Yes, a minor can get insurance on a car, but it is almost always more expensive and comes with specific legal requirements. In the United States, a minor (typically anyone under 18) cannot enter into a legally binding contract like an auto insurance policy on their own. Therefore, a parent or legal guardian must be the primary policyholder, adding the teen driver to their existing policy. This results in a significant premium surcharge—an additional cost due to the insurer's statistical assessment of higher risk.
The cost increase is substantial. According to industry analyses, adding a teenage driver to a parent's policy can increase the premium by an average of 160% for a 16-year-old. This high cost reflects the stark reality of crash statistics. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) notes that teen drivers aged 16-19 are nearly three times more likely to be in a fatal crash than drivers aged 20 and older.
| Factor Influencing Teen Insurance Premiums | Description & Impact on Cost |
|---|
| Age | 16-year-olds are the most expensive to insure; premiums generally decrease each year until age 25. |
| Gender | Young male drivers typically face higher premiums than young female drivers due to higher risk statistics. |
| Vehicle Type | Insuring a sports car or a large SUV costs significantly more than a safe, midsize sedan for a teen. |
| Grades | Many insurers offer a "good student discount," often for a B average or better, acknowledging responsibility. |
| Driver's Training | Completing an accredited driver's education course beyond the minimum state requirement can lead to discounts. |
| Location | Urban areas with higher traffic density and theft rates lead to higher premiums compared to rural areas. |
To manage these costs, explore every available discount. The most effective strategy is often to list the teen as the primary driver on the family's oldest, safest, and least valuable car. Maintaining a clean driving record is the fastest way to see premiums decrease over time. The key for families is to shop around, as premiums can vary dramatically between insurers for the same driver profile.
