Car Insurance Rates by Age: Average Costs and How to Save

Age plays a big role in car insurance rates. Young drivers usually pay the most due to inexperience, middle-aged drivers often pay the lowest premiums, and seniors may see rising rates.

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Mandy Sleight
Written byMandy Sleight
Mandy Sleight
Mandy SleightInsurance Writer

Mandy Sleight has over 15 years of insurance knowledge and expertise in auto, home, life, health, pet, supplemental benefits, and other insurance products. She’s a sought-after insurance expert, appearing in Bankrate.com, Moneygeek.com, U.S. News & World Report, Reviews.com, CNET, and other publications, and she's been writing for Compare.com since 2023.

Mandy uses her background and experience working for well-known insurance companies like State Farm and Nationwide Insurance to create engaging and easy-to-understand content that helps readers make smarter insurance choices that have a positive effect on their budgets and finances.

Lequita Westbrooks
Lequita WestbrooksSenior Editor

Lequita Westbrooks is an insurance editor at Compare.com. Her writing and editing experiences span several industries, including insurance, personal finance, higher education, and more. She excels at explaining complex topics like auto insurance in simple, easy-to-understand language and is passionate about helping readers save money. Lequita graduated from the University of South Florida, where she earned her Bachelor’s degree in English.

Amanda Clear
Reviewed byAmanda Clear
Amanda Clear
Amanda ClearLicensed Auto Insurance Agent

Amanda Clear is a licensed Property and Casualty insurance agent who runs her family insurance agency providing coverage in the states of Connecticut, New York, and Vermont. She specializes in providing customized insurance packages to her clients that provide the best coverage for the price that they can afford. She holds a bachelor's degree in English from Sacred Heart University in Fairfield, CT, and works as a freelance editor, proofreader, and writer outside of her insurance career.

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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.

Key Takeaways
  • 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
sort ascsort desc
Average Premium
sort ascsort desc
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
We sourced this data by analyzing real quotes from Compare.com's 100-plus partner insurance companies alongside rate filings collected and distributed by Quadrant Information Services. Actual quotes may vary. Data updated on .

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.

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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.

The below national rates are estimated rates current as of: Sunday, June 7 at 5:00 PM PDT. 
Company
sort ascsort desc
Average Monthly Premium
sort ascsort desc
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
We sourced this data by analyzing real quotes from Compare.com's 100-plus partner insurance companies alongside rate filings collected and distributed by Quadrant Information Services. Actual quotes may vary. Data updated on Sunday, June 7 at 5:00 PM PDT.

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.

The below national rates are estimated rates current as of: Sunday, June 7 at 5:00 PM PDT. 
Company
sort ascsort desc
Average Monthly Premium
sort ascsort desc
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
We sourced this data by analyzing real quotes from Compare.com's 100-plus partner insurance companies alongside rate filings collected and distributed by Quadrant Information Services. Actual quotes may vary. Data updated on Sunday, June 7 at 5:00 PM PDT.

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.

The below national rates are estimated rates current as of: Sunday, June 7 at 5:00 PM PDT. 
Company
sort ascsort desc
Average Monthly Premium
sort ascsort desc
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
We sourced this data by analyzing real quotes from Compare.com's 100-plus partner insurance companies alongside rate filings collected and distributed by Quadrant Information Services. Actual quotes may vary. Data updated on Sunday, June 7 at 5:00 PM PDT.

Why Car Insurance Rates Change With Age

Smiling woman in a yellow shirt using a laptop in a cozy library or cafe setting with bookshelves in the background.

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.

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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.

The below national rates are estimated rates current as of: Sunday, June 7 at 5:00 PM PDT. 
Company
sort ascsort desc
Female
sort ascsort desc
Male
sort ascsort desc
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
We sourced this data by analyzing real quotes from Compare.com's 100-plus partner insurance companies alongside rate filings collected and distributed by Quadrant Information Services. Actual quotes may vary. Data updated on Sunday, June 7 at 5:00 PM PDT.
The below national rates are estimated rates current as of: Sunday, June 7 at 5:00 PM PDT. 
Company
sort ascsort desc
Female
sort ascsort desc
Male
sort ascsort desc
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
We sourced this data by analyzing real quotes from Compare.com's 100-plus partner insurance companies alongside rate filings collected and distributed by Quadrant Information Services. Actual quotes may vary. Data updated on Sunday, June 7 at 5:00 PM PDT.
The below national rates are estimated rates current as of: Sunday, June 7 at 5:00 PM PDT. 
Company
sort ascsort desc
Female
sort ascsort desc
Male
sort ascsort desc
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
We sourced this data by analyzing real quotes from Compare.com's 100-plus partner insurance companies alongside rate filings collected and distributed by Quadrant Information Services. Actual quotes may vary. Data updated on Sunday, June 7 at 5:00 PM PDT.

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

  1. CDC. "Older Adult Drivers."
  2. Teen Drivers. "Reducing Risk for Teen Drivers."
  3. Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. "Older drivers."
  4. Iihs.org. "Males and females."
  5. 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.

Mandy Sleight
Written byMandy SleightInsurance Writer
Mandy Sleight
Mandy SleightInsurance Writer

Mandy Sleight has over 15 years of insurance knowledge and expertise in auto, home, life, health, pet, supplemental benefits, and other insurance products. She’s a sought-after insurance expert, appearing in Bankrate.com, Moneygeek.com, U.S. News & World Report, Reviews.com, CNET, and other publications, and she's been writing for Compare.com since 2023.

Mandy uses her background and experience working for well-known insurance companies like State Farm and Nationwide Insurance to create engaging and easy-to-understand content that helps readers make smarter insurance choices that have a positive effect on their budgets and finances.

Lequita Westbrooks
Edited byLequita WestbrooksSenior Editor
Lequita Westbrooks
Lequita WestbrooksSenior Editor

Lequita Westbrooks is an insurance editor at Compare.com. Her writing and editing experiences span several industries, including insurance, personal finance, higher education, and more. She excels at explaining complex topics like auto insurance in simple, easy-to-understand language and is passionate about helping readers save money. Lequita graduated from the University of South Florida, where she earned her Bachelor’s degree in English.

Amanda Clear
Reviewed byAmanda ClearLicensed Auto Insurance Agent
Amanda Clear
Amanda ClearLicensed Auto Insurance Agent

Amanda Clear is a licensed Property and Casualty insurance agent who runs her family insurance agency providing coverage in the states of Connecticut, New York, and Vermont. She specializes in providing customized insurance packages to her clients that provide the best coverage for the price that they can afford. She holds a bachelor's degree in English from Sacred Heart University in Fairfield, CT, and works as a freelance editor, proofreader, and writer outside of her insurance career.

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