When you add any fully licensed child to your car insurance, you’ll see your rates go up, typically by an average of 46% or more. You might also see an increase in your premiums if:

You buy a new car: Having kids often means changing up your ride. If you invest in a bigger vehicle for your growing family, you’ll usually pay a higher rate.

You raise your coverage limits: It’s a good idea to raise the limits on your policy when you have kids—especially when they start driving. But it’ll also raise your rates.

If you’re worried about your kids affecting your insurance premium, use the

Jerry

app to compare competitive rates from dozens of

the best car insurance companies

to find the

cheapest car insurance policy

for your family. Jerry is backed by a team of 100+ licensed insurance agents who can help you find the best insurance solution for your family.

How kids can impact your car insurance costs

Only the drivers listed on your policy affect your car insurance premiums. But having kids can change your driving profile in certain ways:

Safe driving: Insurance companies might see you as more trustworthy once you become a parent—and you might actually modify your driving habits with little ones on board. To maximize the impact of your safe driver status, take a defensive driving course or enroll in a telematics program like

Allstate’s Drivewise or Progressive’s Snapshot

Newer vehicles: Buying a bigger vehicle to accommodate your family might raise your auto insurance costs, but if you opt for an AWD vehicle with strong safety ratings, you might actually see a decrease in your premium! The

Subaru Outback

and

Honda Odyssey

are two large, family-friendly vehicles with some of the lowest premiums of any car.

Coverage limits: If you have kids, you should carry more than your

state’s minimum liability coverage

. Jerry’s experts recommend full coverage with high deductibles and 100/300/100 limits for bodily injury and property damage liability.

Multi-car discounts: Many families need more than one car. If that’s you, you can bundle your auto policies for multiple vehicles and keep your overall rates low.

Adding a child to your car insurance policy

When your kid gets their learner’s permit—and their full driver’s license—it’s time to add them to your auto insurance policy.

You can add a child to your policy by phone, online, or through an app: Just be ready to provide your child’s full name, date of birth, Social Security number, and driver’s license number.

Keep your child on the family policy as long as possible: In most cases, young drivers won’t pay a lower rate with their own policy until they reach their mid-twenties.

Check for car insurance discounts with your provider: Discounts for good grades, safe driving, and even attending school away from home can all lower the cost of adding a child to your insurance.

Keep in mind: Not all insurers require teen drivers with learner’s permits to be added to their parent’s car insurance policy. Check with your insurance provider when the time comes.

Minors can’t purchase a separate policy: With very few exceptions, teen drivers can’t legally purchase their own auto insurance policy until they’re 18 years old—the age at which most states allow individuals to enter legal contracts.

Average cost to add a teen driver to an existing policy	Average cost of a standalone policy for an 18-year-old driver
$2,446	$5,590

FAQs

Should kids pay their own car insurance?

It’s almost always cheaper for a teen driver to stay on a family member’s car insurance policy until they move out—but depending on family finances and other factors, some parents might choose to have their kids pay for their portion of the premium.

Can I remove my son from my car insurance when he goes to college?

Full-time college students can stay on a parent’s policy, even if they’re attending school out of state, as long as their permanent address is the same as the primary policyholder’s. However, a student away at school discount can keep your college-age driver from raising your rates while they aren’t driving your vehicle.

What is the youngest age to get car insurance?

The youngest age at which you can purchase your own car insurance policy is typically 18 years old. 16- and 17-year olds typically cannot get their own insurance—even if they’re fully licensed—because a car insurance agreement is a legally binding contract that minors can’t sign.

However, you’ll need to add your teen to your insurance policy once they start driving. In some states, that could be as early at 14 years old.

Is car insurance for kids required?

Car insurance is required for all drivers—including kids. If a 16-year-old has a valid driver’s license, they need to be on a parent or guardian’s car insurance policy.

What are some things a parent should consider when buying car insurance for their child?

Teen car insurance is expensive due to the higher risk of car accidents and violations—but it costs less if you can demonstrate that your child is a safe driver. Teen driving safety programs like State Farm’s Steer Clear can help young drivers maintain a clean driving record and earn extra safe driver discounts.

Parents should also consider adding additional coverage, such as roadside assistance and personal injury protection, when buying car insurance for kids.

What is the average cost of car insurance for kids?

The average cost of a car insurance policy for an 18-year-old driver is $5,590 per year, and the average cost to add a teenager to a parent’s policy is $2,446. Insurance companies see motorists under age 25 as high-risk drivers due to their lack of experience on the road.

Are you overpaying for car insurance?

Compare quotes and find out in 45 seconds.

Try Jerry