless 18- and 19-year-olds move out and drive their own cars, staying on their family's insurance policy is the most cost-effective way to maintain coverage.

To lower the cost of insuring teen drivers, regularly compare insurance rates, encourage safe driving habits, and take advantage of available discounts such as good student, defensive driving and low mileage discounts.

Why Trust MoneyGeek? We ensure that MoneyGeek's content meets our highest editorial standards by carefully scrutinizing it. Throughout each stage, our team writes, checks facts, edits and reviews the content produced to generate accurate information.

Cheapest Car to Insure For 16-Year-Old Teens

The Chevrolet Corvette and MINI Cooper rank as the cheapest cars for 16-year-olds to insure under a state minimum policy. Here are the annual rates:

  • Chevrolet Corvette: $2,303 per year
  • MINI Cooper: $2,305 per year
  • Subaru Forester: $2,532 per year

These rates are based on an individual policy across national insurance providers, which can vary due to multiple factors. Remember that 16-year-olds cannot buy their own insurance policies, so parents are responsible for adding them to the family policy. This arrangement often results in lower costs compared with individual policies for teenagers.

To determine the cost of a full coverage policy, use the filter option in the table below. This will provide a more comprehensive understanding of the rates applicable to different coverage levels.

Data filtered by:Results filtered by:
Coverage:
Coverage:State Minimum
Chevrolet CorvetteAnnual Premium$2,303
MINI CooperAnnual Premium$2,305
Subaru ForesterAnnual Premium$2,532
MINI ElectricAnnual Premium$2,550
Subaru OutbackAnnual Premium$2,575
Mercedes C-ClassAnnual Premium$2,599
Mazda CX-5Annual Premium$2,618
Chevrolet Camaro ZL1Annual Premium$2,638
Chevrolet Camaro SSAnnual Premium$2,669
Honda OdysseyAnnual Premium$2,672
Honda PilotAnnual Premium$2,673
Ford Mustang Mach EAnnual Premium$2,679
Audi Q5Annual Premium$2,691
BMW 4 SeriesAnnual Premium$2,709
Subaru ImprezaAnnual Premium$2,729
Toyota SiennaAnnual Premium$2,741
Audi A4Annual Premium$2,750
Subaru LegacyAnnual Premium$2,751
BMW 7 SeriesAnnual Premium$2,754
Honda RidgelineAnnual Premium$2,761

Average Car Insurance Rates for 16-Year-Olds

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

On an Individual Policy:
$5,318 per year for a full coverage policy

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

When it comes to finding cost-effective car insurance for 16-year-olds, some companies offer more competitive rates for minimum coverage. Here are three makes and models with their most affordable providers:

  • Chevrolet Corvette: $1,497 with State Farm
  • MINI Cooper: $1,564 with State Farm
  • Subaru Forester: $1,428 with State Farm

Securing the right car insurance is important for any driver, especially young ones. Always compare quotes from at least three different insurers to ensure you're getting the best deal available for your specific needs and circumstances.

Data filtered by:Results filtered by:
Car make/model:
Car make/model:Chevrolet Corvette
Coverage:
Coverage:State Minimum
State FarmAnnual Premium$1,497
TravelersAnnual Premium$1,716
GEICOAnnual Premium$1,962
NationwideAnnual Premium$2,055
AllstateAnnual Premium$2,756
FarmersAnnual Premium$3,062
ProgressiveAnnual Premium$3,311

Cheapest Car to Insure For 17-Year-Old Teens

With basic coverage, the MINI Copper and Chevrolet Corvette are the cheapest for 17-year-olds to insure:

  • MINI Cooper: $1,867 per year
  • Chevrolet Corvette: $1,887 per year
  • Subaru Forester: $2,040 per year

In many states, 17-year-olds can drive without supervision and have young passengers, but this can increase the risk of a car accident, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Completing safe driving courses teaches good habits and can lead to rewards. Over time, practicing safe driving may qualify them for accident-free discounts.

Data filtered by:Results filtered by:
Coverage:
Coverage:State Minimum
MINI CooperAnnual Premium$1,867
Chevrolet CorvetteAnnual Premium$1,887
Subaru ForesterAnnual Premium$2,040
MINI ElectricAnnual Premium$2,064
Subaru OutbackAnnual Premium$2,088
Mazda CX-5Annual Premium$2,115
Mercedes C-ClassAnnual Premium$2,123
Honda PilotAnnual Premium$2,156
Chevrolet Camaro ZL1Annual Premium$2,159
Honda OdysseyAnnual Premium$2,167
Ford Mustang Mach EAnnual Premium$2,176
Audi Q5Annual Premium$2,177
Chevrolet Camaro SSAnnual Premium$2,202
Subaru ImprezaAnnual Premium$2,208
Toyota SiennaAnnual Premium$2,216
BMW 4 SeriesAnnual Premium$2,220
Subaru LegacyAnnual Premium$2,223
Honda RidgelineAnnual Premium$2,227
VW TiguanAnnual Premium$2,230
Honda CR-VAnnual Premium$2,238

Average Car Insurance Rates for 17-Year-Olds

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

On an Individual Policy:
$4,621 per year for a full coverage policy

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

To find the cheapest car insurance for 17-year-old drivers, MoneyGeek has analyzed the costs for different makes and models. Below are the most affordable companies offering minimum coverage car insurance for a Chevrolet Corvette, MINI Cooper and Subaru Forester.

  • Chevrolet Corvette: $1,295 with Travelers
  • MINI Cooper: $1,378 with State Farm
  • Subaru Forester: $1,259 with State Farm

Adding a 17-year-old driver to a family policy remains a cost-effective approach to secure lower insurance premiums while still providing essential coverage. Keep in mind that minimum coverage car insurance offers the most affordable rates, but full coverage car insurance may be worth considering for more comprehensive protection.

Data filtered by:Results filtered by:
Car Make/Model:
Car Make/Model:Chevrolet Corvette
Coverage:
Coverage:State Minimum
TravelersAnnual Premium$1,295
State FarmAnnual Premium$1,317
GEICOAnnual Premium$1,525
NationwideAnnual Premium$1,873
AllstateAnnual Premium$2,225
FarmersAnnual Premium$2,270
ProgressiveAnnual Premium$3,220

Cheapest Car to Insure For 18-Year-Old Teens

The MINI Cooper and Chevrolet Corvette are the cheapest to cover with basic state-minimum insurance for 18-year-olds:

  • MINI Cooper: $1,619 per year
  • Chevrolet Corvette: $1,644 per year
  • Subaru Forester: $1,770 per year

While 18-year-olds have the option to purchase their own car insurance policies, staying on their parents' car insurance policy can often lead to cost savings, as long as they haven't permanently moved out.

Data filtered by:Results filtered by:
Coverage:
Coverage:State Minimum
MINI CooperAnnual Premium$1,619
Chevrolet CorvetteAnnual Premium$1,644
Subaru ForesterAnnual Premium$1,770
MINI ElectricAnnual Premium$1,791
Subaru OutbackAnnual Premium$1,809
Mazda CX-5Annual Premium$1,834
Mercedes C-ClassAnnual Premium$1,851
Honda PilotAnnual Premium$1,867
Honda OdysseyAnnual Premium$1,884
Chevrolet Camaro ZL1Annual Premium$1,885
Ford Mustang Mach EAnnual Premium$1,896
Audi Q5Annual Premium$1,898
Chevrolet Camaro SSAnnual Premium$1,918
Subaru ImprezaAnnual Premium$1,922
Toyota SiennaAnnual Premium$1,927
Subaru LegacyAnnual Premium$1,928
Honda RidgelineAnnual Premium$1,934
BMW 4 SeriesAnnual Premium$1,934
VW TiguanAnnual Premium$1,938
Honda CR-VAnnual Premium$1,943

Average Car Insurance Rates for 18-Year-Olds

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

On an Individual Policy:
$3,997 per year for a full coverage policy

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

Finding the cheapest car insurance for 18-year-olds requires thorough research. MoneyGeek has analyzed the premiums to help you save on minimum coverage car insurance. Below are the most affordable companies for popular models:

  • Chevrolet Corvette: $1,065 with Travelers
  • MINI Cooper: $1,183 with Travelers
  • Subaru Forester: $1,119 with State Farm

At age 18, a driver has likely gained more driving experience, which might lead to modest savings on insurance premiums. Still, expect rates to remain high compared to more mature drivers. With many 18-year-olds starting college, distant student discounts may also be available. Always compare varying minimum and full coverage car insurance options and consider the vehicle type to discover the most economical choices for your insurance needs.

Data filtered by:Results filtered by:
Car Make/Model:
Car Make/Model:Chevrolet Corvette
Coverage:
Coverage:State Minimum
TravelersAnnual Premium$1,065
State FarmAnnual Premium$1,171
GEICOAnnual Premium$1,268
AllstateAnnual Premium$1,748
NationwideAnnual Premium$1,754
FarmersAnnual Premium$2,125
ProgressiveAnnual Premium$2,699

Cheapest Car to Insure For 19-Year-Old Teens

Drivers who are 19 years old will find MINI Coopers or Chevrolet Corvettes the cheapest to insure:

  • MINI Cooper: $1,128 per year
  • Chevrolet Corvette: $1,131 per year
  • Subaru Forester: $1,221 per year

If you own a sports car, you can list them as an excluded driver to prevent premium increases. However, emphasize that they should never drive your car, because your insurer won't cover them in case of an accident.

Data filtered by:Results filtered by:
Coverage:
Coverage:State Minimum
MINI CooperAnnual Premium$1,128
Chevrolet CorvetteAnnual Premium$1,131
Subaru ForesterAnnual Premium$1,221
MINI ElectricAnnual Premium$1,236
Subaru OutbackAnnual Premium$1,245
Mazda CX-5Annual Premium$1,261
Honda PilotAnnual Premium$1,288
Mercedes C-ClassAnnual Premium$1,289
Chevrolet Camaro ZL1Annual Premium$1,299
Honda OdysseyAnnual Premium$1,301
Ford Mustang Mach EAnnual Premium$1,310
Audi Q5Annual Premium$1,310
Subaru ImprezaAnnual Premium$1,326
Chevrolet Camaro SSAnnual Premium$1,326
Toyota SiennaAnnual Premium$1,327
Honda RidgelineAnnual Premium$1,327
Subaru LegacyAnnual Premium$1,330
BMW 4 SeriesAnnual Premium$1,335
Honda CR-VAnnual Premium$1,336
BMW 7 SeriesAnnual Premium$1,341

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

Here are the cheapest insurers for each vehicle under minimum coverage:

  • Chevrolet Corvette: $839 with Travelers
  • MINI Cooper: $932 with GEICO
  • Subaru Forester: $943 with State Farm

Car insurance premiums for 19-year-olds tend to be higher than for more experienced drivers, though they are generally lower than 16- to 19-year-old teen drivers. To control costs, consider taking advantage of good student discounts, choosing safe and sensible vehicles and maintaining a clean driving record. These strategies can help 19-year-olds secure more affordable coverage during this transitional insurance period.

Data filtered by:Results filtered by:
Car Make/Model:
Car Make/Model:Chevrolet Corvette
Coverage:
Coverage:State Minimum
TravelersAnnual Premium$839
GEICOAnnual Premium$917
State FarmAnnual Premium$986
AllstateAnnual Premium$1,182
NationwideAnnual Premium$1,350
FarmersAnnual Premium$1,366
ProgressiveAnnual Premium$1,505

Why Car Choice Matters to Teen Drivers

Insurance companies consider the risk associated with the vehicle a teen drives. Opting for a safe and affordable car with a good safety record can reduce the likelihood of accidents and claims, which, in turn, leads to lower insurance premiums for teen drivers.

Some insurers let you assign a car to each driver on the policy, and assigning an older or safer car to your teen can reduce their insurance cost.

How to Choose a Cheap Car to Insure

Car safety ratings, theft risk and the vehicle's age are key determinants of insurance costs. Higher safety ratings and lower theft risks generally lead to more affordable premiums, while a car's age can impact its insurance rate due to value and safety features.

    pickupTruck icon

    Choose the right vehicle size

    Larger vehicles like SUVs may have higher premiums despite seeming safer, while smaller cars, though initially cheaper, might be more prone to theft and severe damage, affecting insurance costs.

    ignition icon

    Assess theft probability

    Research and discuss with your teen which car makes and models are more likely to be targeted by thieves. Choosing a less theft-prone vehicle can help keep insurance rates lower.

    carAccident icon

    Evaluate repair costs

    Cars with special features and customizations or those that are made abroad can be more expensive to repair, leading to higher insurance premiums.

    seatbelt icon

    Prioritize safety features and ratings

    Newer cars, though sometimes more expensive, often come with advanced safety features that not only enhance safety but can also reduce insurance costs. Aim for cars with high safety ratings, because they may be less expensive to insure.

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    Balance age and safety

    While brand new cars might be tempting, slightly older models can offer a good balance of safety features and lower insurance costs.

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    Go for practical over flashy

    Guide your teen towards more practical, less sporty vehicles. Cars with smaller engines and no high-performance features are usually much cheaper to insure.

    discount icon

    Check for insurance discounts

    Cars with anti-theft devices and other safety features might qualify for insurance discounts. This can be a key factor in reducing insurance costs.

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    Location matters

    Your living area can affect insurance costs. Choose a car that suits your local climate and driving conditions, because it can be more cost-effective to insure.

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    Consider overall costs

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

How to Save on Car Insurance for Teens

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

    signupBonus icon

    Regularly shop around compare rates

    Consistently compare insurance offers, because rates often vary between providers. Teens with a clean driving record and an affordable car typically enjoy lower rates over time.

    insurance2 icon

    Add your teen to your policy

    Generally, it's cheaper to add a teen driver to an existing family policy than to purchase a separate policy for them.

    seatbelt icon

    Encourage safe driving habits

    Insurers often offer discounts for a clean driving record, and some have specific programs that monitor driving behavior to offer lower rates for safe driving.

    pickupTruck icon

    Choose the right car

    Opt for a vehicle with a good safety record, modest engine size and low theft risk. These factors can significantly reduce insurance premiums.

    find icon

    Increase the deductible

    Consider choosing a higher deductible to lower the premium. Ensure it's an amount you're comfortable with in case of an accident.

    financialPlanning icon

    Bundle policies

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

    carInsurance icon

    Limit the coverage

    For older, less valuable cars, consider reducing coverage levels. For instance, you might opt for liability coverage only.

    gauge icon

    Monitor and limit mileage

    Lower annual mileage can lead to lower insurance rates. Encourage your teen to use the car judiciously.

    carVsCar icon

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

Read more on car insurance discounts for teen drivers here.

FAQ About Cheapest Cars to Insure for Teens

In this FAQ section, we'll simplify how to find the cheapest cars to insure for teenagers. Whether you're a seasoned driver or just starting out, our aim is to help you make informed decisions about your coverage.

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?
Does car color affect car insurance rates?

About Mark Fitzpatrick


Mark Fitzpatrick headshot

Mark Fitzpatrick has analyzed the property and casualty insurance market for over five years, conducting original research and creating personalized content for every kind of buyer. Currently, he leads P&C insurance content production at MoneyGeek. Fitzpatrick has been quoted in several insurance-related publications, including CNBC, NBC News and Mashable.

Fitzpatrick earned a master’s degree in economics and international relations from Johns Hopkins University and a bachelor’s degree from Boston College. He is passionate about using his knowledge of economics and insurance to bring transparency around financial topics and help others feel confident in their money moves.


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