Cheapest Car to Insure for Teenagers

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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

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. 

• AM Best for insurer financial stability ratings
• J.D. Power for customer satisfaction scores and industry rankings
• National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) for complaint data and regulatory information

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.