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Teenagers face some of the highest car insurance costs of any age group — and for good reason. Because teen drivers have less experience behind the wheel and are statistically more likely to be involved in accidents, insurers charge them significantly higher premiums. On average, 17-year-olds pay about $8,614 a year for coverage, though rates can vary widely depending on where they live and the type of car they drive.

The data backs this up: drivers ages 16 to 19 have the highest crash risk on the road. According to the CDC, 16-year-olds have a crash rate per mile driven roughly 1.5 times higher than drivers ages 18 and 19. Insurers closely track this kind of accident data when setting rates, which is why teen drivers consistently pay the most for coverage.

The good news is that there are ways to offset these costs. Comparing quotes from multiple insurers, staying on a parent’s policy, and taking advantage of discounts for good students or driver training programs can all help 17-year-olds find more affordable coverage.

What 17-year-olds typically pay

  • What you’ll pay: $8,614 a year, or $759/month for males and $677/month for females
  • Best deal we found: GEICO offers the lowest rates for 17-year-olds
  • How to pay less: Look into good student, driver training and telematics discounts

Our recommendation for cheap car insurance for 17-year-olds

17-year-olds will need to be added to a parent’s or guardian’s policy, since drivers typically cannot purchase their own car insurance until they reach the age of majority in their state — usually 18. Because young drivers have limited experience and a statistically higher accident risk, insurers charge them the highest premiums of any age group.

That said, there are several ways to lower the cost. Comparing quotes from multiple insurers is one of the most effective steps, since prices can vary significantly between companies for the same coverage. 17-year-olds should also look into discounts specifically designed for teen drivers, including good student discounts, driver training program discounts, and safe driving or telematics discounts that reward low-risk behavior behind the wheel.

You’re one year closer to lower rates

Car insurance gets cheaper as you gain experience behind the wheel. At 17, you’ve got a year of driving under your belt — maintaining a clean record now sets you up for meaningfully lower rates when you turn 18.

What is the cheapest car insurance for an 17-year-olds?

Our data shows GEICO offers the lowest car insurance rates for 17-year-olds. The average cost is $6,937 per year, or $578 per month.

In the table below, you can see which insurance companies offer the cheapest car insurance for 17-year-olds.

CompanyAverage annual premiumAverage monthly premium
GEICO$6,937 $578
Travelers$7,243 $604
State Farm$8,423 $702
Nationwide$9,199 $767
Allstate$10,532 $878
Progressive$11,221 $935
Farmers$13,602 $1,134
USAA*$5,588 $466
*USAA is only available to military community members and their families.
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Best companies for cheap car insurance for 17-year-olds

Car insurance rates vary widely between companies, especially for teen drivers — so shopping around can lead to real savings. The companies below come from our 2026 Best Auto Insurance Companies ranking, evaluated on what matters most to young drivers: cost, discounts and coverage options.

CompanySurvey star scoreAM best ratingAverage annual premium
GEICO4.27A++$6,937
Travelers4.37A++$7,243
State Farm4.38A+$8,423
Nationwide4.41A$9,199
Amica4.19A+$9,277
Allstate4.35A+$10,532
Progressive4.15A+$11,221
Farmers4.3A$13,602
USAA*4.55A++$5,588
*USAA is only available to military community members and their families.
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How much is car insurance for 17-year-olds males vs. 17-year-olds females?

Car insurance for 17-year-olds males typically costs more than for females of the same age. On average, a full coverage policy costs $759 per month for males and $677 for females, though actual rates vary by insurer and location.

Insurance companies often charge higher premiums for young male drivers because crash statistics show they are more likely to take risks behind the wheel and be involved in accidents.

The table below shows the average monthly car insurance costs for 17-year-olds drivers added to a parent’s policy, broken down by gender.

CompanyAverage annual premium for male driversAverage annual premium for female drivers
Allstate$10,948$10,102
Farmers$14,147$13,034
GEICO$7,331$6,548
Nationwide$9,862$8,538
Progressive$11,674$10,765
State Farm$9,097$7,750
Travelers$7,830$6,659
USAA*$5,748$5,429
*USAA is only available to military community members and their families.
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Is car insurance expensive for 17-year-olds?

Car insurance for 17-year-olds is generally more expensive than it is for young adult drivers. Insurers charge higher premiums for teen drivers because they have less driving experience and higher accident rates than people in their 20’s and 30’s.

Some of the factors that make insurance more expensive for teen drivers include:

  • Less driving experience
  • Higher accident rates for teens
  • Probability of risk-taking behind the wheel
  • Limited insurance history to rely on

Premiums usually decrease as drivers gain experience on the road and maintain a clean driving record.

“Adding a teen to a family’s auto insurance policy can be very expensive due to their inexperience behind the wheel and higher propensity to be involved in an at-fault accident than other demographic groups,” says Mark Friedlander, director of corporate communications for the Insurance Information Institute.

Which states are the most expensive for 17-year-olds?

Car insurance rates for 17-year-olds vary widely by state. Our data shows that Washington, D.C. has the highest average premiums for drivers this age.

Location plays a big role in what you pay — states with higher accident rates, costlier repairs, more vehicle theft or stricter insurance requirements tend to have higher premiums across the board.

The table below shows the 10 most expensive states for full coverage car insurance for 17-year-olds.

StateAverage annual premium
Washington, D.C.$14,832
Louisiana$14,700
Nevada$13,803
Florida$13,527
Michigan$12,752
Rhode Island$12,289
Georgia$11,867
Delaware$11,712
Connecticut$11,593
Colorado$11,057
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Which states have the cheapest car insurance for 17-year-olds?

On the other end of the spectrum, drivers in some states pay significantly less for coverage. The table below shows the 10 most affordable states for full coverage car insurance for 17-year-olds.

StateAverage annual premium
Hawaii$1,885
Vermont$4,791
Ohio$5,637
Illinois$5,924
Indiana$6,085
Pennsylvania$6,213
Wyoming$6,327
Oregon$6,361
Idaho$6,382
North Carolina$6,593
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How can 17-year-olds lower car insurance costs?

17-year-olds can lower car insurance costs by using discounts, comparing quotes and choosing the right coverage options. While young drivers usually pay higher premiums, several steps can help reduce the cost of coverage.

Here are some of the best ways to save on car insurance for 17-year-olds:

  • Look for discounts. Car insurance discounts can help you get a cheaper premium. Some insurers offer discounts aimed specifically at teen drivers.
  • Choose higher deductibles. For car insurance policies that require a deductible, such as collision insurance and comprehensive insurance, selecting a higher deductible will result in a lower monthly premium. Ensure you can afford a higher deductible.
  • Compare quotes from multiple providers. The cost of car insurance can vary between insurance companies, even for the same type and amount of coverage. Compare personalized rate quotes from several insurers to find the most affordable policy.
  • Drive safely. Keeping a clean driving record can lower your car insurance rates. When insurers see you’ve avoided accidents and tickets, they view you as a lower-risk driver — which often means more affordable coverage.
  • Review your coverage regularly. Checking your policy each year helps make sure you’re not paying for coverage you don’t need — and that you still have the right protection for your situation.

What discounts are available for 17-year-olds?

17-year-olds can often qualify for car insurance discounts, which can reduce their premium. Here are some of the most common discounts car insurance companies offer to 17-year-olds drivers:

  • Good student discount. If you’re looking for affordable car insurance for 17-year-olds college students, consider a good student discount. Full-time high school and college students can qualify for a good student discount if they maintain a good GPA.
  • Telematics program discount. Most car insurance companies offer a telematics-based driver rewards program. Your smartphone or device in your car tracks your driving habits, like brake force and speed. Drivers who demonstrate safe habits behind the wheel can earn a discount on their premiums.

Frequently asked questions

What discounts can 17-year-olds get on car insurance?

For 17-year-olds, car insurance is expensive, but there are plenty of ways to cut costs. Many insurers reward good students, so keeping a B average or higher could earn you a discount. Completing a driver training course is another way to lower your rate. You may also save if you don’t drive many miles each year or if your car has safety features like anti-lock brakes or airbags.

Does the type of car affect insurance costs for 17-year-olds?

Yes. Cars that are cheaper to repair, have solid safety ratings, and aren’t frequent theft targets usually come with lower insurance costs. In contrast, sports cars and high-performance vehicles tend to have higher premiums because their parts are expensive and repairs can be costly.

How much does car insurance cost for an 17-year-olds per month?

Car insurance for 17-year-olds males costs $759 per month — the same full coverage policy costs $677 per month for females. This difference reflects national crash data showing that young men are more likely to take risks behind the wheel, leading insurers to charge them higher premiums. Still, actual rates can vary widely depending on the insurance company, location, driving record, and discounts available.

expert

What our expert says

Q. Why is teen car insurance so high?

expert-image
Mark FriedlanderDirector of corporate communications for the Insurance Information Institute.
“Adding a teen to a family’s auto insurance policy can be very expensive due to their inexperience behind the wheel and higher propensity to be involved in an at-fault accident than other demographic groups.”

Resources & Methodology

Sources

Methodology

Insure.com editors collected rates from Quadrant Information Services for 17-year-olds drivers with a full coverage insurance policy with limits 100/300/100 and a $500 comprehensive and collision deductible on a Honda Accord LX. We analyzed 65,756,440 quotes, 34,595 ZIP codes, and 195 insurance companies nationwide.

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Alisha Ambre

 
  

Alisha Ambre holds a Bachelor of Arts with honours in English Literature and Media Studies. She focuses on crafting clear, engaging content that makes complex information feel practical and approachable for everyday readers. When she’s not writing, she’s likely on the volleyball court or immersed in a good video game.

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