Teenage car insurance rates: How much is car insurance for teens?

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Getting car insurance for a teen driver can be a shock to the budget. Full coverage averages $637 per month, or about $7,647 per year — far higher than what most adults pay. The reason is simple: teens have limited driving experience and are more likely to be involved in accidents, which raises their risk in the eyes of insurers.

The good news? You can still find ways to lower those costs. Comparing quotes, choosing the right coverage, and taking advantage of discounts can make a big difference in what you pay for your teen’s policy.

Average monthly cost of car insurance for teenagers

Use our teen car insurance calculator to estimate rates in your area and see how much you could save.

Car insurance calculator for teens

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Coverage level Full coverage – 100/300/100 liability, $500 collision and $500 comprehensive deductibles. State minimum liability – Liability coverage limits vary by state, no coverage for physical damage to your vehicle. Liability only – 100/300/100 liability, no coverage for physical damage to your vehicle.

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Average annual rates for teen drivers

33315Fort Lauderdale

$11,195 Average rate

$15,772 Highest
rate

$9,287 Lowest
rate

Most expensive companies for auto insurance in Fort Lauderdale (33315)

Company	Average annual rate
Travelers	$15,772
UAIC	$11,549
Progressive	$11,129

Least expensive companies for auto insurance in Fort Lauderdale (33315)

Company	Average annual rate
GEICO	$9,287
State Farm	$9,485
National General	$10,315

How much it costs to add a licensed teen to your car insurance

Adding a newly licensed teen to your policy can cause a noticeable jump in your car insurance bill — and the increase varies widely by state.

For example, in Alabama, the average annual premium for full coverage is $2,215, but that climbs to $7,082 once a teen driver is added — an increase of nearly $4,975. In contrast, Hawaii drivers see a much smaller impact, with the average policy rising by only $101 when a teen joins the plan.

Exact costs depend on factors like your insurer, your teen’s age and driving record, and even the type of car they’ll be driving. Comparing quotes from multiple companies is the best way to find affordable coverage for your family.

5 cheapest states to add a teen driver to your insurance

Adding a newly licensed teen to your car insurance can raise your rates, but how much depends on where you live. Some states make it easier on families, offering more affordable premiums for households with young or inexperienced drivers.

The table below highlights the five states where adding a teen driver increases costs the least.

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How much it costs to add a 16-year-old to your car insurance

Adding a 16-year-old to your policy can cause one of the biggest jumps in cost. A parent’s policy alone averages $3,184 per year, but once a 16-year-old is added, it climbs to $7,699 — a difference of $4,515.

This sharp increase reflects the higher risk insurers associate with brand-new drivers who have little experience behind the wheel. Families should plan for this added cost and explore discounts to help offset the increase.

How much it costs to add a 17-year-old to your car insurance

Adding a 17-year-old is still expensive, but slightly less than adding a younger teen. The typical parent’s policy costs $3,184 per year, and rises to $7,429 when a 17-year-old is added — an increase of about $4,244.

While rates remain high, they tend to drop gradually as your teen gains experience and maintains a clean driving record.

How much it costs to add a teen driver by insurance company

The cost of adding a teen to your auto insurance can vary widely depending on the company — and whether the new driver is male or female.

According to our data, Travelers and GEICO offer some of the most affordable rates for families adding a teen to their policy. Across all insurers, adding a male teen tends to cost slightly more than adding a female teen, reflecting higher risk factors for young male drivers.

For example, with Travelers, adding a male teen brings the annual cost to $5,781, while adding a female teen costs about $5,086.

The table below shows how much different insurance companies charge to add a teen driver to a parent’s policy.

Choosing the right coverage for your teen driver

Teen drivers are considered high-risk because they have less experience and are more likely to be involved in accidents. According to the National Household Travel Survey, the fatal crash rate per mile for teens is three times higher than for drivers over age 20. These factors drive up insurance costs, which makes choosing the right coverage level especially important to protect both your teen and your vehicle.

Experts recommend full coverage with limits of 100/300/100 for stronger financial protection. This type of policy typically includes:

• Liability insurance. Covers injuries and property damage you cause to other drivers or their vehicles.
• Comprehensive and collision coverage. Comprehensive pays for damage caused by events like theft, vandalism, or natural disasters. Collision covers your vehicle if it’s damaged in an accident with another car or object.
• Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage. Pays for repairs or medical expenses if your teen is hit by a driver who doesn’t have enough insurance — or none at all.

Full coverage costs more than a minimum liability policy, but you can reduce expenses by bundling home and auto policies, using good student and multi-vehicle discounts, and enrolling your teen in a defensive driving course. With the right coverage and smart savings strategies, you can protect your teen driver without overpaying for insurance.

How to save money when adding a teen driver

Parents and their teen drivers can work together to find smart ways to save on car insurance. Here are some tips to help you keep your premiums low.

Car insurance for teens is expensive, but there are practical ways for families to keep costs under control. Parents and teens can work together to build safer driving habits and qualify for valuable discounts.

Tips for parents

• Add your teen to your policy. It’s usually cheaper than buying a separate policy, and you may qualify for multi-car and multi-driver discounts.
• Pick the right car. Choose a safe, reliable vehicle that’s inexpensive to insure. Avoid high-performance or luxury models that can drive up premiums.
• Encourage good grades. Many insurers reward students who maintain a “B” average or better with good student discounts.
• Look for stackable discounts. Ask about options like safe driver, multi-policy, or usage-based programs that can cut costs further.
  Consider a higher deductible. Raising your deductible lowers your premium, but make sure you can afford to pay it if there’s an accident.
  

Tips for teen drivers

• Stay focused behind the wheel. Avoid speeding, texting, or other distractions. A clean driving record is key to lower premiums.
• Complete a defensive driving course. This improves safety skills and can qualify you for a discount with some insurers.
  Limit unnecessary driving. Fewer miles often mean lower rates. Some companies even offer pay-per-mile insurance for low-mileage drivers.
• Avoid tickets and accidents. Traffic violations and claims can dramatically increase your rates and stay on your record for years.
  

Why teen car insurance costs more

Teen drivers are statistically more likely to be involved in accidents due to limited experience and riskier driving behaviors. Insurers also factor in age, gender, location, and vehicle type when determining rates. These risks translate into higher premiums — but responsible habits and smart policy choices can help close the gap over time.

Mistakes to avoid when adding a teen driver to your insurance

Avoiding these common missteps can help you protect your finances and your teen on the road.

• Not adding your teen to your policy. Some parents skip notifying their insurer to save money, but that’s a costly mistake. If your teen is involved in an accident and isn’t listed on the policy, the claim could be denied — or your coverage could even be canceled.
• Choosing only minimum coverage. Teens are more likely to get into accidents, and basic coverage often won’t cover all the damages. It’s worth choosing higher liability limits and adding comprehensive and collision coverage to better protect your family financially.
• Overlooking discounts. Ask your insurer about programs that reward safe habits and good grades. Discounts for driver education, strong academic performance, or safe driving technology can lower your premiums significantly.
• Not shopping around. Rates for teen drivers vary widely between companies. Comparing quotes from multiple insurers ensures you’re getting the best deal, especially since your current provider may not remain the cheapest once your teen is added.
• Skipping household driving rules. Insurance helps manage financial risk, but safety starts at home. Set clear expectations for when and how your teen drives, including phone use, curfews, and passenger limits. Consistent rules encourage safer driving and help prevent costly accidents.

Getting your teen behind the wheel is a big milestone, and it comes with new responsibilities for both of you. Staying proactive about coverage, safety, and savings helps ensure your teen is protected every mile of the way.