Merrill Burchell, Car Insurance Writer
@merrill_burchell
A 17-year-old can get their own car insurance in most states. Most states require a parent to grant legal written permission for anyone under 18 to buy a car or insurance, however. In some states, a 17-year-old must also have a parent listed on the car’s title, registration and insurance. A few states set a minimum age for sole ownership of a car but let insurance companies decide whether a parent or guardian must co-sign the insurance policy.
If you are a minor and want to own and insure a vehicle, you should check with your state's department of motor vehicles to see if your state has a minimum age for car ownership. Also ask about extra measures you may need to take to register and insure a car until you turn 18.
Keep in mind that having your own policy will be expensive. The average cost of an individual policy for a 17-year-old is over $5,500 per year—more than three times the average amount paid by drivers over 25. Be sure to get multiple quotes, from companies like GEICO and Progressive that offer good rates for young drivers. If you are living at home or attending school, also consider talking with your parents about the pros and cons of being covered on their policy instead. It would be much cheaper.
People also ask
When does car insurance go down?
The cost of car insurance typically goes down the most between the ages of 18 and 19, when rates drop by about 25% on average. Car insurance premiums generally continue to go down each year until age 25, when rates begin to level off for the next few decades. When drivers turn 25 years old, they can expect a discount of about 14%.
When Car Insurance Rates Go Down the Most
| ... | Average Rate | Change from Previous Age |
What is the average cost of car insurance for a teenager?
The average cost of car insurance for a teenager is $215 per month, for an individual policy. Younger teens typically pay the most for car insurance coverage, with 16-year-olds paying an average of 85% more than 19-year-olds.
Average Cost of Car Insurance for Teenagers by Age
| Age | Average Annual Premium |
| $3,343 | |
| ... | $2,752 |
How much is car insurance for an 18-year-old?
Car insurance for an 18-year-old costs an average of $2,325 per year for minimum coverage. Eighteen-year-old drivers pay more for car insurance than older, more experienced drivers because insurers consider them to be high-risk, meaning they’re more likely to file a claim.
The exact cost of car insurance for an 18-year-old depends on a few factors, including their driving record, gender, location, vehicle, and car insurance company. Some of the best insurance companies for 18-year-old drivers are...
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