Average car insurance rates by age (2021)

• Teenage drivers and the elderly pay the highest rates for car insurance.
• Discounts are available to offset the costs of high-risk drivers.
• We recommend USAA or GEICO for affordable and quality insurance.

Buying an auto insurance policy can be a confusing process, especially since there are so many factors that go into your premium. Whether you're 25 or 85, looking at average auto insurance rates by age can give you a useful idea of how much you should be paying for coverage.

In this article, we will analyze how much insurance will cost depending on your age, as well as eligibility for discounts for different age groups. We have taken a deep dive into the auto insurance industry and found the best auto insurance companies based on availability, coverage options and more. To receive a free quote from one of our most recommended suppliers, please complete the zip code form below.

Average auto insurance rates by age

Below, we've compiled a list of average auto insurance rates by age using data from Zebra's 2019 Auto Insurance Status Report. The premiums listed reflect the cost of insurance coverage for a male driver of a 2014 medium-sized vehicle with a good driving history and 50/100/50 liability limits with a $500 deductible for full insurance and accident insurance.

According to our study of average car insurance rates by age, the best age to take out car insurance is between 30 and 60 years old. At this point, insurance companies no longer see you as a "high-risk" driver. Risk calculation is how auto insurers set premiums. The more likely you are to have an accident and need insurance, the more premiums you will pay.

Young drivers and older drivers are considered the highest risk age group. Because teenagers are new to driving, their lack of experience often leads to more accidents. In 2017 alone, teen drivers accounted for 8% of all fatal car crashes, despite only accounting for 6% of the US population, according to the CDC. On the other hand, the CDC reports that older drivers (aged 65+) have recorded 7,700 fatalities.

What other factors affect your insurance rate?

In addition to age, your gender, location, car type, driving history, and credit score affect your insurance rate. Let's look at why these factors affect risk and, in turn, affect your insurance premium.

• driving history. If you have been involved in multiple traffic accidents, the insurance company will use this data to predict your future driving habits.
• Floor. While this factor is up for debate, some states charge different rates for men and women. Women often have to pay more for their insurance premiums.
• Vehicle type . Safer vehicles assure service providers that you are less likely to be seriously injured in an accident. This is also relevant for drivers interested in mechanical breakdown insurance.
• Credit rating . While this data is not used as often, some insurance companies may use your credit score to predict risk, as drivers with lower credit scores may be more likely to file claims.
• Location: denser and more populous areas result in more traffic, which poses more risk to drivers. If you are driving in a place like New York or Los Angeles, you will pay more than a driver in a rural town.

There are other elements to consider when evaluating the cost of your insurance, such as marital status and occupation, but the factors we listed above are the most important.

What discounts are available?

If you are in the high-risk driving age group, you may be wondering if you qualify for discounts. Below you can see how much you can save on average by taking advantage of several discounts by age from our most recommended insurers.

Customer loyalty and good driving discounts are not directly related to your age, but they do require a certain number of years of loyalty or accident prevention, so as you age, you are more likely to qualify. Most insurance companies have a list of these and other discounts available on their websites.

Our Top Car Insurance Recommendations

It is important to consider average car insurance rates by age, but be sure to evaluate any potential insurer based on coverage, customer service, and cost effectiveness. We have reviewed all major auto insurance companies focusing on these factors. Based on this research, we found that USAA and GEICO offer the best insurance on the market.

Find out more about these companies below or compare prices now by filling out this form:

GEICO: Best Overall

Available in all 50 states, GEICO auto insurance scored highly in our industry survey. We particularly liked the wide range of discounts offered to customers. The insurer has one of the best mobile app currencies available, with which drivers can file claims, access insurance cards, view and adjust policies, and more. This gives GEICO customers more convenient insurance coverage.

USAA: Best for Military Families

USAA auto insurance, although it only covers members of the military and their families, performed well across all categories covered in our survey of insurers. It boasts an excellent reputation, including an A++ rating from AM Best, and offers many discounts to make your insurance policy more affordable. USAA does not have physical branches, but nevertheless, customers report mostly positive customer service experiences.

FAQ: Average car insurance rates by age

At what age is car insurance the cheapest?

According to a 2019 insurance study, you will be eligible for the cheapest car insurance in your 50s. In this age group, the median annual fee is $1,296.

What is the best age to get car insurance?

The best age to get car insurance is between 20 and 50 years old. During this period, you do not pose the least risk to auto insurers because you have more experience on the road and are not in a vulnerable position due to your age.

What is the average cost of car insurance for a 25 year old?

According to a 2019 insurance study, the average cost of auto insurance for a 25-year-old is about $1,600.

How much does auto insurance cost for a 22 year old?

The cost of auto insurance for a 22-year-old is about $2,100 per year. At this age, you are still at high risk, but you have more driving experience than a 16 year old for the first time.