Young drivers’ car insurance can be prohibitively costly, but you can find affordable rates with Bankrate’s experts’ analysis of average premium data and reviews of discounts, digital tools and customer satisfaction ratings to find you an appropriate policy provider.
Teen drivers can save money by adding themselves to a parent’s policy or selecting a vehicle with high safety scores, or by attending defensive driving courses and using usage-based insurance programs.
1. GEICO
GEICO’s affordable auto insurance policies and coverages specifically tailored for new drivers make GEICO an excellent option, including roadside assistance and rental reimbursement coverage, plus its Drive Easy app that rewards safe driving behavior with discounts.
GEICO is well-known for its low rates and fast, friendly customer service. One of few insurers with 24/7 online chat feature available 24/7/365; customers can also reach an agent via email or over the phone.
GEICO provides teens with competitive auto insurance rates at reasonable rates while offering them access to numerous discounts that could save them money, including new car discounts, multi-car discounts and those who have completed driver education or use seat belts. Furthermore, the company provides a rate lock program which enables drivers to keep their current rate as long as they maintain a clean driving history.
While GEICO may offer cheaper auto insurance for teens than State Farm’s does, it’s still wise to compare rates and shop around to find the most economical deal. Make a list of your priorities and set aside some time to check rates with several providers – it may even save money by adding them onto an existing policy instead of creating their own separate one!
2. State Farm
State Farm is the nation’s leading auto insurer, known for their exceptional customer service, cost-effective premiums and diverse coverage options. State Farm stands out among young drivers as being particularly accommodating, offering such discounts as student away at school discounts and the Steer Clear discount (to foster safe driving habits). They also boast an A++ financial strength rating from AM Best as well as having a nationwide network of local agents offering policyholders comprehensive protection.
WalletHub conducted an analysis of California teen driver insurance premiums and found that State Farm charges more than the national average; yet still one of the more affordable options for young drivers. But be aware that when adding a teenager onto an existing policy, premiums will increase; they present more of a risk than older drivers do.
State Farm has been in business for more than a century and is known for their comprehensive online tools and user-friendliness. Their website and mobile app make managing policies straightforward for customers while their nationwide network of agents provide face-to-face help if desired. Furthermore, bundling both your auto and home insurance policies together saves an average of 25%!
3. Nationwide
Nationwide offers auto insurance tailored specifically towards teens, providing discounts and bundling options tailored towards young drivers. They offer the Snapshot program which tracks driving behavior and rewards good drivers with coverage discounts. Furthermore, this company provides digital features and customer portal for account management, roadside assistance quotes. Although their premiums may not be the cheapest on this list, their discounts and digital features make this worth consideration.
Parent may qualify for a good student discount on their teen driver’s policy if he or she earns at least a B average in school, as well as savings through accident forgiveness features that keep rates from increasing after an at-fault crash. Furthermore, some companies provide discounts to students who successfully complete state-approved driver education courses – this may include online learning as well as onroad instruction from providers.
No matter which company you select, it’s essential for teens to realize that every vehicle on the road represents a risk to themselves and their passengers. Mini cars and high-performance vehicles pose particular danger for teen drivers because they lack safety features to protect occupants in an accident; large SUVs can be more challenging to maneuver and take more distance to stop than standard cars; so as well as restricting which types of vehicles your teen uses when possible and discouraging distracted driving habits (like using phones while driving), limit driving time when possible and prevent distracted driving tactics while behind the wheel – to help minimize risks to both parties involved!
4. Safeco
Safeco is known for offering some of the lowest car insurance rates compared to its rivals and provides unique policy perks. Unfortunately, however, its customer service can sometimes fall below par and its website could be more user-friendly.
As well as earning discounts for good driving, there are also ways to save through defensive driving courses or accident prevention classes. Your rate could also decrease by decreasing the miles you travel annually (e.g. by shortening commutes or using public transit more). Finally, in states that allow it, Safeco can even lower rates based on credit score – an effective way to lower risk and potentially save on auto insurance premiums.
Though some customers have negative comments regarding customer service, most reviews express satisfaction with the products and services of this insurer. They boast an A rating from AM Best as well as offering both standard homeowners insurance as well as specialty coverage such as umbrella or flood.
Safeco is generally more cost-effective for young drivers than State Farm and GEICO, though not as affordable as Mercury or The General. Safeco offers more coverage options than its rivals such as roadside assistance and new vehicle replacement for full coverage policies; moreover, RightTrack rewards drivers for safe driving behavior by giving premium discounts.
