Is car insurance cheaper after 18?

Asked by: Mrs. Aileen Abbott III  |  Last update: March 30, 2025
Score: 4.3/5 (17 votes)

Insurers typically charge higher premiums for drivers younger than 25, according to the Insurance Information Institute (III). But, as teen drivers get older, rates typically drop — as long as they maintain a good driving record, the III says.

Does my car insurance go down when I turn 18?

Key takeaways. Car insurance rates decrease with age because older drivers are less likely to file claims. Male and female drivers see the largest drop in car insurance between ages 18 and 19.

Is car insurance cheaper for an 18 year old?

Car insurance at age 18 might be cheaper than at 16, but you won't see a significant drop until you're in your mid-twenties. Generally, your rates will decrease as you get more experience behind the wheel and have a longer record of good driving.

Why is my car insurance so high at 18?

Even if you have a clean driving record, you'll pay more for auto insurance than a middle-aged driver because you're more likely to cause an accident than someone with more driving experience. According to Forbes Advisor, the average cost of car insurance for an 18-year-old is $6,147 per year or $513 per month.

At what age is car insurance most expensive?

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety reports that teen drivers are four times more likely to get into a car crash than drivers 20 and older. As a result, car insurance companies view young drivers as the most risky to insure. Drivers ages 16 to 24 tend to face the highest premiums compared to other age groups.

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34 related questions found

What age is insurance cheapest?

Does car insurance become cheaper when you turn 25? On average, drivers will see their premiums begin to fall around age 25. This reflects the lower risk posed by drivers in their mid-20s as they gain driving experience and maturity, compared to a 17-year-old who has just passed their test.

Should I add my 18 year old son to my car insurance?

Getting car insurance for a young driver can be pricey due to their lack of driving experience, so a separate policy may not be the best option. In most cases, it's more affordable to add your licensed or permitted teenage driver to your existing auto insurance policy.

Does credit score affect car insurance?

How credit-based insurance scores work. Most U.S. insurance companies use credit-based insurance scores along with your driving history, claims history and many other factors to establish eligibility for payment plans and to help determine insurance rates. Again, except in California, Hawaii, and Massachusetts.

How can I get my insurance to go down?

7 ways to lower your car insurance premium
  1. Qualify for insurance discounts. Getting more discounts that lower your car insurance premium might be easier than you think. ...
  2. Increase your deductible. ...
  3. Reduce your coverage. ...
  4. Compare rates. ...
  5. Try usage-based insurance. ...
  6. Take a defensive driving course. ...
  7. Get a car that's cheaper to insure.

Can my 18 year old stay on my car insurance?

There is no age limit that prevents you from staying on your parents' car insurance policy as a listed driver, as long as you live at home or if you're a full-time college student. That means you're still covered when you drive your parents' vehicles.

Why is car insurance so expensive for 19 year olds?

Young drivers have less experience, which puts them in a higher class of risk for insurers. As a result, car insurance rates for a 20-year-old are higher than those for a more experienced driver, though a 20-year-old driver is still less expensive to insure than a teen.

What is the cheapest insurance for an 18-year-old?

The cheapest major car insurance company for 18-year-old drivers is State Farm, at $381 per month for full coverage. Regional companies like Erie, NJM, Farm Bureau and Auto-Owners tend to offer very affordable rates for 18-year-olds. But they're not available in every state.

Can parents kick you off insurance at 18?

The Affordable Care Act requires plans and issuers that offer coverage to children on their parents' plan to make the coverage available until the adult child reaches the age of 26.

How do I remove my 18-year-old from my car insurance?

Depending on the company, you may be able to remove someone from your car insurance policy online or through an app. Some insurers may require you to contact a representative to remove a driver, and provide proof that the driver no longer lives with you.

Does State Farm run your credit?

Most major car insurance companies like GEICO, Progressive and State Farm factor in your credit score when giving you a quote. Some smaller, regional insurers skip credit checks, though their coverage options (and available online information) can be limited.

What affects car insurance rates?

Auto insurance premiums reach their low point in a driver's mid-50s before rising for older drivers aged 70-plus.
  • Driving and claims history. This rating factor is straightforward. ...
  • Credit score. ...
  • Location. ...
  • Other personal demographics. ...
  • Coverage levels and deductibles. ...
  • Vehicle type. ...
  • Annual mileage. ...
  • Ownership status.

Does paying car payments build credit?

Making regular, on-time payments on a car loan can positively impact credit scores.

Why is my insurance so high at 18?

The lack of experience and driving history plays a major role in determining insurance rates. Young drivers are seen as more prone to accidents due to inexperience, making them riskier clients for insurers. This can result in higher premiums and even difficulty obtaining insurance coverage.

Should I put my 18 year old's car in my name?

Register the car in your child's name.

If your son or daughter is legally an adult (18 years or older), he or she is able to register a car in his or her own name. Without you as the owner of the car, the laws imposing vicarious liability (such as New York Vehicle and Traffic Law Section 388) will not apply to you.

What happens if I don't add my teenager to my car insurance?

Failing to add your teenager to your auto insurance can lead to coverage denial, legal penalties and policy cancellation. Lack of driving experience and perceived higher risk contribute to higher car premiums for teen drivers.

Does insurance go down at 19?

Experienced drivers are less likely to have accident claims, which means they cost less to insure. At Progressive, the average premium per driver tends to decrease significantly from 19-34 and then stabilize or decrease slightly from 34-75.

Can 18 year olds get their own insurance?

Deciding Factors for Auto Insurance

As a rule, you need to be a legal adult to have your own car insurance, so anyone younger than 18 can't get a policy on their own.