Cheap Car Insurance For New Drivers

Car insurance for new drivers can be pretty expensive. If you have you just started driving and are looking for an affordable car insurance, then you have come to the right place. Continue reading to learn more details about cheap car insurance rates with regard to the drivers age.

You know it is important to have good car insurance to protect a young driver if you are the parent or guardian of a young them. Regardless of whether you are paying for it or they are the ones footing the bill, it is a new expense for your family. Luckily, you can find cheap car insurance for young drivers without breaking the bank. Insurance companies offer a range of insurance policies that can help drivers between 17 and 25 years of age to get a good deal on cover. Most new drivers are young people going behind the wheel for the first time, but to car insurers, anyone without a recent driving record or insurance policy represents the same risk.

Cheap car insurance for new drivers can be quite difficult to look for since young or fairly new drivers are considered to be more risky. However, it is not impossible either. We have made this guide in order to make things easier for you. Keep on reading to find out who needs new driver insurance, car insurance rates for new drivers as per their age, and how you can lower car insurance costs if you are a teen or a young driver.

Who needs new driver insurance?

Despite the fact that there is certifiably not an extraordinary sort of insurance called “new driver insurance,” auto guarantors by and large classify the accompanying kinds of individuals as new drivers:

  • Teen drivers who just got a driver’s license.
  • Older drivers who have never driven.
  • Migrants and foreign nationals.
  • Drivers of all ages with a gap in driving or insurance inclusion.

Insurance rates for new or first-time drivers are normally higher than rates for more experienced drivers. Since new drivers are viewed as a greater danger to protect, car insurance organizations charge them higher rates.

What type of insurance do I need as a new driver?

There are three fundamental types of car insurance you can think of:

Fully comprehensive

Completely comprehensive insurance protects you, your vehicle, and other motorists from any damage that you have incurred. It also covers medical costs, repairs, fire damage and theft of your vehicle. It costs $1992 per year.

Third-party, fire and theft

Third-party, fire and theft policies provide coverage for repair costs for other people, their cars and their property, as well as your own vehicle in case it is stolen or damaged by fire. It costs $2206 per year.

Third-party

The minimum legal requirement, third-party insurance will only insure any damage inflicted by you to other cars and property. It costs $2770 per year.

Car insurance for various groups:

For new teen drivers

Auto insurance organizations can verify the higher charges they take from teenagers because that age group is more prone to cause accidents. The most ideal way for a new teenage driver to get affordable insurance is to stay on their parents’ policy for as long as they have the same permanent address.

Keep in mind that the word ‘inexpensive’ or ‘cheap’ is relative. As per an analysis made by NerdWallet, adding a teen to a married couple’s policy is most likely to double their rate. Nevertheless, doing it alone is likely to be more expensive. Make it a point to always compare various new driver insurance quotes online just to be sure.

For a couple with a new teen driver and two cars

It must be a releif for you to know that insurance organizations offer muliple different discounts for students and young drivers. Moreover, if you have a record of driving safely, there are high chances that the rates will get better. Once you hit 25, the average insurance rates tend to become a lot more afforable, given that you have had a few years of experience under your belt.

As soon as you reach your early 20s, it may be advantageous for you if you purchase your own insurance policy based on you age, location and gender. Purchasing your own policy is pretty direct if your permanent address is not the same as that of your parents’. On the other hand, if you live in the same house but want separate policies, you will have to contact an agent to make sure this is clear on both your policy and your parents’ policy. When you are ready to get your own insurance, you can ask your parents’ carrier for a quote. However, make sure to compare quotes from a couple of other companies as well, just to be sure that what you are getting is for a good price.

For immigrants and foreign nationals

Regardless of whether you have a long history of safe driving in another country, insurance organization still think of you a new driver when trying to decide the cost for a policy in the U.S. for the first time. It is your driving history in the U.S. that makes a bigger impact, because when deciding rates, companies access domestic driving records only. The same goes for your credit history, which is likewise used to help calculate auto insurance rates in every state except for California, Hawaii and Massachusetts.

If you do not have an authentic U.S. driver’s license, you will have a difficult time getting an insurance policy from any organization, whether you have an international driver’s license or not. If that is the case, and you are also renting a car, the simplest option may be to use the rental car company’s coverage.

On the off chance that you plan on living and driving in the U.S., it is best to get a driver’s license in the state where you live. Some, such as California, will give a driver’s license to an undocumented immigrant. As soon as you have your license, make sure that you get at least three auto insurance quotes, so that you can decide upon the best rate and coverage for yourself.

After a driving or coverage gap

Perhaps you spent some time abroad or your license terminated in light of the fact that your way of life simply does not need any driving. Without a driving history to check, insurers can in any case think of you as another driver. Furthermore, without nonstop auto coverage, they can think of you as a high-hazard driver, which can have a negative impact on car insurance rates.

Regardless of whether you have driving history to refer to, it is essential to look for your next policy since you will probably pay all the more only for having a gap in coverage. There is a special case for military deployment from numerous organizations, so make certain to inquire whether that concerns you.

Since ceaseless coverage is perhaps the main components insurers consider, some may not acknowledge your application on the off chance that you have had gaps between policies. On the off chance that that is the situation, you can search for nonstandard insurance organizations that have some expertise in coverage for individuals struggling to get insured.

Cheap car insurance for new drivers over 30

For a policy that only meets the base prerequisites of state law, the average expense of car insurance for a 30-year-old is $937 each year or about $78 each month. The average expense of car insurance for a full-coverage policy — which has higher liability limits and comprehensive and collision insurance — is $2,390 each year.

Albeit the average cost of car insurance is $937 each year for minimum coverage, the rates charged by insurers can shift incredibly. A similar driver might have the option to save hundreds — or even thousands — of dollars each year getting comparative coverage with another insurance provider. All things considered, the least expensive insurance organizations for 30-year-olds are:

  • USAA: Only current and former military members and their families can access insurance from this company. However, if you are able to join, car insurance is very reasonable; almost $430 per year.
  • State Farm: This is the largest name available to most drivers. It costs an average car insurance of about $712 per year.
  • Erie and Auto-Owners Insurance: These are two alternative options. Despite the fact that these insurers are not present in every state, the policies that are quoted, average at a price of $451 and $649, respectively.

Cheap car insurance for new drivers over 25

On the off chance that you are a new driver, however, regardless of whether you are 25 years of age or older, you may be dependent upon higher rates. This is on the grounds that as a new driver, you do not have the experience that a customary 25-year-old has, which is the thing that qualifies them for the insurance discount. You will probably encounter rates like a 16-year-old driver. In the event that you are another driver older than 25 years old, you may track down the best rates with the accompanying suppliers:

  • USAA: Average six-month rate of $605
  • GEICO: Average six-month rate of $680
  • State Farm: Average six-month rate of $726
  • Progressive: Average six-month rate of $885
  • Liberty Mutual: Average six-month rate of $888
  • Farmers: Average six-month rate of $919

Rethink your coverage and rates after you have more driving experience. When you are no longer thought of as a first-time driver, you can probably fit the bill for better rates. Prior to renewing with your present supplier, think about costs between various suppliers. On the off chance that you kept a decent driving history during this time, you may likewise meet all requirements for safe driver limits. Each organization’s normal rates are influenced by an imperfection on one’s driving records, especially with regard to having a DUI. Those with a spotless record remain to pay the absolute lowest month-to-month rates with GEICO and USAA.

Cheap car insurance for new drivers over 21

Car insurance for a 21-year-old driver can be averaged at a yearly premium of $4,496, and a monthly average of $375. That is approximately $900 less than the average expense for 20-year-olds ($5,333), but $325 more than for 22-year-olds ($4,128).

Young drivers ordinarily pay more for car insurance contrasted with older drivers since insurance providers believe them to be a higher danger. For generally young or new drivers searching for economical coverage choices, the least expensive car insurance for 21-year-olds is through Erie Insurance. Current and previous individuals from the military and their families might have the option to discover much less expensive rates with USAA.

The average yearly price of full-coverage car insurance is $4,496 for a 21-year-old, or nearly $375 per month, however, yearly premiums vary across insurers.

  • USAA: Has a yearly premium of $2,014, and offered the lest expensive rates among our qualifying insurers. Nevertheless, the organization only offers car insurance policies to current and former members of the military and their families.
  • Erie Insurance: Offered the second-cheapest rates at $2,073. However, it only offers car insurance policies in 13 states.
  • GEICO: Has a yearly premium of $2,749, and is the cheapest car insurance company for 21-year-olds that is widely available across the country.

Cheap car insurance for new drivers under 21

The top insurance suppliers for drivers younger than 21 will in general be Allstate, Farmers, GEICO, Liberty Mutual, Nationwide, Progressive, State Farm, and USAA. While USAA offers the best rates, its coverage is only accessible to active military and relatives. State Farm offers the second-best rates, with an average of $1,319 every year.

Numerous variables, including your age, the vehicle you drive, and whether you are on your parent’s policy, will increment or lessen this average. Despite the fact that drivers under 21 pay the highest insurance rates, you may get a critical drop when you turn 21 years of age. A 21-year-old driver pays $451 less than a 20-year-old driver on an average.

Cheap car insurance for new drivers under 25

As per the auto insurance industry, drivers in their 20s are considered to be less of a risk than teen drivers. Regardless of whether you have your own policy or stay on your parents’, organizations will frequently bring down premiums when you arrive at 20. Insurance rates and premiums are befuddling. The normal half year premium for young adult drivers differs relying upon the insurance organization.

  • State Farm – $961
  • Allstate – $1,393
  • GEICO – $826
  • Progressive – $1,206
  • Liberty Mutual – $1,183

Why is insurance so high for young drivers?

On the off chance that you have effectively begun to get quotes for 17 to 25 car insurance, you may be somewhat stunned by the outcomes. Insurance for young drivers is commonly high since they are less experience on the road, and are genuinely bound to be engaged in an accident more often than experienced drivers. Many statistical results show that drivers who are still in their teens are more frequently involved in road accidents as compared to older drivers, thus making them higher risk. Since young drivers are bound to have an accident and make a case, insurance providers balance out the increase in risk by charging higher premiums.

Pricing factors in a car insurance quote

It is important to keep in mind that new drivers have some of the highest car insurance rates. However, there are other factors that are involved in pricing. These components may be more under your control. Factors that have an impact on your quote are as follows:

  • Personal characteristics. This can be your age, gender and marital status.
  • The coverage you choose. Coverage is directly proportional to your insurance rates. If you have more coverage, your insurance rates are most likely to be higher also.
  • Your vehicle. The make and model of your car, its safety features, and the chances of it being stolen all affect your rate.
  • Your location. Each state comes with its own minimum car insurance requirements. Things like crime rate in your local neighborhood, and population density will have an impact on your insurance rate.
  • Your credit score. Drivers with a bad credit ordinarily have higher car insurance rates. Insurance providers utilize a credit-based insurance score, which is not quite the same as your typical credit score, to decide the probability of you filing a case. California, Hawaii and Massachusetts have prohibited insurance providers from utilizing credit scores when figuring out car insurance rates.

How to lower the cost of a teen driver on your policy?

Who does not want lower rates for a car insurance policy; especially when you are still just a teenager. Below is a list of things you can do if you want to lower the car insurance policy for your teen driver:

Good student discounts

Students with a higher grade point average are typically more dependable and better drivers. On the off chance that your young driver gets a B average or better at school, you may fit the bill for a decent student discount on Nationwide teen car insurance.

Accident Forgiveness

Even the best young drivers can get involved in an accident. On the off chance that an accident does take place, insurance rates may increase as much as 30%. However, if your teen car insurance package has Nationwide’s Accident Forgiveness, your rates will not increase following the first at-fault car accident.

Defensive driving class discount

A Nationwide discount is applicable when your teen successfully finishes an approved defensive driving class. This may help you get a more affordable car insurance.

Install anti-theft devices

You can save up on costs when you install an anti-theft device in the vehicle. Your possible discount varies dependent on the type of device installed and the state in which the vehicle is garaged.

How to Choose the Right Car and Insurance for Your Teen Driver

Your teen might dream of a luxury car, but it’s important to remember that these vehicles often come with higher insurance costs. The best option for a teen’s first car is one that’s safe and reliable. These cars are not only lower risk on the road but also easier on your budget.

If your teen does get a luxury car, it might be cheaper for them to have their own insurance policy. Luxury cars usually come with higher premiums, which could raise your current insurance costs significantly. Additionally, if a parent has a DUI or other moving violations, adding a teen driver could make your policy even more expensive.

In most cases, adding your teen to your family insurance plan is the more affordable choice. While this will increase your premium, your policy’s coverage and deductibles will also extend to your teen. You might save more by opting for a multi-car policy, which offers discounts for insuring multiple vehicles.

Choosing a higher deductible can lower your monthly rate but may lead to higher out-of-pocket costs after an accident. If the car is older or has high mileage, liability coverage might be a better option than collision or comprehensive. However, liability won’t cover damage after an at-fault accident. Selecting the right coverage is crucial for saving money while still protecting your teen on the road.

Practice safe driving

Avoiding accidents is one of the most reliable ways to keep insurance costs low. Nationwide offers a  teen driving resource center which gives practical information about teen decision-making, distracted driving, the role of parents in teen driving and more.

Tips for new drivers in their 20s to save on car insurance

1. Take a Defensive Driving Course

Drivers of all ages, however particularly those under 25, who need to bring down their insurance premiums can take a protective driving course. GEICO offers discounts going from 5% to up to 20 percent for drivers relying upon the state. You can decide to go face to face or take the course on the web, and it just requires a couple of hours daily for a few days.

2. Keep Your Grades Up

Students with good grades are rewarded by insurance organizations. If you are less than 25 years old and are a full-time student with an average grade of ‘B’, you can get a good student discount. Honor roll students receive discounts because they are considered less risky. This, along with a defensive driver discount, can save you up to $122 a year or more.

3. Bundle Your Insurance Policies

Whether you rent an apartment or own your home, make sure that you give bundling your insurance policies a thought. As per Allstate, even younger insureds in their 20s can save on their premiums if they use the same organization for their renters or homeowners insurance and also their car insurance. Using the same organization also implies that you will only have to pay one bill.

4. Safety Features

Make it a point to you tell your car insurance organization about all the safety features your vehicle has. Anti-lock brakes, anti-theft devices, and advanced driver aids, for instance, automatic braking will qualify you for discounts.

How to find affordable car insurance as a new driver?

Shop around:

There can be major differences in rates based on the insurer you use. To ensure you have the best price you can get, make it a point to shop around every year and compare quotes. At the end of the day, just because you had the cheapest rates a year ago, does not mean you still do.

Stay on a family auto insurance policy:

On the off chance that you have the same permanent address as your parents, make sure to look at rates for an independent strategy as opposed to remaining on your family’s protection. Contingent upon your circumstance, this may give you the least expensive car insurance rates.

Limit your mileage:

Reducing how much you drive in a day could save you money. Because you would not on the road as much, you will be less likely to have an accident.

Pay annually:

Usually, a lump sum almost always turns out to be more affordable than monthly payments because interest is factored into monthly direct debit payments.

Take out telematics:

Insurers can study your driving habits with telematics hardware, so responsible and safe drivers earn lower premiums.

Add a named driver:

Adding an experienced driver to your policy tells insurers that it will not be just you driving, so they will reduce the price.

Consider the car you drive:

Luxury or expensive car, those stolen more often and sports cars, usually end up getting higher car insurance rates. Consider one of the cheapest cars to insure if you want to get the lowest rates.

Don’t modify your car:

The only adjustments that could bring down your premium are ones that improve your vehicle’s security. And surprisingly, at that point, they should be industry-approved gadgets and your insurer should know about them before they are fitted in your car. Remember, a few changes may make it unimaginable for a young driver like you to get insured – like superchargers, for example.

Boost your excess:

Upon getting a quote for car insurance, you need to decide a sum which is known as an excess. This is the amount you will pay in case of a claim. Generally speaking, the larger the excess, the lower your premium will be. However, just be sure that you can afford your excess if you needed to claim.

Take advantage of discounts:

Various car insurance companies provide discounts that new drivers can benefit from, such as:

  • Discount for young drivers who take a defensive driving course.
  • Good student discount.
  • Military or occupation discount
  • Multi policy discount if you have renters or homeowners insurance.
  • Safety equipment discount.
  • Student away-from-home discount (if you are on your parents’ policy).

Conclusion

Most states require car insurance. Without it, you may face hefty fines or even a suspended license. In many states, the penalties for driving without insurance are much higher than the cost of an insurance policy. Car insurance protects you and other drivers in the event of an accident. Depending on your coverage, your policy could help pay for medical bills and vehicle repairs.

Some policies also cover theft or damage caused by severe weather. Additionally, you’ll need insurance to protect yourself legally if you damage someone else’s vehicle in an accident. Finding affordable car insurance for new drivers can be challenging. However, by shopping around and looking for discounts, you can find the right coverage that fits your budget.

John Otero

John Otero

John Otero is an industry practitioner with more than 15 years of experience in the insurance industry. He has held various senior management roles both in the insurance companies and insurance brokers during this span of time. He began his insurance career in 2004 as an office assistant at an agency in her hometown of Duluth, MN. He got licensed as a producer while working at that agency and progressed to serve as an office manager. Working in the agency is how he fell in love with the industry. He saw firsthand the good that insurance consumers experienced by having the proper protection. John has diverse experience in corporate & consumer insurance services, across a range of vocations. His specialties include Major Corporate risk management and insurance programs, and Financial Lines He has been instrumental in making his firm as one of the leading organizations in the country in generating sustainable rapid growth of the company while maintaining service excellence to clients.