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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, 19-year-olds pay about $5,718 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 19-year-olds find more affordable coverage.

What 19-year-olds typically pay

  • What you’ll pay: $5,718 a year, or $503/month for males and $450/month for females
  • Best deal we found: Travelers offers the lowest rates for 19-year-olds
  • How to pay less: Look into good student, driver training and telematics discounts

Our recommendation for cheap car insurance for 19-year-olds

Most 19-year-olds can legally purchase their own car insurance policy. However, staying on a parent’s or guardian’s policy is often the more affordable option. Because young drivers still have limited experience behind the wheel and a statistically higher accident risk, insurers tend to charge higher premiums for this 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. 19-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.

Good grades still count at 19

If you’re a full-time college student, you may still qualify for a good student discount — even at 19. It’s one of the easiest discounts to overlook once you’re out of high school, but it can still make a noticeable difference in your rate.

What is the cheapest car insurance for an 19-year-olds?

Our data shows Travelers offers the lowest car insurance rates for 19-year-olds. The average cost is $4,465 per year, or $372 per month.

In the table below, you can see which insurance companies offer the cheapest car insurance for 19-year-olds.

CompanyAverage annual premiumAverage monthly premium
Travelers$4,465 $372
GEICO$4,678 $390
Progressive$5,714 $476
State Farm$6,293 $524
Allstate$6,767 $564
Farmers$7,141 $595
Nationwide$7,248 $604
USAA*$3,863 $322
*USAA is only available to military community members and their families.
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Best companies for cheap car insurance for 19-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
Travelers4.37A++$4,465
GEICO4.27A++$4,678
Progressive4.15A+$5,714
State Farm4.38A+$6,293
Amica4.19A+$6,554
Allstate4.35A+$6,767
Farmers4.3A$7,141
Nationwide4.41A$7,248
USAA*4.55A++$3,863
*USAA is only available to military community members and their families.
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How much is car insurance for 19-year-olds males vs. 19-year-olds females?

Car insurance for 19-year-olds males typically costs more than for females of the same age. On average, a full coverage policy costs $503 per month for males and $450 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 19-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$7,080$6,450
Farmers$7,377$6,908
GEICO$4,886$4,473
Nationwide$7,743$6,749
Progressive$6,029$5,399
State Farm$6,806$5,781
Travelers$4,733$4,199
USAA*$3,974$3,752
*USAA is only available to military community members and their families.
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Is car insurance expensive for 19-year-olds?

Car insurance for 19-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 19-year-olds?

Car insurance rates for 19-year-olds vary widely by state. Our data shows that Louisiana 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 19-year-olds.

StateAverage annual premium
Louisiana$9,158
Nevada$9,013
Rhode Island$8,283
Florida$8,209
Connecticut$8,203
Michigan$8,148
Washington, D.C.$8,134
Delaware$7,922
New Jersey$7,095
Colorado$7,084
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Which states have the cheapest car insurance for 19-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 19-year-olds.

StateAverage annual premium
Hawaii$1,803
North Carolina$3,849
Vermont$3,864
Ohio$3,960
Indiana$4,182
Virginia$4,215
Pennsylvania$4,344
Illinois$4,402
Wyoming$4,419
Idaho$4,543
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How can 19-year-olds lower car insurance costs?

19-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 19-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.

Bundling could help offset the cost

If you’re renting your first apartment, bundling renters and auto insurance with the same insurer is an easy way to trim your overall insurance costs. It won’t eliminate the youth surcharge, but every bit of savings helps while rates are still elevated.

What discounts are available for 19-year-olds?

19-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 19-year-olds drivers:

  • Good student discount. If you’re looking for affordable car insurance for 19-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.
  • Student away at school discount. Students who go to school at least 100 miles away from home and don’t take their vehicle can usually save money with a student away at school discount. However, this discount usually only applies to collision and/or comprehensive insurance

Frequently asked questions

What discounts can 19-year-olds get on car insurance?

For 19-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 19-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 19-year-olds per month?

Car insurance for 19-year-olds males costs $503 per month — the same full coverage policy costs $450 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 19-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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