Finding cheap car insurance for under-25 drivers can be challenging. In the post-COVID environment, rates have risen significantly, making auto insurance unaffordable for many drivers under 25. This age group pays the most for coverage, as they are considered the riskiest of all drivers.
The good news is there are specific strategies you can take to get the cheapest auto insurance for young drivers. We will go over the cheapest insurers for younger drivers along with tips to save you the most of your hard-earned money.
Why Is Car Insurance So Dang Expensive for Drivers Under 25?
Car insurance for under-25 drivers is notoriously expensive for several reasons:
- Inexperience: Younger drivers lack the experience needed to avoid accidents or handle complex driving situations, which increases their risk.
- Higher Accident Rates: Statistically, drivers under 25 are more likely to be involved in accidents, leading to a higher number of claims, which insurers must account for.
- Risk Assessment: Insurance companies use risk assessments that factor in a driver’s age, and younger drivers are often categorized as high-risk.
- Vehicle Type: Many young drivers tend to drive cars that are sporty or have higher performance, which typically results in higher premiums.
Despite these factors, young drivers can take steps to find affordable car insurance that fits their needs and budget.
Who Has The Cheapest Car Insurance for Drivers Under 25
While there is no one-size-fits-all answer when it comes to the best car insurance company, some insurers are known for offering lower premiums for young drivers. After comparing several companies, the overall cheapest insurer for drivers under 25 is Geico.
Geico is well known for offering cheap direct auto insurance rates, especially for younger drivers. They have a variety of discounts, including ones for good students and safe drivers, which can really lower premiums for those under 25.
The 10 Cheapest Insurers for Young Drivers
Here’s a list of the 10 cheapest car insurance providers for drivers under 25. These companies have been selected based on their average premiums for young drivers, their discount opportunities, and overall customer satisfaction:
Company |
Key Features |
State Farm |
State Farm offers competitive rates and has an excellent reputation for customer service. Young drivers can also benefit from their Drive Safe & Save program, which uses a mobile app to track driving habits and rewards safe drivers with discounts. |
Progressive |
Progressive is another top contender for affordable rates. They offer a Snapshot program, which tracks your driving behavior and can reduce your rates if you are a safe driver. |
Allstate |
Allstate provides competitive rates for young drivers under 25 and offers numerous discounts, including good student discounts, safe driving discounts, and a discount for having multiple policies with them. |
Farmers Insurance |
Farmers Insurance offers a range of discounts for young drivers, including good student discounts and discounts for completing a defensive driving course. They also have a strong reputation for customer service. |
USAA |
USAA offers cheap car insurance rates for young drivers under 25 who qualify (military members and their families). Their policies are known for being comprehensive and affordable. |
Liberty Mutual |
Liberty Mutual provides several discounts for young drivers, including savings for good students, bundling policies, and using their mobile app to track safe driving. |
MetLife |
MetLife offers competitive rates for younger drivers, particularly those who are insured under their parent’s policies, with additional discounts for good students and low-mileage drivers. |
Nationwide |
Nationwide offers competitive rates, and young drivers can benefit from the SmartRide program, which tracks your driving habits and offers discounts for safe driving. |
Travelers |
Travelers Insurance offers affordable car insurance for young drivers with discounts for good students, low-mileage driving, and multiple policy bundling. |
10 Tips for Getting Cheaper Car Insurance For Young Drivers
Finding cheap car insurance isn’t just about choosing the right company—it’s also about taking proactive steps to reduce your premium. Here are 10 tips for young drivers to secure more affordable insurance:
- Shop Around and Compare Quotes Different insurance companies have varying rates, and rates can fluctuate based on your driving record, vehicle, and location. Getting multiple quotes is essential to ensure you’re getting the best deal.
- Maintain a Clean Driving Record A clean driving record is one of the most effective ways to reduce your car insurance premiums. Avoid accidents, traffic violations, and speeding tickets to keep your rates as low as possible.
- Take a Defensive Driving Course Many insurers offer discounts for drivers who complete a defensive driving course. These courses help you become a safer driver, and insurers recognize that when they offer you a discount.
- Take Advantage of Good Student Discounts Many insurance companies offer significant discounts for young drivers who maintain a good GPA. If you’re a full-time student with a B average or better, inquire about this discount.
- Drive a Safe, Reliable Car The make and model of your car can significantly impact your insurance rates. Choose a vehicle with good safety ratings, lower repair costs, and fewer chances of theft. Cars like sedans and mid-size vehicles tend to have lower premiums compared to sports cars and luxury vehicles.
- Increase Your Deductible Raising your deductible (the amount you pay out of pocket in the event of a claim) can lower your monthly premiums. However, make sure you can afford the higher deductible if you need to make a claim.
- Bundle Your Policies If you have renters, home, or life insurance, consider bundling these policies with your car insurance. Most insurers offer discounts for bundling multiple policies.
- Choose Pay-As-You-Go Insurance Pay-as-you-go car insurance, also known as usage-based insurance, charges premiums based on how much you drive. If you don’t drive often, this can be an excellent option to save money.
- Opt for Minimum Coverage If you’re driving an older car that isn’t worth much, consider opting for minimum coverage, which will reduce your premiums. However, make sure this option offers adequate protection in case of an accident.
- Consider Telematics or Usage-Based Insurance Some insurers offer programs like Progressive’s Snapshot or State Farm’s Drive Safe & Save, which track your driving habits through a mobile app or device in your car. If you’re a safe driver, you can earn discounts.
By following these strategies and carefully considering your options, young drivers can secure affordable car insurance without compromising on coverage.
The Best Discounts For Young Drivers
In addition to the tips mentioned above, many insurance companies offer various discounts specifically for young drivers. Here are some of the most common discounts:
- Good Student Discount: As mentioned earlier, if you’re a full-time student with a good GPA, you may qualify for a discount. This discount can be as high as 25% with some insurers.
- Safe Driver Discount: If you’ve been accident-free for a certain period, insurers may offer you a discount. This is often available to drivers with a clean driving record.
- Multi-Vehicle Discount: If your family has multiple cars, some insurers offer discounts if you insure more than one vehicle under the same policy.
- Driver Training Discount: Completing a driver’s education course or a defensive driving course can lead to discounts. This is especially beneficial for drivers who are just starting to drive.
- Low Mileage Discount: If you don’t drive much, some insurers offer discounts for low annual mileage. This can be particularly beneficial if you only use your car for commuting or occasional trips.
- Good Credit Discount: Maintaining good credit can help reduce your insurance premium. Many insurers consider your credit score when calculating rates, so a higher score can help you qualify for better pricing.
- Vehicle Safety Features Discount: If your car is equipped with safety features such as airbags, anti-lock brakes, and anti-theft systems, you may qualify for discounts.
- Telematics Discount: Some insurance companies offer discounts for safe driving habits tracked through telematics devices or mobile apps. These programs typically monitor your speed, braking habits, and other aspects of your driving.
- Military Discount: If you’re a member of the military or a veteran, some insurers offer discounts to help reduce your premiums.
- Bundling Insurance Policies: Many insurers offer discounts if you bundle car insurance with other policies, like renters or homeowners insurance.
The Final Word On Cheap Car Insurance for Under 25 Drivers
Car insurance for young drivers has gone up in recent years but with the right strategy, you can save some serious money. By shopping around you can see what insurer has the cheapest rates for your risk profile.
Finally, you should get all the discounts you can so you can lower your premiums even more. Compare multiple direct auto insurance quotes in minutes and save hundreds. To get started, enter your zip code and fill out a free online quote. Get better coverage today for less.