Auto Insurance for 18-Year-Olds (2024)
You can get your own insurance at 18, but it will be cheaper for your parents to add you to their auto insurance policy. Auto insurance companies consider young drivers high-risk, making teen auto insurance rates higher than average. So staying on your parents' insurance policy is a great way to save money.
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Daniel Walker
Licensed Auto Insurance Agent
Daniel Walker graduated with a BS in Administrative Management in 2005 and has run his family’s insurance agency, FCI Agency, for over 15 years (BBB A+). He is licensed as an insurance agent to write property and casualty insurance, including home, life, auto, umbrella, and dwelling fire insurance. He’s also been featured on sites like Reviews.com and Safeco. To ensure our content is accura...
Licensed Auto Insurance Agent
UPDATED: Oct 18, 2023
It’s all about you. We want to help you make the right coverage choices.
Advertiser Disclosure: We strive to help you make confident auto insurance decisions. Comparison shopping should be easy. We are not affiliated with any one auto insurance provider and cannot guarantee quotes from any single provider. Our partnerships don’t influence our content. Our opinions are our own. To compare quotes from many different companies please enter your ZIP code on this page to use the free quote tool. The more quotes you compare, the more chances to save.
Editorial Guidelines: We are a free online resource for anyone interested in learning more about auto insurance. Our goal is to be an objective, third-party resource for everything auto insurance related. We update our site regularly, and all content is reviewed by auto insurance experts.
UPDATED: Oct 18, 2023
It’s all about you. We want to help you make the right coverage choices.
Advertiser Disclosure: We strive to help you make confident auto insurance decisions. Comparison shopping should be easy. We are not affiliated with any one auto insurance provider and cannot guarantee quotes from any single provider. Our partnerships don’t influence our content. Our opinions are our own. To compare quotes from many different companies please enter your ZIP code on this page to use the free quote tool. The more quotes you compare, the more chances to save.
On This Page
- Purchasing your car insurance is just one step in the journey of adulthood
- Although this can be an exciting opportunity for young adults, it’s important to understand what comes with it
- As a young, inexperienced driver, insurance providers consider you to be a different driver type and may view you as a higher risk
- When this occurs, your policy may end up costing more than you anticipated
- Also, your driving record can be a big factor; poor driving records can result in high premiums or difficulty in acquiring coverage
When you’re an 18-year-old, buying your car insurance may be one of your first adult responsibilities.
However, it’s important to know what comes with purchasing your coverage and how insurance companies will view you.
While some situations may require you to purchase your insurance, make sure that you discuss your options with your family and make the best decision for your needs.
If you’re looking for auto insurance for the first time, start comparison shopping for the best rates with our FREE online quote tool! Enter your ZIP code to get started!
Do you need to buy your car insurance?
One of the first things to consider is your car insurance needs, meaning how soon you truly need to buy a policy.
For some young adults, buying a car insurance policy is necessary at age 18. There are other times that you may not need to get your policy until a few years later.
There can be benefits to both options.
Buying your policy at age 18 can allow you to select the coverage that meets your needs and budget.
Selecting your coverage will also provide some excellent real-world experience when it comes to:
- Managing your bills
- Creating a budget
- Learning to work with insurance providers
This experience can come with higher insurance costs due to your age or driving record since you will not be on a plan with your parents or guardians.
On the other hand, you may decide to hold off on buying your policy until you’re a little more established in your adult life.
There are benefits to waiting, such as multi-car discounts and lower premiums, which your parents or guardians have worked towards over the years.
Remember that you will not be the decision-maker for your coverage and will rely on someone else to ensure your policy remains active.
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What do your previous driving record and insurance history look like?
Another point to take into consideration is your driving record. Although you are only 18, there is the possibility that you’ve already had a citation or violation occur.
Since your insurance provider will be looking at your driving record when they write your policy, this information will be something they look at and take into consideration.
Drivers that have a poor driving record, for instance, may face higher premiums or trouble getting the coverage they want.
If your driving record is exceptionally poor, your potential provider may be unwilling to provide you with any coverage. They may consider you to be too high of a risk.
Insurance History May Also Be a Factor
Although your family may have maintained the insurance policy for the last few years, this can still affect you. One of the biggest ways you can be affected is if you are involved in an accident or end up filing a claim.
Any potential insurance provider may look at these claims to determine how much risk you would be introducing as a policyholder. Exceptionally large claims or several claims may indicate that you are high-risk or outside the boundaries of what they are looking to cover.
Are you able to afford the increased premiums?
Increased premiums are one of the biggest downfalls to getting an insurance policy at age 18.
Due to your limited time on the road, insurance providers make assumptions about the level of skill and experience you have acquired, indicated by the higher premiums that teenage drivers often encounter.
If you are acquiring your policy, you will have to be prepared to handle the higher premiums that come along with your young age and higher risk status.
Insurance providers use these premiums to offset the potential that you will be involved in a claim situation. If you cannot afford the higher premiums that one provider is recommending, you may have to look for coverage elsewhere.
It’s important to remember that many providers have the same mentality regarding young drivers.
Therefore, shopping around for quotes from different providers is a smart idea, but you will likely experience the same higher rates across the board. Although, the high rates tend to decrease as you grow older and gain more experience behind the wheel.
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So, can an 18-year-old get their own car insurance? Absolutely.
Buying your car insurance at 18 can often be an enlightening experience. Learning how to work with an insurance provider, what types of information they look at when writing your policy, and how to manage more responsibilities are all important life skills.
However, before you get your insurance coverage, you must look at what you truly need and make the best decision based on those needs.
As a young driver, insurance companies often look at you as a higher risk due to your lack of experience.
Due to lack of experience, your premiums may be much higher than you expected or you may have a harder time finding coverage.
Another big point to consider is your previous driving record. Your coverage options and premiums may be affected if you have a history that includes any of the following:
- Traffic citations
- Moving violations
- Other vehicle-related incidents
Be sure to discuss this with any potential provider during the policy writing process; it’s better to be upfront with them.
If you think you’re ready for your own auto insurance policy, start comparing shopping for the best auto insurance rates by entering your ZIP code below!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can an 18-year-old get their own auto insurance policy?
Yes, an 18-year-old can typically get their own auto insurance policy. However, the eligibility criteria and requirements may vary depending on the insurance company and state regulations. It’s recommended to contact insurance providers directly to understand their specific policies regarding 18-year-old drivers.
How much does auto insurance cost for an 18-year-old?
The cost of auto insurance for 18-year-olds can vary based on several factors such as driving record, location, type of vehicle, coverage options, and insurance provider. Generally, auto insurance premiums for young drivers tend to be higher due to their limited driving experience. It’s advisable to obtain quotes from multiple insurance companies to compare rates and find the most affordable option.
Are there any discounts available for 18-year-old drivers?
Yes, some insurance companies offer discounts specifically targeted at young drivers, including 18-year-olds. These discounts can include good student discounts, safe driving program discounts, and discounts for completing driver training courses. It’s worth checking with insurance providers to explore any available discounts that may help reduce the insurance premium.
Can an 18-year-old be added to their parent’s auto insurance policy?
Yes, in many cases, an 18-year-old can be added to their parent’s auto insurance policy. Adding a young driver to an existing policy is often a cost-effective option compared to obtaining a separate policy. However, it’s important to inform the insurance provider about the new driver to ensure appropriate coverage.
What type of coverage do 18-year-olds need?
18-year-olds generally need the same types of coverage as any other driver. This includes liability coverage (to cover damages to others in an accident), collision coverage (to cover damages to their own vehicle in an accident), and comprehensive coverage (to cover non-collision related damages like theft or vandalism). The coverage limits can be adjusted based on individual needs and budget.
Can an 18-year-old with a learner’s permit get auto insurance?
Yes, an 18-year-old with a learner’s permit can usually obtain auto insurance. While they may not be the primary policyholder, they can be added to an existing policy or have a separate policy under a parent or guardian’s name. It’s essential to check with insurance providers about their specific requirements for drivers with learner’s permits.
What factors affect the cost of auto insurance for 18-year-olds?
Several factors can impact the cost of auto insurance for 18-year-olds. These may include the individual’s driving record, the type of vehicle they drive, their location, the coverage options selected, any applicable discounts, and the insurance company’s underwriting guidelines. Each insurance provider assesses risk differently, resulting in variations in rates.
How can 18-year-olds lower their auto insurance rates?
There are several strategies 18-year-olds can consider to potentially lower their auto insurance rates. These include maintaining a clean driving record, completing driver education courses, selecting a safe and low-risk vehicle, choosing higher deductibles, inquiring about available discounts, and comparing quotes from multiple insurance providers. These actions can help find more competitive rates.
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Enter your ZIP code below to view companies that have cheap auto insurance rates.
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Daniel Walker
Licensed Auto Insurance Agent
Daniel Walker graduated with a BS in Administrative Management in 2005 and has run his family’s insurance agency, FCI Agency, for over 15 years (BBB A+). He is licensed as an insurance agent to write property and casualty insurance, including home, life, auto, umbrella, and dwelling fire insurance. He’s also been featured on sites like Reviews.com and Safeco. To ensure our content is accura...
Licensed Auto Insurance Agent
Editorial Guidelines: We are a free online resource for anyone interested in learning more about auto insurance. Our goal is to be an objective, third-party resource for everything auto insurance related. We update our site regularly, and all content is reviewed by auto insurance experts.