What to Expect at Age 19
At 19, you've been driving for a few years and hopefully have a clean record. The good news: your car insurance is getting cheaper.
On average, a 19-year-old pays $3,200–$5,200/year for their own policy, or adds $1,300–$2,800/year to a parent's premium. That's about 5–10% less than at age 18.
In most cases, staying on your parents' policy is still the cheapest option — often saving you $1,200–$2,400 per year compared to getting your own policy. But there are situations where getting your own makes sense.
Average Car Insurance Cost for 19-Year-Olds
Here's what 19-year-old drivers typically pay:
Own policy:
Average: $3,200–$5,200/year
High-cost states (Florida, Michigan): $5,200–$7,500/year
Low-cost states (Maine, Iowa): $2,400–$3,800/year
Added to parent's policy:
Average increase: $1,300–$2,800/year
Still significantly cheaper than a standalone policy.
Cost trend: Premiums drop steadily from ages 19–25. Each year without an accident or violation helps you qualify for better rates.
Should You Get Your Own Policy or Stay on Your Parents'?
Most 19-year-olds should stay on their parents' policy if possible. Here's how to decide:
Stay on your parents' policy if:
- You live with your parents (or are away at college)
- You want the cheapest option (usually 30–40% less)
- Your parents have good driving records and credit
- You benefit from multi-car and bundling discounts
Get your own policy if:
- You live independently and have established a permanent address elsewhere
- You own your vehicle outright and your parents aren't on the title
- Your parents have poor driving records or credit that significantly increase your rate
- You're married or have your own household
Bottom line: Unless you're financially independent and living separately, staying on your parents' plan will save you $1,200–$2,400/year.
Best Car Insurance Companies for 19-Year-Olds
These carriers consistently offer competitive rates for young adults:
USAA: Best for military families. Lowest rates for young drivers.
Geico: Strong discounts and competitive base rates for young adults.
State Farm: Good student discount and Drive Safe & Save telematics program.
Progressive: Snapshot telematics rewards safe driving habits.
Nationwide: SmartRide program and student discounts.
Regional carriers like Erie, Auto-Owners, and Amica may also offer excellent rates depending on your state.
Pro tip: Always compare at least 3–5 quotes. One carrier might charge $4,200/year while another offers identical coverage for $3,000.
How to Save Money on Car Insurance at 19
Here are the most effective ways to reduce your premium:
1. Good Student Discount (5–25% off)
Maintain a B average (3.0 GPA) or better. Available for students under 25. Can save $250–$700/year.
2. Telematics / Usage-Based Insurance (up to 30% off)
Programs track driving habits (speed, braking, time of day) and reward safe drivers. Can save $400–$1,200/year.
3. Student-Away-at-School Discount (10–30% off)
If you're at college 100+ miles away without a car, you may qualify for significant savings.
4. Defensive Driving Course (5–15% off)
Many insurers offer discounts for completing an approved course.
5. Multi-Car / Multi-Policy Bundling (10–25% off)
If you're on your parents' policy with multiple vehicles or bundled with home insurance.
6. Raise Your Deductibles
Increasing from $500 to $1,000 deductibles can save 10–20% on collision/comprehensive.
7. Choose a Safe, Affordable Vehicle
Avoid sports cars and luxury vehicles. Safe sedans like Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, or Mazda3 cost far less to insure.
Stack discounts: Good student + telematics + away-at-school = $800–$1,500+ savings per year.
When Will Your Rate Go Down?
Rates continue to drop as you age and maintain a clean record:
• At 20: Another 5–10% decrease.
• At 21: Gradual decrease continues.
• At 25: Rates drop dramatically — often 20–30% or more.
Each year without an accident or violation helps. The longer your clean driving record, the better your rates.
For more details, see our guides on car insurance for 20-year-olds and average car insurance cost by age.
What Else Affects Your Rate at 19?
Beyond age, these factors influence your premium:
- State: Florida and Michigan have the highest rates; Maine and Iowa have the lowest
- Gender: Young men pay 10–20% more than young women on average
- Credit score: Poor credit can increase premiums by 76% (for your own policy)
- Vehicle: Sports cars, luxury cars, and high-theft models cost more
- Driving record: One ticket can raise your rate by 20–30%; one accident by 40–50%
- Coverage levels: Higher liability limits and lower deductibles increase premiums
Special Considerations for College Students
If you're in college, here's what you need to know:
With a car on campus:
You can usually stay on your parents' policy if you list their address as your permanent residence. Notify your insurer of your campus address for proper coverage.
Without a car on campus (100+ miles away):
You may qualify for a student-away-at-school discount, saving 10–30%. You're still covered when you return home and drive family vehicles.
Living off-campus year-round:
If you've established residency in another state, you may need your own policy or have the vehicle re-registered.
Frequently Asked Questions
The average cost for a 19-year-old on their own policy is $3,200–$5,200 per year. Staying on a parent's policy typically adds $1,300–$2,800/year — about 5–10% less than at age 18.
Yes, in most cases. Staying on your parents' policy is usually 30–40% cheaper than getting your own policy. You can stay on their plan as long as you live with them or list their address as your permanent residence (even if away at college).
USAA (for military families), Geico, State Farm, and Progressive consistently offer competitive rates for 19-year-olds. Regional carriers may also provide good value depending on your state.
Yes. Premiums typically drop 5–10% at age 19 compared to age 18. Rates continue to decrease gradually each year, with the biggest drop happening at age 25.
Yes, by stacking discounts: good student (up to 25% off), telematics (up to 30% off), student-away-at-school (10–30% off), and defensive driving (5–15% off). Combined, these can save $800–$1,500/year.