Your auto insurance rates change a lot over your lifetime. Your age is one of the biggest factors behind the price you pay. The national average cost of car insurance is $140 per month, according to Compare.com data. But premiums vary widely depending on your age, driving experience, and overall risk profile.
Teens and young adults pay the highest rates, while middle-aged drivers usually pay the lowest. Premiums often increase again for senior drivers. Comparing quotes can help find the right coverage at the right price.
Below is a breakdown of car insurance rates by age, other factors that affect pricing, and how to save on premiums at any age.
Car insurance rates usually drop at 25 because drivers have more experience and are less likely to file costly claims.
Teens pay an average of
Age matters, but your driving record, location, vehicle, coverage choices, and insurance company also play major roles in what you pay.
Average Car Insurance Rates by Age
Let’s take a look at how average rates change as you get older. The table below breaks down average rates for each age from 18 to 80 years old. Keep in mind that most states require you to be at least 18 years old to sign a legally binding contract, so data for 16- and 17-year-olds is limited.
Age | Average Premium |
|---|---|
| 18 | $297 |
| 19 | $288 |
| 20 | $258 |
| 21 | $243 |
| 22 | $225 |
| 23 | $213 |
| 24 | $207 |
| 25 | $192 |
| 26 | $187 |
| 27 | $183 |
| 28 | $181 |
| 29 | $174 |
| 30 | $171 |
| 31 | $169 |
| 32 | $168 |
| 33 | $161 |
| 34 | $161 |
| 35 | $155 |
| 36 | $153 |
| 37 | $153 |
| 38 | $151 |
| 39 | $151 |
| 40 | $147 |
| 41 | $146 |
| 42 | $142 |
| 43 | $142 |
| 44 | $142 |
| 45 | $139 |
| 46 | $139 |
| 47 | $138 |
| 48 | $137 |
| 49 | $134 |
| 50 | $133 |
| 51 | $134 |
| 52 | $131 |
| 53 | $128 |
| 54 | $127 |
| 55 | $128 |
| 56 | $125 |
| 57 | $122 |
| 58 | $123 |
| 59 | $122 |
| 60 | $123 |
| 61 | $121 |
| 62 | $121 |
| 63 | $121 |
| 64 | $122 |
| 65 | $124 |
| 66 | $127 |
| 67 | $125 |
| 68 | $129 |
| 69 | $125 |
| 70 | $128 |
| 71 | $134 |
| 72 | $127 |
| 73 | $134 |
| 74 | $141 |
| 75 | $140 |
| 76 | $153 |
| 77 | $144 |
| 78 | $143 |
| 79 | $151 |
| 80 | $190 |
Young drivers pay significantly higher car insurance rates compared to those who are older and have more driving experience. Insurers know that the typical driver’s risk behind the wheel to cause an accident and subsequently file an insurance claim declines with age, meaning that as you get older, your rates will steadily decrease.
Premium prices are highest for teenage drivers and become significantly more affordable around age 25. By the time you’re 40 years old, you can expect insurance companies to charge about half of what a typical 18-year-old driver pays.
Rates continue to decline well into retirement age, but they begin to creep back up a bit around age 70. Insurance companies often find that drivers in this age group are more accident-prone due to slower reaction times and other physical limitations.[1] But even at 80 years old, rates are still more than 35% cheaper than they are when you’re 18.
Get Cheaper Car Insurance, No Matter Your Age
Compare personalized quotes from dozens of America’s cheapest insurers.
Rate trends for young drivers
Teen drivers and young adults pay the highest average car insurance premiums of any age group because their lack of driving experience greatly increases their risk of accidents.[2] But rates should drop as you gain experience behind the wheel. The average monthly cost of full-coverage car insurance for young drivers is $341, according to Compare.com data.
Company | Average Monthly Premium |
|---|---|
| Country Financial | $62 |
| USAA | $97 |
| Auto-Owners | $105 |
| State Farm | $111 |
| Erie | $130 |
| Root | $132 |
| GEICO | $147 |
| The General | $152 |
| Allstate | $158 |
| Commonwealth Casualty | $159 |
| Dairyland | $160 |
| American Family | $161 |
| GAINSCO | $169 |
| Mercury | $171 |
| Mile Auto | $172 |
| Clearcover | $179 |
| Bristol West | $181 |
| Safeco | $189 |
| Elephant | $189 |
| Direct Auto | $190 |
| National General | $191 |
| Nationwide | $197 |
| Liberty Mutual | $219 |
| Anchor | $228 |
| Travelers | $230 |
| 21st Century | $236 |
| Farmers | $236 |
| Plymouth Rock | $243 |
| AssuranceAmerica | $260 |
| Chubb | $273 |
| Shelter | $290 |
| The Hartford | $379 |
| CSAA | $407 |
| State Auto | $464 |
| Amica | $470 |
Rate trends for middle-aged drivers
Drivers in their 30s, 40s, and 50s enjoy the lowest average auto insurance rates. By this stage, you have a longer driving history and a more stable risk profile than younger drivers, which generally leads to fewer accidents and fewer insurance claims.
On average, full-coverage insurance for drivers in their 40s costs $186 per month based on Compare.com data.
Company | Average Monthly Premium |
|---|---|
| Country Financial | $40 |
| Auto-Owners | $43 |
| USAA | $47 |
| State Farm | $49 |
| Erie | $62 |
| Commonwealth Casualty | $67 |
| Mile Auto | $69 |
| Allstate | $71 |
| National General | $73 |
| The General | $78 |
| American Family | $78 |
| GEICO | $79 |
| Nationwide | $83 |
| Direct Auto | $84 |
| AssuranceAmerica | $87 |
| Dairyland | $87 |
| Mercury | $88 |
| GAINSCO | $89 |
| Travelers | $90 |
| Safeco | $95 |
| Farmers | $95 |
| Bristol West | $98 |
| Anchor | $99 |
| Elephant | $100 |
| Chubb | $100 |
| Root | $110 |
| Shelter | $113 |
| The Hartford | $123 |
| 21st Century | $124 |
| Clearcover | $126 |
| Plymouth Rock | $129 |
| State Auto | $132 |
| Liberty Mutual | $140 |
| CSAA | $219 |
| Amica | $239 |
Rate trends for senior drivers
Older drivers often see car insurance costs start rising again as they reach their 60s and beyond. As you get older, injuries become more severe, which drives up claim costs, even though this age group causes fewer car accidents than younger drivers.[3]
Full-coverage insurance premiums average $158 per month for senior drivers, according to Compare.com data.
Company | Average Monthly Premium |
|---|---|
| Country Financial | $32 |
| Auto-Owners | $34 |
| State Farm | $38 |
| USAA | $39 |
| Erie | $47 |
| Mile Auto | $53 |
| Allstate | $56 |
| GEICO | $59 |
| American Family | $60 |
| Commonwealth Casualty | $61 |
| National General | $62 |
| Nationwide | $63 |
| Mercury | $67 |
| Direct Auto | $71 |
| The General | $72 |
| Travelers | $72 |
| Safeco | $74 |
| Shelter | $75 |
| Chubb | $77 |
| Farmers | $78 |
| AssuranceAmerica | $79 |
| Dairyland | $80 |
| The Hartford | $81 |
| Elephant | $82 |
| GAINSCO | $83 |
| Bristol West | $85 |
| Anchor | $87 |
| 21st Century | $94 |
| Plymouth Rock | $98 |
| State Auto | $99 |
| Liberty Mutual | $104 |
| CSAA | $105 |
| Root | $107 |
| Clearcover | $110 |
| Amica | $175 |
Why Car Insurance Rates Change With Age
)
Car insurance companies link age with driving experience and accident risk because it’s a reliable way to estimate a driver’s likelihood of filing a claim.
Teens and young adults have less experience behind the wheel and the highest accident frequency and claim costs of any age group. Middle-aged drivers usually have years of experience, make safer choices, and file fewer, less costly claims, keeping rates lower.
Rates can creep up again for older drivers, especially those 70 and up, but not necessarily because they crash more often. As you age, increased fragility can lead to more severe injuries and higher claim costs when accidents do happen.
Still, age is just one factor auto insurance companies use. Your driving record, vehicle type, coverage needs, location, and even credit history also affect what you pay.
At What Age Does Car Insurance Get Cheaper?
Most drivers start to see noticeable drops in their car insurance premiums in their mid-20s. By this point, insurers usually have enough data on your driving history to recognize your experience and driving habits.
Insurance costs generally stay level through your 30s, 40s, and 50s, when insurers consider drivers to be low risk and claims are less frequent and less costly.
Seniors may start to see higher rates, especially drivers aged 70 and older. Slower reaction times and an increased likelihood of errors, like misjudging the gap between vehicles or another car’s speed, often lead to more frequent claims and injuries.
That said, your personal rate will vary based on other factors, like your driving record, where you live, your coverage needs, and the type of vehicle you drive.
Compare Personalized Rates in Minutes
Enter your info once, and get personalized quotes from multiple top insurance companies.
Car Insurance Rates by Age and Gender
In many states, gender can affect car insurance pricing. Young male drivers often pay higher premiums than young female drivers based on historical crash and insurance claims data.[4]
Male drivers — particularly younger males — are involved in more severe crashes on average. And they’re more likely to engage in high-risk driving behaviors such as speeding, impaired driving, and not wearing seat belts.
But not all states allow insurers to use gender as a rating factor. The following states restrict or ban gender-based pricing:
Check out the following table to see national average monthly premiums by age and gender in states that allow gender-based pricing, according to Compare.com data.
Company | Female | Male |
|---|---|---|
| Country Financial | $62 | $61 |
| USAA | $95 | $100 |
| Auto-Owners | $102 | $109 |
| State Farm | $108 | $115 |
| Root | $129 | $135 |
| Erie | $132 | $128 |
| The General | $142 | $162 |
| GEICO | $146 | $148 |
| Commonwealth Casualty | $150 | $168 |
| Dairyland | $153 | $167 |
| Allstate | $153 | $162 |
| American Family | $159 | $163 |
| GAINSCO | $160 | $179 |
| Mile Auto | $165 | $179 |
| Mercury | $165 | $177 |
| Clearcover | $177 | $181 |
| Bristol West | $178 | $185 |
| National General | $179 | $204 |
| Direct Auto | $180 | $201 |
| Safeco | $180 | $197 |
| Elephant | $181 | $197 |
| Nationwide | $194 | $201 |
| Liberty Mutual | $213 | $224 |
| Travelers | $221 | $238 |
| Anchor | $222 | $233 |
| Farmers | $230 | $241 |
| 21st Century | $231 | $240 |
| Plymouth Rock | $231 | $255 |
| AssuranceAmerica | $244 | $276 |
| Chubb | $261 | $284 |
| Shelter | $301 | $279 |
| The Hartford | $353 | $405 |
| CSAA | $379 | $435 |
| State Auto | $434 | $493 |
| Amica | $479 | $462 |
Company | Female | Male |
|---|---|---|
| Country Financial | $40 | $40 |
| Auto-Owners | $42 | $45 |
| USAA | $46 | $49 |
| State Farm | $47 | $51 |
| Erie | $63 | $61 |
| Commonwealth Casualty | $64 | $71 |
| Mile Auto | $67 | $72 |
| National General | $68 | $78 |
| Allstate | $69 | $73 |
| The General | $73 | $83 |
| American Family | $77 | $79 |
| GEICO | $79 | $80 |
| Direct Auto | $79 | $89 |
| AssuranceAmerica | $81 | $92 |
| Nationwide | $82 | $85 |
| Dairyland | $83 | $91 |
| GAINSCO | $84 | $94 |
| Mercury | $85 | $92 |
| Travelers | $87 | $93 |
| Safeco | $91 | $100 |
| Farmers | $93 | $98 |
| Elephant | $95 | $104 |
| Bristol West | $96 | $100 |
| Chubb | $96 | $105 |
| Anchor | $96 | $101 |
| Root | $107 | $112 |
| The Hartford | $114 | $131 |
| Shelter | $117 | $109 |
| 21st Century | $122 | $127 |
| Plymouth Rock | $123 | $136 |
| State Auto | $123 | $140 |
| Clearcover | $125 | $128 |
| Liberty Mutual | $136 | $143 |
| CSAA | $204 | $234 |
| Amica | $243 | $234 |
Company | Female | Male |
|---|---|---|
| Country Financial | $32 | $32 |
| Auto-Owners | $33 | $35 |
| State Farm | $37 | $40 |
| USAA | $38 | $40 |
| Erie | $47 | $46 |
| Mile Auto | $51 | $55 |
| Allstate | $55 | $58 |
| Commonwealth Casualty | $58 | $65 |
| National General | $58 | $66 |
| GEICO | $59 | $60 |
| American Family | $60 | $61 |
| Nationwide | $62 | $64 |
| Mercury | $65 | $70 |
| The General | $67 | $76 |
| Direct Auto | $68 | $75 |
| Travelers | $69 | $75 |
| Safeco | $71 | $77 |
| Chubb | $74 | $80 |
| AssuranceAmerica | $74 | $84 |
| The Hartford | $75 | $86 |
| Farmers | $76 | $80 |
| Dairyland | $77 | $84 |
| Shelter | $78 | $72 |
| GAINSCO | $79 | $88 |
| Elephant | $79 | $86 |
| Bristol West | $83 | $86 |
| Anchor | $85 | $89 |
| 21st Century | $92 | $96 |
| State Auto | $93 | $105 |
| Plymouth Rock | $93 | $103 |
| CSAA | $98 | $112 |
| Liberty Mutual | $101 | $107 |
| Root | $105 | $110 |
| Clearcover | $109 | $112 |
| Amica | $178 | $172 |
Factors That Affect Car Insurance Rates Besides Age
While age is a big factor in car insurance rates, the factors below can also greatly affect your premiums.[5]
Driving record: You’ll get the best car insurance rates for your age with a clean driving record. Tickets, accidents, and driving under the influence (DUI) convictions drive up premiums, regardless of age.
Location and state laws: Drivers in urban areas with heavier traffic often pay higher premiums than in rural areas. State regulations and insurance laws also affect insurance costs.
Vehicle type and safety features: Sports cars or luxury vehicles are usually more expensive to insure. Cheaper cars with strong safety ratings or anti-theft devices can lower premiums.
Coverage levels and deductibles: You’ll pay less for minimum coverage, but it might not protect you if you’re in a serious accident. Choosing full coverage with higher limits can protect your personal finances, and you can offset higher rates with higher deductibles.
Credit-based insurance score (where allowed): Many states consider your credit when pricing your car insurance policy. Drivers with good credit tend to file fewer claims, so they get cheaper rates.
Car Insurance Rates by State and Age
Where you live is another major factor in how much you pay for auto insurance.
Some states have stricter laws and regulations, higher minimum coverage requirements, more traffic density, and higher claim trends. These factors can raise rates for drivers of all ages in that state. Premiums can even differ by city or ZIP code, especially in areas with higher auto repair, legal, and medical costs.
The following map shows age-based average premiums by state, according to Compare.com data.
Rates by Age and State
State | Middle-Aged Adults | Teens | Seniors |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | $105 | $202 | $92 |
| Alaska | $94 | $214 | $76 |
| Arizona | $132 | $280 | $111 |
| Arkansas | $117 | $206 | $104 |
| California | $137 | $259 | $130 |
| Colorado | $148 | $264 | $118 |
| Connecticut | $200 | $325 | $181 |
| Delaware | $194 | $319 | $156 |
| Florida | $187 | $303 | $161 |
| Georgia | $203 | $355 | $184 |
| Hawaii | $83 | $148 | $74 |
| Idaho | $86 | $183 | $70 |
| Illinois | $124 | $249 | $102 |
| Indiana | $99 | $202 | $86 |
| Iowa | $79 | $147 | $64 |
| Kansas | $115 | $209 | $93 |
| Kentucky | $165 | $272 | $138 |
| Louisiana | $144 | $263 | $137 |
| Maine | $112 | $256 | $95 |
| Maryland | $225 | $339 | $200 |
| Massachusetts | $126 | $220 | $104 |
| Michigan | $178 | $274 | $152 |
| Minnesota | $131 | $248 | $110 |
| Mississippi | $113 | $194 | $96 |
| Missouri | $142 | $237 | $116 |
| Montana | $100 | $156 | $94 |
| Nebraska | $104 | $199 | $83 |
| Nevada | $203 | $340 | $171 |
| New Hampshire | $74 | $122 | $59 |
| New Jersey | $235 | $358 | $186 |
| New Mexico | $103 | $191 | $81 |
| New York | $158 | $224 | $108 |
| North Carolina | $87 | $153 | $75 |
| North Dakota | $90 | $169 | $84 |
| Ohio | $95 | $202 | $82 |
| Oklahoma | $119 | $219 | $110 |
| Oregon | $127 | $239 | $107 |
| Pennsylvania | $128 | $211 | $105 |
| Rhode Island | $197 | $380 | $168 |
| South Carolina | $203 | $354 | $180 |
| South Dakota | $107 | $200 | $85 |
| Tennessee | $99 | $198 | $89 |
| Texas | $167 | $322 | $140 |
| Utah | $125 | $232 | $104 |
| Vermont | $96 | $241 | $88 |
| Virginia | $149 | $284 | $130 |
| Washington | $133 | $281 | $116 |
| District of Columbia | $230 | $365 | $219 |
| West Virginia | $114 | $220 | $100 |
| Wisconsin | $90 | $159 | $73 |
| Wyoming | $88 | $159 | $71 |
How to Save on Car Insurance at Any Age
)
You can’t change your age, but there are plenty of ways to lower your premiums at any stage of life. Here are some ways drivers can get cheap car insurance at any age.
Teen and young drivers
Teens and young drivers pay more because they have less experience and a higher accident risk. You can lower your premiums by staying on your parents’ policy, getting good grades to earn a good student discount, completing driver training programs, and choosing safer, lower-cost vehicles.
Drivers in their 20s and 30s
Drivers in their 20s and 30s often see lower rates because they have more established driving histories and tend to take fewer risks behind the wheel. Shopping around and comparing quotes, maintaining a clean driving record, and bundling policies can help keep rates low.
Raising your deductible can also lower your monthly premium, as long as you can afford the higher cost if you file a claim.
Middle-aged and senior drivers
Middle-aged and older drivers often enjoy the lower premiums, though rates may rise later in life. Reviewing your coverage, reducing mileage, and taking defensive driving courses can help keep your rates low. You can also lower your costs by asking about loyalty and senior discounts.
Savings opportunities for drivers of any age
Not all car insurance discounts depend on age. Any age group can qualify for low-mileage discounts, telematics programs, and bundling policies.
Keep in mind, though, that these discounts often require you to meet certain requirements, such as driving below a certain mileage each year, maintaining a clean driving record, and insuring your home and car with the same company.
Car Insurance Rates by Age FAQs
Below are answers to some of the most common questions about car insurance rates by age.
At what age is car insurance the most expensive?
Car insurance tends to be most expensive for brand-new drivers. We’ve found that 18-year-old drivers pay an average of $278 per month for liability-only auto insurance — more than any other age group in our study. Most 16- and 17-year-old drivers are on their parents’ policies, which limits available data for these drivers.
What age group has the cheapest insurance?
In general, the lowest average insurance rates belong to drivers between the ages of 50 and 70. Depending on where you live, average car insurance prices for these drivers range between $48 and $154 per month for basic liability coverage.
Do car insurance rates drop when you turn 25?
Yes. Car insurance rates often drop around age 25 because drivers typically have more driving experience. But your rate may not go down if you get into an accident or get a ticket before you turn 25.
Why do car insurance rates increase for seniors?
Slower reaction time, difficulty judging vehicle distance or speed, medications, and other age-related changes can increase the risk of accidents for seniors. Older drivers are also more likely to suffer serious injuries, which can make crashes more costly even if accidents are less frequent.
Does age matter more than driving record?
Both age and driving record matter. Your driving record can affect your insurance premiums more when you’re younger, since you’re already paying higher rates. As you get older, insurers tend to place more weight on your driving record than your age.
Does getting married lower car insurance?
Yes, getting married can lower car insurance rates. Insurers often view married drivers as lower risk and less likely to file insurance claims. Still, other factors, such as age and driving history, can also affect premiums.
Sources
- CDC. "Older Adult Drivers."
- Teen Drivers. "Reducing Risk for Teen Drivers."
- Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. "Older drivers."
- Iihs.org. "Males and females."
- Insurance Information Institute. "What determines the price of an auto insurance policy?."
Methodology
Data scientists at Compare.com analyzed more than 50 million real-time auto insurance quotes from more than 75 partner insurers in order to compile the rates and statistics seen in this article. Compare.com’s auto insurance data includes coverage analysis and details on drivers’ vehicles, driving records, insurance histories, and demographic information.
All the rates listed in this article have been collected from a combination of real Compare.com quotes and external insurance rate data gathered in collaboration with Quadrant Information Services. Compare.com uses these observations to provide readers with insights into how auto insurance companies determine their premiums.
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)