If you’re the parent of a teen who’s a new driver, you’re understandably anxious about their safety. That is also reflected in their car insurance policy costs, which are a tad higher. In this article, you will understand the safest and most affordable list of vehicles for your teens. After all, which parent wouldn’t want to provide their younger ones a safer driving and learning experience?
Also, check out Beem for personalized auto insurance quotes from the industry’s leading insurance providers and get up to 40% off on your preferred coverage.
Best Cars to Insure for Young Drivers
Here is a list of the safest cars that are affordable to insure and maintain for teens:
Honda Civic 4-door – $18,390
The Honda Civic is a car focused on your child’s safety. With a reverse camera, electronic stability, and anti-lock brakes, it has achieved top marks for IIHS safety categories. Other key features include front and rear airbags and Bluetooth phone connection. The Civic’s hybrid version comes with extra front crash prevention.
Mazda 3 – $16,495
Mazda 3 has excellent safety ratings and a great price range. It looks similar to a sports car and includes features such as a rollover sensor, electronic stability control, anti-lock brakes, and side airbags. The vehicle also monitors engine performance and speed to ensure it is running at a safe speed and distance from neighboring cars.
Toyota Prius – $24,200
Prius is an eco-friendly and affordable hybrid hatchback. It has excellent fuel economy, climate control, and anti-lock brakes. Its side and driver’s knee airbags protect teen drivers from serious knee injuries in frontal crashes.
Honda Accord (Two-Door and Four-Door) – $21,955
The Honda Accord is a safe yet luxurious option for your teen. Its latest model has the LaneWatch, which uses a camera to signal the right turn and allows drivers to track blind spots from all four sides. Its front seat-mounted torso and rear head curtain airbags make it a safe choice.
Mazda 6 – $21,190
Thanks to its safety features, Mazda 6 is an excellent option for young and old drivers. Newer options, including blind spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and multiple airbags, give this sports sedan a modern feel.
Ford Fusion – $20,795
Young drivers who want a good fuel-efficient car can opt for the Ford Fusion. The sedan has stability and traction control with integrated blind spot mirrors and an optional lane departure warning. It offers many safety features, along with speed control, to ensure teens drive within safe limits.
Mitsubishi Outlander – $22,995
The Mitsubishi Outlander is an intelligent choice in the small SUV category and is suitable for young drivers who want an affordable price with safety features. The vehicle has a six-inch touchscreen display and seven-passenger seating for young drivers.
Nissan Rogue – $22,790
An SUV with a lot of safety features, the Nissan Rogue has airbags in all three rows and is best suited for long drivers with zero-gravity front seats. Its looks and safety features make it an intelligent choice for college-going teens.
Subaru Outback – $23,495
Subaru is a safe vehicle, as it’s among the top-rated front crash protection cars with an EyeSight Driver Assist system. This system warns drivers when the vehicle moves outside the lane and stops the vehicle for safety. It also alerts the driver when it is about to collide and has airbags for the driver’s safety.
Subaru Forester – $22,195
The Subaru Forester is a luxury vehicle with head-on collision and side-impact safety. It has achieved a perfect safety rating from IIHS. Its features include a rollover sensor, electronic stability control, and a driver knee airbag.
What Are the Average Insurance Rates for Teens?
Car Insurance for teen drivers depends on their age, car, and the state where they take insurance. Some states offer a relaxation program for teen drivers to promote insurance, while some find young drivers at risk, so they might charge a higher insurance rate.
Here is a list of teen drivers with minimum and total coverage averages:
- 16-year-old drivers: Minimum coverage is about $2,733, and full coverage is about $6,613.
- 17-year-old drivers: Minimum coverage is about $2,206, and full coverage is about $5,373.
- 18-year-old drivers: Minimum coverage is about $1,938, and full coverage is about $4,837.
- 19-year-old drivers: Minimum coverage is about $1,541, and full coverage is about $3716.
Which States Are the Cheapest and Most Expensive?
States such as Hawaii and North Carolina are the cheapest and most affordable for teen drivers’ auto insurance. Hawaii is the only state that doesn’t offer insurance based on the driver’s age. Similarly, teen drivers in Iowa have to pay a premium for full coverage car insurance. Young drivers in Michigan pay up to $4,000 annually for minimum coverage insurance, making it one of the most expensive states for teen drivers.
Does Gender Play a Role in Car Insurance Costs?
Female and male drivers usually have similar auto insurance rates. However, a few male drivers might have better car insurance prices when they reach the age of 20 than when they are 17, owing to the driving experience and history that they’d have accumulated.
Younger male drivers are more likely to have minor accidents or are considered risky drivers. Hence, companies can’t refer to their driving records and might charge a premium to safeguard themselves. With experienced drivers, companies have statistics to determine overall risks and formulate prices accordingly.
Ways to Lower Insurance for Teenagers
Auto insurance for teen drivers is a considerable expense. Most teens lose their lives because of a lack of safety features and proper driving experience. Learning to drive and know enough about driving before owning a car is better. Here are a few steps teens can follow to reduce their insurance rates:
- Take a defensive driving course.
- Drive a safe and affordable car.
- Pass driving schools with good grades.
- Try to drive safely and avoid parking and violation tickets.
- Seek additional discounts and offers before purchasing any insurance.
Most Expensive Cars to Insure for Teens
Expensive cars for teen drivers are a big red flag. Teen drivers lack experience and need to be financially independent enough to understand the value of money, which makes them careless and reckless drivers. Luxury cars also increase their average insurance rates, which might significantly impact them if the car is damaged. The most expensive cars for teen drivers include the Kia Forte, Mini Cooper Hardtop, Kia Rio, and Honda Civic.
People Also Read- Best car Insurance for College Students
Conclusion
When looking for car insurance for teen drivers, research safe and affordable cars and various insurance providers before finalizing one. One can start by introducing safety driving tips and regular practice sessions to train drivers well before owning their vehicles. A secure car can help you reduce insurance rates drastically and provide your kids with a safer driving experience.
Also, check out Beem to get personalized auto insurance quotes from the industry’s leading insurance providers and get up to 40% off on your preferred coverage.