Insurance companies often consider younger drivers to be a high risk on the road due to fewer years of driving experience. And, unfortunately, statistics support this: Drivers aged 20–24 have one of the highest fatal crash rates of any age group, according to Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) data.[?]
Because of this, insurers often charge drivers in their early 20s some of the highest car insurance rates. But taking certain steps — starting with comparing car insurance quotes — can help you find an affordable car insurance policy, no matter your age.
Staying on your parents’ auto policy might be cheaper than getting your own.
You’ll likely need your own car insurance policy if you no longer live at home.
Young driver discounts are one of the best ways for 20-year-old drivers to find affordable coverage.
Best car insurance for 20-year-old drivers
If you’re searching for the best car insurance for a 20-year-old driver, here are some of the best insurance companies offering the coverage you need.
State Farm: Best for discounts
Auto-Owners: Best for affordable coverage
USAA: Best for drivers on their parents’ policy
To choose the best car insurance companies for 20-year-old drivers, we compared insurers’ rates, relevant discounts, nationwide availability, and our Insurify Quality (IQ) Scores, which measure overall company health and customer satisfaction. The companies we selected offer relatively low rates compared to competitors and provide relevant discounts, such as good grades, new driver, or driver’s education course discounts.
Getting your own policy vs. staying on your parents’ car insurance
Generally, it’s cheaper to stay on your parents’ car insurance as a 20-year-old rather than having your own policy. While this can be beneficial for you, your parents’ insurance rates will probably increase if they name you on their policy. Keep in mind that most insurers require you to still live at home or be away at school to stay on the family policy.
When you stay on your parents’ policy, the vehicle you drive can also affect your rates. You may be able to save by being the primary driver on a vehicle that’s cheaper to insure. But if you don’t have your own car, insurers typically base your rate on the family vehicle with the highest coverage level.
If you don’t live with your parents, staying on their policy won’t be an option. For instance, if you have your own apartment, you’ll likely need to get your own policy — and it could be pricey. Shopping around can help you find the best rate.
Drivers | Monthly Liability-Only Cost | Monthly Full-Coverage Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Two parents + a young driver | $296 | $599 |
| Two parents | $157 | $316 |
| Young driver on their own policy | $184 | $372 |
Cheapest car insurance for 20-year-old drivers
Comparing quotes from different car insurance companies can help if you’re looking for the cheapest auto insurance for a 20-year-old driver. Also look for relevant discounts, as many insurers offer good student, new driver, and other discounts that might apply to your situation.
Opting for less coverage instead of more could also help you save, but you’ll have less financial protection. Here’s how rates for liability-only and full-coverage car insurance compare.
Insurance Company | Average Quote: Liability Only | Average Quote: Full Coverage |
|---|---|---|
| COUNTRY Financial | $52 | $94 |
| Auto-Owners | $63 | $109 |
| USAA | $68 | $129 |
| State Farm | $74 | $145 |
| American Family | $88 | $166 |
| Mile Auto | $91 | $147 |
| NJM | $93 | $139 |
| Allstate | $94 | $177 |
| Safeco | $101 | $164 |
| Dairyland | $104 | $312 |
| Erie | $105 | $159 |
| Root | $105 | $177 |
| Commonwealth Casualty | $109 | $264 |
| GEICO | $111 | $170 |
| Nationwide | $122 | $228 |
| Bristol West | $124 | $253 |
| The General | $124 | $237 |
| National General | $124 | $231 |
| Direct Auto | $125 | $214 |
| Travelers | $125 | $235 |
| GAINSCO | $127 | $269 |
| Mercury | $128 | $219 |
| Farmers | $134 | $259 |
| Anchor | $137 | $207 |
| Elephant | $140 | $203 |
| CSAA | $147 | $183 |
| Clearcover | $152 | $208 |
| Chubb | $154 | $279 |
| AssuranceAmerica | $162 | $304 |
| 21st Century | $168 | $299 |
| State Auto | $191 | $327 |
| Liberty Mutual | $194 | $263 |
| Shelter | $196 | $303 |
| The Hartford | $247 | $372 |
| Amica | $378 | $569 |
Why is car insurance so expensive for 20-year-old drivers?
Car insurance is expensive for 20-year-old drivers because, statistically, drivers in this age group have more car accidents. Males ages 20–24 had the third-highest crash deaths of any age group, while females in the same age range had the second-highest, per IIHS data.
In 2021, 2,116 young drivers were killed and an estimated 203,256 people were injured in motor vehicle accidents, according to National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) data.[?]
Unfortunately, if an insurance company deems you a high risk due to your age, your insurance rates will also be higher.
Common mistakes young drivers make when buying car insurance
If you’re worried about high car insurance costs, avoiding these pitfalls can help you find relatively cheap car insurance that meets your needs:
Only getting one quote: Avoid opting for the first car insurance policy you find. Instead, compare quotes from different insurers, as rates vary — sometimes widely — across companies. Create a simple spreadsheet to keep track of insurers and potential costs, then use that information to narrow your options.
Opting for minimal coverage: While it can be tempting to opt for minimal insurance coverage to save money, this could be a mistake. If you’re involved in a car accident, it could be financially devastating if you have insufficient car insurance.
Not taking advantage of discounts: Many auto insurance companies offer a lot of car insurance discounts to attract and retain customers. As you get quotes from different insurers, ask about the discounts they offer and whether those discounts align with your situation.
How much car insurance 20-year-old drivers need
Every U.S. state except New Hampshire requires car insurance, and you’ll need to meet certain coverage minimums. You can typically find coverage requirements on your state’s department of transportation website.
But getting only enough coverage to satisfy state laws may not be the best strategy. For example, many states only require liability insurance. This type of coverage pays for damage to another person’s vehicle or property, as well as any medical bills, if you’re found at fault in a car accident. It doesn’t pay for repairs to your car or cover your medical expenses.
Choosing a full-coverage policy could be a better solution. Full-coverage insurance typically includes comprehensive, collision, and liability coverage. And it may also include medical payments (MedPay) or personal injury protection (PIP) coverage. This type of policy gives you more protection, which will come in handy if you’re ever in an accident.[?]
4 ways young drivers can save on car insurance
If your rate is too high as a 20-year-old driver, here are four things you can do to save on car insurance:[?]
Car insurance for 20-year-old FAQs
If you’re still wondering about car insurance for 20-year-olds, here are some common questions and answers.
How much is car insurance for a 20-year-old per month?
The national average cost for a 20-year-old driver is $299 per month for full-coverage insurance and $146 per month for liability-only insurance, Insurify data shows. But your monthly cost can vary considerably depending on your coverage needs, whether you stay on your parents’ policy or opt for your own, your driving history, and other factors.
What is the cheapest car insurance for a 20-year-old?
Across the U.S., COUNTRY Financial, Auto-Owners, and USAA are the cheapest car insurance companies across all age groups.
But the cost of your car insurance will vary depending on your ZIP code, age and gender, driving record, and other factors.
When will my car insurance rates go down?
Car insurance rates begin to decrease gradually once you reach age 25. Middle-aged drivers pay lower rates for auto insurance than teenage drivers or drivers in their early 20s, as insurance companies consider older drivers to be a lower risk.
Can a 20-year-old get their own policy?
Yes. You can get your own car insurance policy if you’re 20 years old, whether you live with your parents or not. Consider the cost of car insurance when staying on your parents’ policy versus obtaining your own.
How much is insurance for a 20-year-old in Florida?
On average, Florida drivers in their 20s pay an average car insurance rate of $273 per month for liability coverage. For comparison, Florida drivers in their teens pay $266 per month for liability coverage, while drivers in their 40s pay around $163 monthly.
What is the best car insurance for new drivers younger than 21?
The best car insurance for new drivers younger than 21 depends on your situation. But insurers like Auto-Owners, Erie, and State Farm offer low average insurance rates. These insurance also have several discounts that could help lower the cost of your insurance coverage.
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