When shopping for car insurance, it’s helpful to be aware of what you might pay before you purchase a policy. The cost of car insurance depends on a few different factors, but in this article we’ll look at the average car insurance rates by age.
To ensure our information is as accurate as possible, we analyzed millions of data points provided to us by Quadrant Information Services. We specifically honed in on the data for various age groups, filtering it by provider and state. We also looked at what discounts major insurance providers offer.
Having this information can help you select the best auto insurance company for your needs and budget. We’ll offer a couple of recommendations to get your search started.
Our Methodology
In an effort to provide accurate and unbiased information to consumers, our expert review team collects data from dozens of auto insurance providers to formulate rankings of the best insurers. Companies receive a score in each of the following categories, as well as an overall weighted score out of 5.0 stars.
Industry Standing
When rating insurance providers, we look at how long a company has been in business. We also factor in ratings and accreditation from the Better Business Bureau (BBB), as well as its financial strength rating from AM Best and the market share according to the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC). The AM Best rating tells us about a company’s ability to pay claims.
Availability
Not all insurance providers offer coverage in every state. To determine an availability score, we look at where the company operates and what restrictions it may place on eligibility. We don’t weigh this factor as heavily in the final score, as some regional providers offer excellent coverage and customer service.
Coverage
We score providers on the kinds of insurance coverage they offer. All insurance companies offer the six main types of insurance, but what makes an insurer stand out are its optional coverages. Some of these include:
- Roadside assistance
- Rental car reimbursement
- Gap insurance
- Accident forgiveness
- Trip interruption
- Telematics insurance
Cost And Discounts
We highlight cost data in this article, which we get by analyzing rate averages generated by Quadrant Information Services. Since we’re discussing the average car insurance rates by age, we look at costs associated with profiles for drivers aged 16, 17, 18, 19, 21, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 65, and 75. We examine the average costs for various age groups from different providers and look at the average costs by age and state. State data includes 100 zip codes.
Car discounts vary from provider to provider, so it’s up to you to determine which works best. We look at some of the most pertinent discounts offered for age groups that pay the most for car insurance.
Customer Service
For this score, we reviewed our customer survey, in which we asked nearly 8,000 respondents to rate their satisfaction with their car insurance company. We also look at customer reviews left on the BBB and Truspilot, including the average star rating those customers give. The number of complaints logged on the BBB and NAIC websites factors in as well. We also look at the following J.D. Power studies in this category:
- J.D. Power 2022 U.S. Insurance Shopping Study℠
- J.D. Power 2022 U.S. Auto Claims Satisfaction Study℠
- J.D. Power 2022 U.S. Auto Insurance Study℠
Technology
To assess a company’s technology score, we first check to see if it offers auto insurance quotes online. We also check to see if the company has an app in which the customer can get information, file claims, or talk to a representative. Whether the company offers a usage-based insurance app also factors into our score. Finally, we check the star ratings customers give these apps.
How Does Age Affect Car Insurance Rates?
Auto insurance rates start high when you get your license as a teen driver. They tend to decrease through your 20s if you maintain a good driving record. After you retire, the average cost of car insurance can start to pick up a bit. Rates for older drivers – especially those in their 70s and 80s – get a bit more expensive again.
So why do average car insurance rates by age vary so much? Basically, it’s all about risk.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), around 2,800 teens were killed in car accidents in 2020, and over 227,000 were injured. Drivers aged 16 to 19 have a fatal crash rate that’s nearly three times that of drivers aged 20 and older. Males in that age group are also three times as likely to get into an accident than female drivers. New drivers tend to be the riskiest, as newly licensed 16-year-olds are 1.5 times more likely to get into a crash than 18- or 19-year-olds.
Most insurance companies also consider motorists over the age of 70 high risk, as they have much higher fatal accident rates than middle-aged drivers.
When an insured driver gets into an accident, it’s the auto insurance company that cuts the check. That’s why insurance companies charge more for high-risk drivers, which includes young drivers. You might be the most cautious 16-year-old driver around, but you’ll still have higher rates because of your age.
Average Car Insurance Rates By Age
Car insurance rates tend to follow an inverted bell curve. Teen and senior drivers typically pay the highest car insurance prices, while drivers in their 30s and 40s often pay the lowest rates.
We built the table below using data supplied to us from Quadrant Information Services. Each profile combines data for both male and female drivers of each age group. These profiles are based on drivers with good credit and a clean driving record. These average costs are for full-coverage car insurance policies.
| Age | Average Monthly Cost | Average Annual Cost |
|---|---|---|
| 16 | $576 | $6,912 |
| 17 | $468 | $5,612 |
| 18 | $413 | $4,958 |
| 19 | $309 | $3,708 |
| 21 | $232 | $2,786 |
| 25 | $168 | $2,019 |
| 30 | $153 | $1,831 |
| 35 | $149 | $1,785 |
| 40 | $146 | $1,755 |
| 45 | $144 | $1,730 |
| 50 | $138 | $1,658 |
| 55 | $134 | $1,609 |
| 65 | $137 | $1,648 |
| 75 | $159 | $1,912 |
Typically, middle-aged drivers between the ages of 30 and 65 find the best car insurance rates on average. As drivers age, they can start to experience problems with vision and cognitive abilities, which are important for driving safety.
Average Car Insurance Rates By Provider
We also looked at full-coverage cost data for some of the top insurance providers as it relates to age group.
| Provider | Average Annual Cost for 17-Year-Olds | Average Annual Cost for 18-Year-Olds | Average Annual Cost for 25-Year-Olds | Average Annual Cost for 35-Year-Olds | Average Annual Cost for 45-Year-Olds | Average Annual Cost for 55-Year-Olds | Average Annual Cost for 65-Year-Olds | Average Annual Cost for 75-Year-Olds |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| State Farm | $3,714 | $3,340 | $1,686 | $1,483 | $1,466 | $1,390 | $1,353 | $1,520 |
| USAA | $3,398 | $2,897 | $1,292 | $1,113 | $1,051 | $1,012 | $1,057 | $1,260 |
| Geico | $3,646 | $3,161 | $1,420 | $1,293 | $1,292 | $1,213 | $1,227 | $1,457 |
| Travelers | $5,277 | $4,429 | $1,763 | $1,668 | $1,550 | $1,398 | $1,465 | $1,754 |
| Erie | $3,137 | $2,888 | $1,523 | $1,303 | $1,215 | $1,143 | $1,219 | $1,458 |
| Progressive | $9,457 | $7,812 | $1,934 | $1,758 | $1,684 | $1,501 | $1,566 | $1,872 |
| Nationwide | $4,238 | $4,132 | $1,556 | $1,392 | $1,337 | $1,221 | $1,263 | $1,479 |
| Allstate | $6,804 | $5,925 | $2,382 | $2,152 | $2,133 | $2,002 | $2,090 | $2,328 |
Again, younger and elderly drivers typically pay the most for coverage. Costs begin to decrease as drivers enter their 20s and increasing again after the age of 65.
Average Car Insurance Rates By Age And State
In the table below, you’ll see average car insurance rates by age in each state. The cost data we obtained from Quadrant Information Services is based on the profile of a driver with a clean record and good credit. State data compiles rate averages from 100 zip codes, including 10 from the largest cities in each state.
| State | Average Annual Cost for 16-year-olds | Average Annual Cost for 18-year-olds | Average Annual Cost for 25-year-olds | Average Annual Cost for 35-year-olds | Average Annual Cost for 45-year-olds | Average Annual Cost for 55-year-olds | Average Annual Cost for 65-year-olds | Average Annual Cost for 75-year-olds |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | $6,425 | $4,930 | $1,775 | $1,538 | $1,483 | $1,378 | $1,430 | $1,694 |
| Alaska | $5,633 | $3,963 | $1,619 | $1,439 | $1,393 | $1,281 | $1,389 | $1,610 |
| Arizona | $6,879 | $4,936 | $1,997 | $1,811 | $1,751 | $1,603 | $1,680 | $1,944 |
| Arkansas | $6,347 | $4,456 | $1,846 | $1,595 | $1,550 | $1,432 | $1,453 | $1,685 |
| California | $6,077 | $5,401 | $2,568 | $2,168 | $2,129 | $2,077 | $2,058 | $2,333 |
| Colorado | $7,212 | $5,140 | $2,166 | $1,912 | $1,866 | $1,756 | $1,786 | $2,053 |
| Connecticut | $14,981 | $9,889 | $3,631 | $3,064 | $3,008 | $2,785 | $2,808 | $3,552 |
| Delaware | $10,461 | $6,961 | $2,518 | $2,256 | $2,192 | $1,966 | $1,996 | $2,304 |
| Florida | $12,130 | $8,802 | $3,391 | $3,068 | $2,941 | $2,712 | $2,748 | $3,245 |
| Georgia | $7,195 | $5,143 | $1,999 | $1,707 | $1,635 | $1,533 | $1,601 | $1,933 |
| Hawaii | $1,969 | $1,951 | $1,819 | $1,819 | $1,819 | $1,819 | $1,819 | $1,819 |
| Idaho | $4,845 | $3,397 | $1,246 | $1,099 | $1,054 | $963 | $995 | $1,172 |
| Illinois | $6,168 | $4,061 | $1,588 | $1,404 | $1,346 | $1,255 | $1,308 | $1,584 |
| Indiana | $4,569 | $3,186 | $1,546 | $1,376 | $1,290 | $1,212 | $1,276 | $1,500 |
| Iowa | $3,988 | $2,770 | $1,394 | $1,224 | $1,178 | $1,067 | $1,049 | $1,205 |
| Kansas | $5,622 | $4,152 | $1,690 | $1,513 | $1,463 | $1,306 | $1,304 | $1,484 |
| Kentucky | $6,638 | $4,936 | $2,097 | $1,838 | $1,758 | $1,610 | $1,703 | $2,018 |
| Louisiana | $12,974 | $8,324 | $3,324 | $2,955 | $2,860 | $2,657 | $2,925 | $2,919 |
| Maine | $3,801 | $2,990 | $1,150 | $988 | $940 | $907 | $898 | $916 |
| Maryland | $7,095 | $5,420 | $2,039 | $1,836 | $1,774 | $1,613 | $1,915 | $1,958 |
| Massachusetts | $9,994 | $7,858 | $2,929 | $2,647 | $2,543 | $2,424 | $2,034 | $2,318 |
| Michigan | $15,189 | $10,489 | $4,370 | $3,785 | $3,710 | $3,431 | $3,409 | $3,832 |
| Minnesota | $5,011 | $3,663 | $1,877 | $1,677 | $1,619 | $1,468 | $1,532 | $1,831 |
| Mississippi | $5,791 | $4,484 | $1,769 | $1,504 | $1,441 | $1,309 | $1,342 | $1,611 |
| Missouri | $6,401 | $4,305 | $2,027 | $1,776 | $1,713 | $1,563 | $1,556 | $1,826 |
| Montana | $7,330 | $5,865 | $2,254 | $1,938 | $1,867 | $1,730 | $1,712 | $2,093 |
| Nebraska | $6,074 | $4,272 | $1,906 | $1,681 | $1,633 | $1,461 | $1,430 | $1,590 |
| Nevada | $9,645 | $6,826 | $2,466 | $2,246 | $2,199 | $2,069 | $2,160 | $2,595 |
| New Hampshire | $5,879 | $4,052 | $1,677 | $1,398 | $1,366 | $1,279 | $1,327 | $1,608 |
| New Jersey | $8,895 | $6,058 | $2,288 | $2,096 | $2,065 | $1,926 | $1,896 | $2,181 |
| New Mexico | $5,787 | $4,014 | $1,673 | $1,502 | $1,469 | $1,383 | $1,397 | $1,611 |
| New York | $7,995 | $6,387 | $3,156 | $2,834 | $2,773 | $2,605 | $2,649 | $3,149 |
| North Carolina | $3,812 | $2,843 | $1,456 | $1,371 | $1,343 | $1,274 | $1,297 | $1,378 |
| North Dakota | $5,796 | $3,735 | $1,546 | $1,404 | $1,313 | $1,195 | $1,191 | $1,363 |
| Ohio | $3,637 | $2,762 | $1,250 | $1,064 | $1,023 | $956 | $971 | $1,200 |
| Oklahoma | $5,978 | $4,759 | $1,992 | $1,779 | $1,772 | $1,640 | $1,649 | $1,854 |
| Oregon | $6,962 | $4,411 | $1,544 | $1,376 | $1,327 | $1,238 | $1,289 | $1,587 |
| Pennsylvania | $6,002 | $4,452 | $2,089 | $1,800 | $1,707 | $1,599 | $1,673 | $2,085 |
| Rhode Island | $10,632 | $6,598 | $2,203 | $1,912 | $1,851 | $1,718 | $1,968 | $2,114 |
| South Carolina | $6,370 | $5,099 | $1,995 | $1,751 | $1,690 | $1,765 | $1,814 | $2,129 |
| South Dakota | $5,457 | $4,130 | $1,879 | $1,711 | $1,653 | $1,473 | $1,434 | $1,545 |
| Tennessee | $6,125 | $4,307 | $1,519 | $1,324 | $1,258 | $1,147 | $1,192 | $1,420 |
| Texas | $7,703 | $5,414 | $2,132 | $1,850 | $1,826 | $1,727 | $1,813 | $2,123 |
| Utah | $6,625 | $4,637 | $1,712 | $1,554 | $1,546 | $1,446 | $1,503 | $1,849 |
| Vermont | $3,560 | $2,906 | $1,237 | $1,088 | $1,044 | $929 | $1,011 | $1,333 |
| Virginia | $4,408 | $3,255 | $1,341 | $1,197 | $1,152 | $1,069 | $1,134 | $1,379 |
| Washington | $5,523 | $3,689 | $1,632 | $1,466 | $1,426 | $1,337 | $1,402 | $1,691 |
| Washington D.C. | $7,345 | $5,593 | $2,173 | $1,918 | $1,873 | $1,747 | $1,816 | $2,150 |
| West Virginia | $6,301 | $4,527 | $1,838 | $1,597 | $1,546 | $1,410 | $1,459 | $1,729 |
| Wisconsin | $6,851 | $4,630 | $1,437 | $1,271 | $1,240 | $1,126 | $1,123 | $1,334 |
| Wyoming | $6,385 | $4,801 | $2,030 | $1,824 | $1,762 | $1,649 | $1,696 | $1,986 |
As you can see, average car insurance costs vary widely by state. Idahoans pay the least for car insurance, while drivers in Michigan shell out the big bucks for coverage. Remember, these are just averages. If you live in downtown Des Moines, your premium will probably be more than the state average. On the other hand, if you live in upstate New York, your car insurance policy will likely cost less than the state average.
Within states, car insurance premiums can vary widely city by city. For example, California has a few of the most expensive cities for car insurance, including Los Angeles and San Francisco. But, the state isn’t one of the most expensive overall.
Minimum Coverage Requirements
Most states have financial responsibility laws that require drivers to carry a certain amount of car insurance cover in order to legally drive. You can only forego coverage in two states – Virginia and New Hampshire – but you are still financially responsible for the damage that you cause.
Other states may allow you to purchase a surety bond or deposit money into an account with the DMV, but compensation for other drivers ultimately comes out of your pocket under those circumstances.
It’s also important to know that state minimum coverages probably won’t protect you in the case of a catastrophic accident. Just one bad accident can financially ruin a driver without enough coverage. The Insurance Information Institute recommends you carry coverage of 100/300/100.
Also, no state requires collision or comprehensive car insurance, but it’s a good idea to carry these to protect against damage to your car. According to our survey, nearly 70 percent of drivers have a full-coverage insurance policy.
List Of No-Fault States
Some states have no-fault insurance systems. In a no-fault system, drivers seek medical compensation from their own insurance companies no matter who caused the accident. No-fault states require drivers to carry personal injury protection (PIP) to cover medical expenses. In some situations, a no-fault system can drive up insurance costs.
No-fault states include:
- Florida
- Hawaii
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- New Jersey
- New York
- North Dakota
- Pennsylvania
- Utah
What Other Factors Affect Car Insurance Rates?
Your age and your home state aren’t the only things that affect your rates. Insurers use a variety of factors to determine the cost of your premiums.
Here are some of the most important ones:
- Driving record: If you have a clean driving record, you’ll find much better rates than if you’ve had any recent accidents or traffic violations like speeding tickets.
- Vehicle usage: You’re at risk every time you get on the road, so the more you drive, the more likely it is you’ll have an accident. Some insurers may offer discounted rates if you don’t use your car much. Others offer usage-based insurance that may save you money.
- Vehicle type: Insurers factor the likelihood of a vehicle being stolen or damaged as well as the cost of that vehicle into your premiums. If your car is one that has a likelihood of being stolen, you may have to pay more for insurance.
- Credit history: Some states have made laws that prevent insurers from using your credit score as part of your rates calculation. But in others, having bad credit could cause the cost of your insurance premiums to rise dramatically.
- Gender: Not every state allows insurers to use the gender listed on your driver’s license as a determining factor in your premiums. But in ones that do, female drivers typically pay a little less for insurance than male drivers.
- Auto insurance coverage: Of course, how much insurance and what kind of insurance coverage you buy has a direct effect on how much you pay. Policies that only meet state minimum coverage requirements will be the cheapest. Additional coverage will cost more.
Why Do Car Insurance Rates Change?
There are many reasons why auto insurance rates fluctuate. The most common cause of a rate increase comes from filing a claim. An at-fault accident can raise your rate as much as 50 percent over the next three years. If you were convicted of a DUI or a hit-and-run, your rates will go up even more.
However, you don’t have to be in an accident to experience rising rates. Overall, car insurance tends to get more expensive as time goes on.
Cars with smart technology and advanced safety features cost more to repair, and an influx of these vehicles can drive up local rates. Also, if your state has a spell of natural disasters, rates will increase to cover the increase in comprehensive auto claims.
How Can I Save Money On Car Insurance?
You can’t control your age, and you probably don’t want to move states just to save on car insurance. Fortunately, there are a number of other discounts that you might be able to capitalize on right now. Here are a few of them:
- Good driver: Many companies give you the biggest discount for having a good driving history.
- Multi-policy: Also called bundling, you can get lower rates for holding more than one insurance policy with the same company.
- Multi-car: The same thing goes for insuring multiple cars with one company.
Homeowner: If you own a home, you could get a homeowner discount from a number of providers. - Loyalty: Get a discount for sticking with the same company for multiple years. Here’s a secret: You can always compare rates each term to see if you’re getting the best price, even with your loyalty discount.
- Usage-based: Programs like Progressive car insurance’s Snapshot track your driving habits and can issue discounts based on good driving. However, some can also raise your rates if it turns out you’re not a good driver.
- Financial stability: Some companies give you a discount for having a good credit score.
When sourcing car insurance quotes, it’s a good idea to ask the insurance company if there are any more discounts that apply to you. Sometimes, online quote forms might not account for your unique situation.
Car Insurance Discounts By Age
The table below compares available discounts for students and seniors from a few major car insurance providers. Keep in mind, you might find better rates through another company that doesn’t have a specific student or senior discount.
Discounts |
Discounts |
Senior Discount |
Defensive Driver Discount |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
Varies |
15% |
– |
10% |
|
15% |
25% |
– |
8% |
|
30% |
– |
– |
5% |
|
7% |
14% |
– |
10% |
|
Varies |
Varies |
– |
10% |
|
– |
– |
Varies |
5% |
|
Farmers |
– |
– |
Varies |
10% |
8% |
– |
– |
10% |
|
American Family |
– |
– |
– |
10% |
Erie Auto Insurance |
20% |
– |
– |
– |
Esurance |
– |
10% |
10% |
5% |
*The Hartford is only available to members of the AARP. However, policyholders can add younger drivers to their policy and get discounts.
Average Car Insurance Rates By Age: Conclusion
Teens and younger drivers typically pay the most for car insurance coverage. As you get older and become a more experienced driver, you’re more likely to find cheap car insurance. However, you will see an increase in rates past the age of 65, as older drivers tend to have increased chances of getting into a car crash. When looking for affordable rates no matter your age, make sure to ask about any discount opportunities you may qualify for.
Our Recommendations For Car Insurance
No matter your age, some car insurance companies will charge you more than others. That’s why it’s so important to compare car insurance between multiple providers.
Geico Insurance: Best Discount Availability
Something that sets Geico apart from most of its competitors is its discount program. The company offers many of the same discounts as other insurance providers, like good student and multi-car discounts, but has flexible terms and many ways to qualify. Geico is also known for having affordable insurance rates, even for teen drivers.
Read more: Geico insurance reviews
State Farm Insurance: Best Overall
State Farm is the largest insurance company in the nation. The company offers below-average insurance rates. In addition to the main types of car insurance, State Farm provides numerous optional coverages. These include travel expense coverage, rideshare insurance, roadside assistance, and rental car reimbursement.
Read more: State Farm insurance reviews