Auto Insurance for 17-Year-Olds (2024)
We'll go over a few key details about getting an auto insurance policy at the age of 17, including what can affect your rates and how you can find lower prices.
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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
- You can get your own auto insurance at 17 as long as a parent or guardian cosigns the policy for financial responsibility
- You must be the registered owner of the vehicle to purchase insurance on it
- Because 17-year-olds are high-risk drivers, you’ll pay higher rates on your own insurance policy than you would be sharing a policy with an adult
If you’re 17 and own your car, you might want a personal auto insurance policy. However, you may be wondering if it’s possible to find affordable coverage with a 17-year-old’s car insurance policy? Is getting a policy at the age of 17 even a good idea?
Typically, 17-year-olds can get their own car insurance. However, there are some important considerations to be aware of before purchasing your policy as a teenager. This guide will break down the basics of getting car insurance as a minor.
Can a 17-year-old buy their own car insurance policy?
At 17, you can buy a car insurance policy in your name, but you’ll need to have a parent or guardian cosign the policy to guarantee financial responsibility. That’s because 17 is below the legal age for signing binding contracts in every state.
However, If you’re an emancipated minor, having a court order freeing you from guardianship before you turn 18, you can sign contracts like car insurance policies even at age 17.
For most teenagers, it’s cheaper to join your parent or guardian’s auto insurance. Teens are considered high-risk drivers, so their insurance premiums can be high. Multi-car discounts on an existing plan can help offset these increases.
You will likely need to buy your own car insurance if your car is in your name. Most of the time, the name on the vehicle title and the car insurance policy need to match for proper insurance.
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How much does car insurance for 17-year-olds cost?
New drivers, especially teenagers, can pay more than double an adult driver’s car insurance premiums. This is because new drivers pose a high risk of accidents because they don’t have enough driving experience yet.
Teen drivers can expect to pay between $150 and $400 per month for car insurance when they have a clean driving record. One speeding ticket, accident, or DUI can drastically increase your rates when you’re this young, so be sure you’re always driving with the utmost care.
Taking driver’s education courses or looking for good student discounts can also help lower your teen car insurance rates.
The Final Word on Getting Car Insurance at 17
It’s possible to buy a car insurance policy in your name at 17, but you’ll still need a parent or guardian’s signature until you’re a legal adult. You’ll likely find cheaper car insurance rates if you join an existing policy in your household, but that may not be possible if the car is registered in your name.
To find the cheapest rates, obtain quotes from multiple insurance companies and compare prices.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a 17-year-old get their own auto insurance policy?
Yes, in most cases, a 17-year-old can get their own auto insurance policy. However, laws and regulations regarding this matter may vary depending on the state and insurance company. It’s advisable to check with the insurance provider to understand their specific requirements and eligibility criteria.
How much does auto insurance cost for a 17-year-old?
Auto insurance premiums for 17-year-olds tend to be higher compared to older, more experienced drivers due to their lack of driving experience and higher risk of accidents. The exact cost will depend on various factors such as the 17-year-old’s driving record, location, the type of car they drive, coverage limits, and more. It’s recommended to obtain quotes from different insurance providers to compare rates.
Are there any discounts available for 17-year-old drivers?
Yes, some insurance companies offer discounts specifically designed for young drivers, including 17-year-olds. These discounts can vary but may include good student discounts, driver training discounts, and discounts for completing safe driving programs. It’s worth inquiring with insurance providers about any available discounts to potentially reduce the insurance premium.
Can a 17-year-old be added to their parent’s auto insurance policy?
Yes, in many cases, 17-year-olds can be added to their parent’s auto insurance policy. Adding a teenager to an existing policy is often more affordable than getting a separate policy. However, it’s essential to inform the insurance provider about the new driver in the household to ensure proper coverage.
What type of coverage do 17-year-olds need?
17-year-olds typically 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 a 17-year-old with a learner’s permit get auto insurance?
Yes, 17-year-olds 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 important to note that insurance companies may have specific requirements and restrictions for drivers with learner’s permits.
What factors affect the cost of auto insurance for 17-year-olds?
Several factors can influence the cost of auto insurance for 17-year-olds. These may include the teenager’s driving record (if any), the type of car they drive, the location where they reside, the level of coverage chosen, any applicable discounts, and the insurance company’s underwriting guidelines. Each insurance provider has its own way of assessing risk, so rates may vary.
How can 17-year-olds lower their auto insurance rates?
17-year-olds can consider several strategies to potentially lower their auto insurance rates. These include maintaining a clean driving record, completing driver education courses, maintaining good grades, driving a safe and low-risk vehicle, choosing higher deductibles, and exploring any available discounts. Additionally, comparing quotes from different insurance providers can help find the most 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.