Finding the Cheapest Car Insurance for New Drivers: Tips and Top Providers
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The kids are growing up fast. Before you know it, you'll be handing them the keys to their very own car (or a car they're allowed to drive to school and back). It's an exciting time that shouldn't be marred by exorbitant insurance premiums. Nonetheless, new drivers — especially teenagers and young adults — often face higher car insurance rates due to their lack of experience.
That doesn't mean you can't find affordable car insurance. If you're looking for the cheapest car insurance for new drivers, this guide can help.
Why is Car Insurance More Expensive for New Drivers?
We know car insurance tends to be more expensive for new drivers, but why exactly is that?
The Impact of Inexperience on Car Insurance Premiums
In the eyes of auto insurance companies, new drivers are more prone to accidents due to their inexperience behind the wheel. A person's driving record is one of the most critical factors in determining insurance premiums. Yes, while someone 25 or older with multiple traffic violations and accidents is a high-risk driver, first-time drivers with no experience at all are also considered very risky.
Why Teenagers and Young Adults Pay Higher Rates
It may not surprise you that drivers ages 16-19 have the highest rate of accidents among any age group. Teen drivers are more likely to be in accidents, whether it's due to inexperience or distractions. Either way, they're riskier to ensure, so they pay higher insurance rates.
Factors That Influence Car Insurance Rates for New Drivers
Any insurance company will weigh similar factors when determining insurance rates for a driver of any age. However, new drivers may see higher insurance costs based on a few additional factors.
How Age, Vehicle Type, and Location Affect Insurance Costs
We've mentioned how teenage drivers have the highest accident incident rate. As you might expect, even the cheapest car insurance for new drivers might be higher than you'd like for a teenager.
Additionally, the type of vehicle your teen drives will significantly impact premiums. The cheapest cars to insure for new drivers are economical ones that have earned high safety ratings. Luxury or sports vehicles will be much more expensive.
Finally, if a new driver lives in a high-traffic area like a major city, they're more likely to pay higher premiums. With more cars on the road, the likelihood of an accident is much higher.
The Role of Driving History and Record in Premiums
Driving history and record affect premiums for more experienced drivers. The safer you are and the fewer tickets and accidents on your record, the better premiums you'll get.
How to Find the Cheapest Car Insurance for New Drivers
Finding cheap car insurance for teens isn't always easy, but it's possible!
The Importance of Shopping Around and Comparing Quotes
The best thing you can do to find the cheapest car insurance for new drivers is to shop. Spending the time to gather insurance quotes from many providers is essential for price optimization.
How to Use EverQuote to Get the Best Rates for New Drivers
With so many insurance companies out there, finding quotes can feel overwhelming. That's why comparison tools like EverQuote are so useful. Even when you know your teen driver's average rates will be high, EverQuote will help you narrow down the options to find the best insurance policy.
Tips for Lowering Car Insurance Premiums for New Drivers
While you can't magically "age up," there are still things that new drivers can do to lower their car insurance premiums.
Discounts for Good Students, Safe Drivers, and Low Mileage
There are some insurance discounts exclusively available to new drivers. For instance, many auto insurers offer discounts for drivers who take a defensive driving class, including teens and other new drivers. Discounts may also be available for cars with low mileage that are less likely to break down or new drivers who go a year or two without a claim or points on their record.
Some insurance companies even offer discounts to high school drivers who maintain a "B" grade average or better.
Why Taking Defensive Driving Courses Can Help You Save
Defensive driving courses indicate to insurance companies that you're serious about safe driving. Plus, you've probably learned a thing or two about avoiding an accident. That could help you avoid claims in the future.
Choosing the Right Vehicle to Reduce Car Insurance Costs
Teen drivers can't help their inexperience. However, parents can help reduce car insurance costs by putting them in the cheapest car to insure for new drivers.
How Safety Ratings and Car Features Affect Insurance Rates
You're less likely to get hurt in an accident if you're driving a safer car. As such, an insurance company is less likely to pay out a significant claim. Vehicles that receive high safety ratings from organizations like the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) tend to be less expensive to insure.
Best Cars for New Drivers Looking to Lower Insurance
The cheapest cars to insure for new drivers include the Mazda MX-5 Miata, Subaru Outback, Volkswagen Golf GTI, and Mini Countryman. If you want to purchase or lease a car for a new driver, consider these models to get the best insurance premiums.
Why Maintaining a Clean Driving Record is Essential for New Drivers
New drivers already start with high premiums. They can shoot even higher if they don't maintain a clean driving record.
The Long-Term Benefits of Safe Driving on Insurance Premiums
As we've noted previously, driving history is one of the most important factors in determining insurance premiums. The longer you show you're a safe driver, the more likely you will get the cheapest rates.
How Traffic Violations and Accidents Can Spike Rates
Most states use a point system to assess a driver's record. Points are added to your record when you get a traffic violation, like a speeding ticket, or cause an accident. Insurance companies see these points and use them to assess your insurance premiums. Depending on the state, points may not fall off your record for several years, which means you may have to pay any spike incurred from points for a while.
Use EverQuote to Find the Cheapest Car Insurance for New Drivers
Whether you're looking for minimum coverage to comply with auto insurance state laws or you want more comprehensive coverage for a new driver, EverQuote can help. Using intuitive comparison tools, you can compare insurance quotes from many providers, explore discounts, and find the cheapest car insurance for new drivers that meets your budget and their coverage needs.