Best Car Insurance for 17-Year-Old Drivers (December 2025)
The average cost of liability car insurance for a 17-year-old is $180 per month. For affordable coverage, check out options like USAA or Root.
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At 17, you’re probably getting more comfortable behind the wheel — yet car insurance prices can still be a shock. Because young drivers pose a higher risk, insurance companies usually charge higher rates for teen drivers.[?]
It comes down to statistics: Teenagers are about four times more likely to be in an accident than drivers 20 and older, according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).[?]
If you’re deciding between staying on a parent’s policy or getting your own, comparing car insurance quotes can help. Here’s what you should know about getting coverage as a 17-year-old driver.
Quick Facts
Adding a teen to a policy means higher rates, but discounts can help offset the cost.
Good student discounts can reduce premiums by up to 15% or more.
Drivers who are 17 need parental consent to get their own car insurance policy.
Best car insurance for 17-year-old drivers
A teenage driver can bump your family into a higher risk category for car insurance, making rates jump. But some companies offer discounts and flexible options that help keep car insurance costs down. Here’s a look at three of the best car insurance companies for young drivers.
USAA: Best for drivers on their parents’ policy
Root: Best for teens on their own
GEICO: Best for quick claims processing
To choose the best car insurance companies for 17-year-old drivers, we evaluated companies based on price, teen-specific discounts, customer service reviews, industry ratings, Insurify’s IQ Score, and availability by state to identify affordable, reliable options for young drivers and their families.
Getting your own policy vs. staying on your parents’ car insurance
Getting your own policy or staying on your parents’ car insurance is a choice that comes with a few pros and cons, especially at 17. For most families, keeping a teen driver on a parent’s policy is cheaper. Your parents likely have years of driving experience, and clean driving records can help bring the cost down.
Plus, insurers often offer discounts for having more than one vehicle on an auto insurance policy and sometimes have bundle discounts. Both can help you avoid the higher premium of adding a young driver.
But getting coverage in your own name as a teen driver makes sense in a few situations. For example, if the car is in your name and you don’t live with your parents anymore, some insurers might require you to have your own coverage. And for some teenagers, getting insurance in their own name feels like an important step toward independence.
It really depends on your goal and situation. Just keep in mind that as a 17-year-old, you’ll need written consent from a parent or guardian to set up your policy.
Here’s a closer look at average insurance rates for policies with parents and a teen driver, just two parents, and a teen only for comparison:
Drivers  | Monthly Liability-Only Cost | Monthly Full-Coverage Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Two parents + a teen driver | $296 | $599 |
| Two parents | $157 | $316 |
| Teen driver on their own policy | $184 | $372 |
Disclaimer: Table data sourced from real-time quotes from Insurify's 500+ partner insurance providers. Actual quotes may vary based on the policy buyer's unique driver profile.
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Cheapest car insurance for 17-year-old drivers
While car insurance for 17-year-olds isn’t cheap, how much car insurance costs hinges on a few factors — including the company you choose. Use the table below to compare prices for liability-only and full-coverage policies from top insurers to find the best option that fits your budget.
The below rates are estimated rates current as of: Friday, October 31 at 5:00 PM PDT.
Data reviewed by Konstantin Halachev
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7+ years experience in data analysis
Ph.D. in Computational Biology
Insurance Company | Liability Only | Full Coverage |
|---|---|---|
| COUNTRY Financial | $54 | $97 |
| Auto-Owners | $94 | $164 |
| USAA | $97 | $185 |
| State Farm | $114 | $222 |
| Dairyland | $136 | $408 |
| Root | $150 | $252 |
| NJM | $151 | $226 |
| Erie | $152 | $229 |
| American Family | $154 | $288 |
| Mile Auto | $156 | $252 |
| The General | $156 | $299 |
| Allstate | $158 | $296 |
| Commonwealth Casualty | $160 | $388 |
| GEICO | $164 | $250 |
| Bristol West | $177 | $363 |
| Mercury | $181 | $310 |
| Anchor | $185 | $279 |
| Safeco | $192 | $310 |
| Elephant | $194 | $283 |
| CSAA | $198 | $247 |
| GAINSCO | $199 | $420 |
| Direct Auto | $200 | $342 |
| Nationwide | $200 | $375 |
| National General | $212 | $395 |
| Clearcover | $223 | $306 |
| Travelers | $225 | $422 |
| Farmers | $231 | $447 |
| 21st Century | $237 | $422 |
| Liberty Mutual | $276 | $374 |
| AssuranceAmerica | $280 | $525 |
| Chubb | $281 | $507 |
| Shelter | $325 | $502 |
| The Hartford | $437 | $660 |
| State Auto | $452 | $772 |
| Amica | $550 | $828 |
Disclaimer: Table data sourced from real-time quotes from Insurify's 500+ partner insurance providers and quote estimates from Quadrant Information Services. Actual quotes may vary based on the policy buyer's unique driver profile.
Why is car insurance so expensive for 17-year-old drivers?
Car insurance is typically pricey for 17-year-old drivers because teenagers are statistically more likely to get into car accidents. Though teens make up only 3.6% of licensed drivers, teenagers between the ages of 16 and 19 are involved in 9.1% of all accidents and 6.1% of fatal crashes, according to data from the National Safety Council.[?]
The higher accident rate isn’t only because of a lack of driving experience — teens are also more likely to speed and get distracted, particularly when friends are along for the ride, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) data shows.[?]
Tragically, car accidents are the top cause of death for 15- to 18-year-olds in the U.S., notes the NHTSA.
How to get car insurance
Getting car insurance as a new driver is pretty straightforward. Follow these steps to make sure you get the right coverage:
How to avoid common mistakes young drivers make when buying car insurance
When buying car insurance, whether it’s your first time or your 15th, it’s easy to make a few common mistakes. Keep these tips in mind to avoid costly missteps:
Going for the cheapest coverage: Picking the lowest-priced option might seem like a good idea, but basic coverage might not be enough if you’re in an accident. Look for a balance between affordability and peace of mind to make sure you’re covered when it counts.
Choosing the wrong deductible: A high deductible helps you avoid high rates, but it also means more out-of-pocket expenses if you need to make a claim. Find a deductible that keeps your premium reasonable but doesn’t leave you stretched if you have an accident.
Using the same car insurer as your parents: Loyalty doesn’t always pay off in insurance. Even if your parents have a long history with their insurer, shopping around could get you a better rate. An insurance-comparison site lets you quickly check quotes from different companies.
Skipping rideshare coverage: If you’re driving for Uber, Lyft, or a delivery service like DoorDash, your personal auto insurance won’t usually cover you while you’re on the job. Ask about adding rideshare insurance for protection while you’re working.
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5 ways young drivers can save on car insurance
Young drivers have plenty of ways to save on car insurance. Here are a few smart ways to keep your bill in check:
Cash in on discounts. Discounts are available for young drivers who maintain good grades in high school or as a college student, complete a defensive driving course, or attend college far from home.
Drive a “boring” car. Stick with a reliable sedan or an older, used car since these usually cost less to insure than sports cars or big trucks.
Lean into telematics. Some insurers have telematics programs that track your driving habits through a mobile app or device that plugs into your car. If you’re a safe driver, this can lead to lower rates by proving your skills on the road.
Adjust coverage during college. If you’re away at school or don’t drive much, consider reducing your coverage temporarily or taking advantage of a “student away” discount.
Consider a higher deductible. Higher deductibles can reduce your monthly premium. Just make sure you have enough cash set aside to cover it if you need to file a claim.
Car insurance for 17-year-olds FAQs
To help ease your mind about car insurance for 17-year-olds, check out the answers to everything from costs to policy options below.
How much is car insurance for a 17-year-old?
The national average rate of car insurance for a 17-year-old is $274 per month, Insurify data shows. If you choose a full-coverage policy, the average cost is $366 per month, while liability-only insurance is $180 per month.
What is the cheapest car insurance for a 17-year-old?
Root is generally the cheapest auto insurance company for 17-year-old drivers, especially if you’re looking for full-coverage car insurance. USAA is one of the most affordable insurers for liability-only coverage, but it’s only available to military families.
Can a 17-year-old get their own policy?
Yes. A 17-year-old can get a policy in their name, but it requires written consent from a parent or guardian. Most teens find it cheaper (and more convenient) to stay on their parents’ policy.
How much is insurance for a 17-year-old in New York?
In New York, insurance for a 17-year-old costs an average of $412 per month. Your auto insurance rates depend on your insurance coverage level — liability coverage in New York averages $361 per month, while full coverage costs about $464.
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