How Much Does Adding a Teen Driver to Car Insurance Cost?
Adding a teenager to your car insurance raises premiums by about $3,500 a year on average, according to Experian. See costs by age, why teens cost so much and when you must add them.
For many parents, the first car insurance bill after their teen gets a license is a shock. The increase is often bigger than the cost of the car payment. Here is what to expect, why it costs so much and how the price changes as your teen gets older.
The average cost of adding a teen
According to Experian, adding a teenager to your car insurance policy increases premiums by about $3,512 a year on average, or roughly $293 a month, based on its 2025 data. Experian's national averages for this age group also show a gap between young men and young women:
| Age group | Female | Male |
|---|---|---|
| 16 to 19 | $3,307 a year | $3,717 a year |
| 20 to 24 | $3,047 a year | $3,143 a year |
Source: Experian, September 2026. National averages; your price depends on your state, insurer, vehicles and coverage.
How the price falls with age
MoneyGeek compared family premiums with a young driver added at the cheapest insurer for each age, in an analysis updated October 1, 2026:
| Driver age | Cheapest insurer | Family premium per year |
|---|---|---|
| 16 | Nationwide | $2,718 |
| 17 | Nationwide | $2,685 |
| 18 | GEICO | $2,431 |
| 19 | Nationwide | $2,066 |
| 21 | Nationwide | $1,582 |
| 25 | Nationwide | $1,406 |
Source: MoneyGeek, October 2026. Prices at the cheapest insurer found for each age; other insurers charge more.
These figures are from the cheapest company in each case, which is a reminder of how much shopping around matters for families with a new driver.
Why teen drivers cost so much
Insurers price risk, and the data on teen drivers is stark. According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS):
- the fatal crash rate per mile driven for 16- to 19-year-olds is just over three times the rate for drivers 20 and older,
- 2,899 teenagers aged 13 to 19 died in motor vehicle crashes in 2024, although that is 67% fewer than in 1975,
- about half of teen crash deaths happened between Friday and Sunday, and many occurred in the evening and at night.
Inexperience, nighttime driving and teen passengers all add to the risk, which is why insurers charge the most for the youngest drivers.
When you have to add your teen
- Learner's permit: most insurers want permit holders listed or reported, even during supervised driving. Call your insurer when your teen gets the permit.
- Driver's license: once your teen is licensed and lives in your household, they must be added to your policy.
- Away at college: if your student is away without a car, ask about a distant-student discount instead of removing them.
The NAIC warns that leaving a household driver off your policy can lead to cancellation, nonrenewal or extra premiums after an accident. It can also leave you exposed if your teen crashes.
How to reduce the cost
There are many legitimate ways to cut the price, from good-student discounts to choosing the right car. Read our guide to lowering car insurance for a teen driver, and see whether a separate policy for your teen ever makes sense.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to add my teen when they get a learner's permit?
Many insurers require permit holders to be listed or at least reported, even while they only drive under supervision. Practices differ, so call your insurer as soon as your teen gets a permit. Once your teen has a license and lives with you, they must be added.
Is it cheaper to insure a teen girl or boy?
Girls usually cost somewhat less. In Experian's data, the national average for drivers aged 16 to 19 was $3,307 a year for females and $3,717 for males.
When does car insurance get cheaper for young drivers?
Prices drop steadily with age and experience, especially with a clean record. In MoneyGeek's analysis, the cheapest family premium fell from $2,718 at 16 to $1,406 at 25.
Can I exclude my teen from my policy instead?
Some states and insurers let you formally exclude a household driver, but then the teen has no coverage on your cars. If they drive anyway and crash, you could face a denied claim. Ask your insurer about the rules in your state before considering this.
Sources
- How to Get the Best Car Insurance for Teens and Drivers Under 25 (September 22, 2026), Experian
- Adding Your Child to Car Insurance (updated October 1, 2026), MoneyGeek
- Fatality Facts 2024: Teenagers, Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS)
- Does your vehicle have the right protection? Best practices for buying auto insurance, NAIC
Sources were checked on October 14, 2026. Laws, fees and prices change; always confirm with your state agency or insurer.