Adding a new teen driver to your car insurance policy can be both exciting and stressful. Along with the newfound freedom of driving comes the reality of increased insurance costs. According to 2025 Experian data, insuring a teen driver costs an average of $3,512 annually. This is largely because teenagers have accident rates nearly four times higher than older drivers, according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).
However, there are ways to secure the best car insurance for your teen while keeping costs manageable. By shopping around, increasing your deductible, eliminating unnecessary coverage, and taking advantage of discounts, you can find a plan that balances affordability with comprehensive protection.
Should You Buy Separate Car Insurance for Your Teen?
In most cases, adding your teen to your existing car insurance policy is more cost-effective than purchasing a separate policy for them. As a more experienced driver, you likely qualify for lower premiums that your teen wouldn’t be eligible for on their own. Additionally, bundling home and auto insurance or being a homeowner can lead to further discounts.
However, there are situations where a separate policy might be beneficial. If your teen has multiple accidents or moving violations, an insurer specializing in high-risk drivers could provide coverage without significantly impacting your own policy rates.
How to Add Your Teen to Your Car Insurance Policy
Adding a teen to your car insurance policy is a straightforward process:
- Contact Your Triton Insurance Agent: Your agent can recommend policy adjustments, such as adding roadside assistance or accident forgiveness.
- Compare Quotes: Have your Triton agent shop around with insurers to ensure you’re getting the best deal. You can obtain quotes online or over the phone.
- Evaluate Providers: If considering a switch, work with your Triton agent to assess each insurer’s reputation, customer service, and financial stability by checking ratings from A.M. Best, Fitch, Moody’s, and Standard & Poor’s.
- Gather Necessary Information: Typically, you’ll need your teen’s driver’s license number, the vehicle identification number (VIN) of the car they’ll drive, and an estimate of their annual mileage.
- Update or Switch Policies: Once you’ve selected the best coverage, confirm that your new policy is active before canceling any old coverage.
The Cost of Insuring a Teen Driver
Adding a teenager to your car insurance policy can significantly increase your premiums. According to Experian, the average annual increase is $3,512, or roughly $293 per month. Additionally, gender plays a role, as male teen drivers generally cost more to insure than female drivers:
| Age Range | Female | Male |
| 16-19 | $3,307 | $3,717 |
| 20-24 | $3,047 | $3,143 |
The good news? Insurance costs typically decrease as your teen gets older, especially if they maintain a clean driving record.
How to Save Money on Teen Car Insurance
To keep insurance costs under control, consider these money-saving strategies:
- Choose a Safe Car: Vehicles with high safety ratings, anti-theft features, and low theft rates often cost less to insure.
- Eliminate Non Essential Coverage: Dropping extras like rental car reimbursement can help reduce costs. For older vehicles, consider removing collision and comprehensive coverage.
- Raise Your Deductible: A higher deductible lowers monthly premiums, but ensure you can afford the out-of-pocket cost if needed.
- Take Advantage of Discounts: Many insurers offer lower rates for good students (B average or higher) and those who complete approved driver safety courses.
- Adjust Coverage for College Students: If your teen is away at college without a car, some insurers provide discounts for reduced usage.
- Use Telematics Programs: Usage-based insurance monitors driving habits and mileage, potentially lowering rates for safe drivers.
- Look for Online Discounts: Some companies offer savings for online quotes, policy management, or paperless billing.
- Maintain Good Credit: A strong credit-based insurance score can lead to lower premiums in many states.
The Bottom Line
While insuring a teenage driver can be expensive, costs typically decrease as they gain experience and maintain a clean record. Comparing car insurance options annually ensures you’re getting the best deal.
Triton Insurance Group makes finding the right policy easy. Our free car insurance comparison service allows you to input your information once and receive personalized quotes from top insurers. Let us help you find affordable, comprehensive coverage for your teen driver today!