Best car insurance for teens

Written by: Warren Clarke
• Updated •2 min read
This date may not reflect recent changes in individual terms.
Mom and daughter in a car with the daughter behind the wheelImage: Mom and daughter in a car with the daughter behind the wheel

In a Nutshell

Not all teen drivers need the same thing from their auto insurance. Our top car insurance picks for teens include choices that meet the needs of different kinds of teenage drivers.
Editorial Note: Intuit Credit Karma receives compensation from third-party advertisers, but that doesn’t affect our editors’ opinions. Our third-party advertisers don’t review, approve or endorse our editorial content. Information about financial products not offered on Credit Karma is collected independently. Our content is accurate to the best of our knowledge when posted.

Teen drivers can face unique challenges when searching for auto insurance coverage, including affordability. Insurance companies in most states can consider age as a factor when setting insurance rates, which can translate into steep premiums for teenagers. That’s because teens can be seen as high-risk drivers. Fortunately, there are ways to make auto coverage for teens more budget friendly. 

Some insurers offer discounts for teen drivers or savings for adults who add a teen to their existing policy. It’s essential to know that some insurance products are better than others at meeting the needs of teen drivers.

Keep reading for our top picks for the best insurance for teenage drivers.

How we picked these insurers

To develop our top picks for teen auto insurance, we reviewed the websites of nearly a dozen insurance companies. We chose the insurers in this article based on factors we believe necessary to teenagers and their families, including …

  • Discounts
  • Special services or accommodations for teens
  • Customer satisfaction
  • Financial stability
  • Coverage options
  • Types of vehicles insured

FAQs about car insurance for teens

How much is teen car insurance?

The cost of teen car insurance varies. While age is a factor, there are other things that insurance companies consider when setting rates, including the coverage options, driving record, deductible, car value and ZIP code. 

How can I save money on car insurance for teens?

You may save money on your monthly premium by increasing your deductible – though if you do have to make a claim, you’ll pay more out of pocket. You also may be able to save money by dropping comprehensive and collision coverage if you’ve paid off your car and it’s worth less than your premium and deductible. 

Is it cost-effective for parents to add teen drivers to their insurance?

It may cost less for parents to add their teen driver to their current policy rather than buy separate coverage. Some insurance companies view teens as having a higher risk of getting into an accident. As a result, insurers may impose higher rates on separate policies for teens to offset increased risk.

About the author: Warren Clarke is a writer whose work has been published by Edmunds.com and the New York Daily News. He enjoys providing readers with information that can make their lives happier and more expansive. Warren holds a Bac… Read more.