While it’s possible to find cheap car insurance for 17-year-olds, you’ll need to shop around and compare quotes if your driver is buying insurance for the first time. Or, you may need to change insurers if they already have a policy. There are many things that impact rates for 17 year olds, including the fact that young drivers have an increased risk of accidents. Find out how to get cheap car insurance for 17 year olds and which companies have the lowest premiums.
Factors Influencing Cost
The cost of auto insurance for teens depends on various factors. Here are some of the things insurance companies often look at when calculating teen driver rates.
Location
Your state, city and zip code will impact your car insurance premium. Location-specific factors such as accident rates, number of uninsured drivers, population density, weather hazards, and vehicle theft rates can all contribute to your teen’s personalized premium.
Gender
In most states, auto insurance companies use gender as a pricing factor for auto insurance. Men tend to pay higher car insurance premiums than women. If you buy car insurance for your 17 year old son, the rates may be slightly higher than a woman with the same profile and the same car.
Age
Age is used as a rating factor for auto insurance for teens and adults. But because young drivers have recently obtained their licenses and have little driving experience, insurers generally charge higher premiums for 17-year-olds. However, a driver’s rates tend to decrease with age.
Driving record
As part of the car insurance application process, the insurance company will review your teen’s driving record. If your 17-year-old has been in an accident or received a speeding ticket, it could increase his car insurance premium.
Vehicle type
If your teen owns their own vehicle, the make and model will likely affect the cost of their policy. Factors that can affect premiums include the cost of car repairs, car safety and the likelihood of theft.
Claims history
Young drivers who have made claims in the past, such as an at-fault accident, may pay higher car insurance premiums in the future.
Types of coverage
All teenage drivers are required to carry a minimum amount of auto insurance, according to state laws. If you want your child to have coverage beyond what is required (collision, comprehensive, roadside assistance or accident forgiveness, for example), their premium will increase.
Coverage limits
Similar to coverage types, your teen’s coverage limits will also affect their rate. For example, if you purchase higher liability coverage limits than legally required, the premium will increase. You can usually adjust the coverage limits, which means you may be able to lower them to reduce a teen driver’s premium.
Discounts
Most auto insurance companies offer discounts that can help your teen get a lower rate. Some insurers offer savings to teenagers who get good grades in school. You can also find discounts for insuring multiple vehicles (like your car and your teen’s car) on the same policy.
How to find cheap car insurance for a 17 year old
Auto insurance for teens tends to be quite expensive. But if you’re wondering how to get cheap insurance for 17 year olds, there are a few steps you need to follow.
Compare car insurance quotes on Insurify.
Search insurance companies
Before you start getting quotes for your teen, spend some time researching insurance companies. Review coverage options, discounts, third-party ratings, and customer reviews. Check to see if any insurers in your area offer special discounts or programs for teen drivers or additional benefits that your current insurer does not offer.
Request quotes
Once you’ve found a few insurance companies that meet your teen’s needs, request a quote. You will need to provide information about your teen and their vehicle (if they have their own car). Be sure to get quotes for the same types and amounts of coverage for consistency. You should also get a quote from your current insurance company.
Compare rates
Take the quotes you received and compare them side by side. See which company can offer your teen the lowest rate for the coverage they want.
Consider switching insurers
If your current insurance company hasn’t provided the lowest quote, it might be beneficial to switch insurers. However, you should check with your insurance company if they charge cancellation fees in the middle of the insurance period.
Add your teenager to your policy
If your current insurer can offer the lowest rate, add your teen as an alternate driver on your existing policy. If you wish to change insurers, inform your current insurance company of your intention to change, then take out your new policy. It’s a good idea to set your old policy’s end date to a day or two after the start of the new policy to avoid a lapse in coverage.
In general, it’s less expensive to add your teen to your policy than to buy them their own separate policy.
Cheap car insurance quotes for 17 year olds
Getting affordable auto insurance for teens often involves shopping around and comparing rates from a few different companies. Here are some quotes from well-known car insurance companies: