Every driver needs car insurance, no matter their age. You can get auto insurance at 17, but the real question is whether you should stay on your parents’ policy or purchase your own.
In this guide, we’ll discuss car insurance for 17-year-olds, including the factors that affect rates and tips for young drivers looking to save money on car insurance. If you want to jump in and start reviewing free insurance quotes now, enter your zip code below.
Overview of Auto Insurance for 17-Year-Old Drivers
Generally, minimum coverage requirements for 17-year-old drivers are the same as the standards for other vehicle owners. However, teen drivers should consider opting for higher limits or add-on coverage like accident forgiveness. While any driver can experience a rate increase following an at-fault accident, teenage drivers may face stiffer penalties. Accident forgiveness can protect you from a steep increase after a serious traffic offense.
Can Any Teen Buy Car Insurance?
In order to buy your own auto insurance policy, you need to be the registered owner of the vehicle(s) being insured. Some states allow 16-year-olds and 17-year-olds to register cars in their name, and we’ll discuss that more below.
Even if you can buy your own policy, it may not be in your best interest to do so. Teens, especially 16- and 17-year-old males, see some of the highest insurance rates. This is because male drivers are viewed as high-risk drivers. Joining your parents’ policy can be a great way to save money while also ensuring that you have the right coverage.
How State Laws Determine Ages for Auto Insurance
Every state has unique laws that will influence a 17-year-old’s ability to obtain auto insurance. In some states, including California, you must be at least 18 years old before you can register a motor vehicle. A vehicle must be in your name if you want to insure it.
If your state will not allow you to register a car in your name before you turn 18 years of age, then you will not be able to buy car insurance at 17 years old. Emancipated teenagers are an exception, as they have been granted the rights and privileges of an adult by the courts.
Another common issue that 17-year-olds face is that they may have difficulty buying a car. Even if your state allows you to register a car in your name before you turn 18, buying it can be a challenge. This is because minors cannot legally enter a contract to buy a car without a parent or guardian’s signature. Transactions without the approval of a guardian are not legally binding.
Can a 17-Year-Old Driver Have a Car Title in Their Name?
Most states will allow you to register a car in your name at the age of 17. However, a handful of states do not allow this. The easiest way to find out your state’s specific requirements is to check with your local Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). This information should be readily available on your state’s official DMV website.
Tips for Saving Money on Auto Insurance at 17
When it comes to purchasing car insurance, age and gender are two big factors that will impact your auto insurance quotes. However, this is not the only criteria that insurers use to determine rates.
There are many ways to reduce the cost of insuring your vehicle. For instance, companies like State Farm offer student-specific discounts for obtaining good grades. You should also do your best to maintain a clean driving record, as avoiding speeding tickets and at-fault car accidents specifically can help keep your rates down.
Another popular option is to take a defensive driving course. These courses are extremely affordable and can help you stay out of trouble on the road. Some insurance companies even offer a discount for passing a safe driving course.
When you’re shopping around, be sure to check out which discounts are available so that you can maximize your savings. You might even want to meet with an experienced insurance agent who can help you get quotes, explain car insurance premiums, and let you know what the average rates are for your age group.
Our Recommendations for Auto Insurance
Now that we have answered the question, “Can I get auto insurance at 17?” it is time to share our expert picks for the industry’s best car insurance companies. When you are done reading up on the top names in auto insurance, try out our free rate comparison tool below. It is easy to use and will provide you with quotes from insurers in your area.
GEICO: Best Overall
GEICO performed well in every category in our industry review, earning an overall score of 9.5 out of 10.0. The company earned a 9.0 for cost, customer experience and coverage. The insurance giant also earned a 9.5 out of 10.0 for industry reputation.
GEICO offers tons of discount options and flexible coverage packages. The company is also one of the few large providers to offer mechanical breakdown coverage, which can be especially helpful for 17-year-old drivers.
State Farm: Best for Student Drivers
State Farm also performed well in every category in our review, earning a cumulative score of 8.9 out of 10.0. We found that State Farm generally offers the best coverage options for student drivers. The company also offers a good student discount. Like GEICO, State Farm provides rideshare insurance and more.
FAQ: Can I Get Auto Insurance at 17?
If you’re emancipated, can you automatically get your license?
Not necessarily. If you are emancipated, you will still need to meet your state’s requirements for obtaining a driver’s license. This process will likely involve a written test, a driver’s education course of some sort and a practical exam. After you have met the state’s requirements, then you will be issued a valid driver’s license.
Where can a teen buy auto insurance if they own a car and have a license?
Buying car insurance is relatively easy. You can purchase a new policy online in a few easy steps. Teens can also buy auto insurance by working with an agent or calling an insurance provider.
What are the minimum coverage requirements for 17-year-old drivers?
The minimum coverage requirements for 17-year-old drivers are similar to the requirements for any other driver. If your vehicle is financed, then you will need full coverage. If you own your vehicle outright, then you need to meet your state’s minimum requirement for coverage. This typically includes property damage and bodily injury liability coverage.
How can you get cheap auto insurance for 17-year-old drivers?
If you want to find cheap auto insurance for 17-year-old drivers, the best approach is to do your research, shop around and compare multiple quotes until you find a great deal. You can expect rates to be a bit higher than the standard, as teen drivers typically pay more for auto insurance than older vehicle owners. However, many insurers offer student discounts.
Methodology
The Detroit Bureau collects data from every major car insurance provider to formulate rankings of the best insurers. Our in-depth rating system takes into account market share, coverage, pricing, customer satisfaction and ratings from industry experts. Each insurer is given a weighted score in four categories, as well as an overall score out of 10.0.
We recommend auto insurance companies based on these rankings, but we also encourage you to perform your own research and compare quotes to find the best coverage.
