Find the 10 cheapest cars to insure for teens! Learn how car choice, state laws, and smart hacks can lower insurance costs for young drivers.


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Car insurance for teenagers can be expensive, but choosing the right vehicle can help lower costs. Several factors impact insurance premiums, including age, location, driving experience, and the type of car.

This article highlights the 10 cheapest cars to insure for teenagers, along with useful insights on state-wise insurance costs and tips to save money.

Top 10 Cheapest Cars to Insure for Teenagers 

Here are some of the most affordable cars for teens based on insurance costs (annual estimates):

Car Model

Average Annual Insurance Cost

Mazda MX-5 Miata

$2,640

Subaru Outback

$2,735

Volkswagen Golf GTI

$2,740

Mini Countryman

$2,766

Volkswagen Routan

$2,769

Smart Fortwo

$2,776

Fiat 500L

$2,786

Honda Odyssey

$2,788

Subaru Legacy

$2,792

Mini Paceman

$2,807

 Best Car Insurance for Young Drivers

Best Car Insurance for Young Drivers​ & Teens of 2025!

Best Cars for Cheap Teen Insurance

Mazda MX-5 Miata

A small and lightweight sports car that delivers excellent fuel efficiency and responsive handling. Its compact size makes it easy for new drivers to maneuver, and its impressive safety ratings keep insurance costs relatively low.

Cheapest Cars to Insure

Subaru Outback

A versatile crossover that combines SUV-like practicality with a car's fuel efficiency. Equipped with all-wheel drive and top-tier safety features, it provides added stability, making it a reliable choice for young drivers.

Cheapest Cars to Insure

Volkswagen Golf GTI

A sporty hatchback known for its performance and safety features. It offers great fuel economy, a premium interior, and advanced driver-assist technology that helps reduce insurance costs.

Cheapest Cars to Insure

Mini Countryman

A stylish and fun-to-drive compact SUV with a spacious cabin and solid build quality. It comes with multiple airbags, stability control, and a crash-resistant design, making it a safer option for teenagers.

Cheapest Cars to Insure

Volkswagen Routan

A practical family minivan that offers ample space, strong reliability, and excellent safety ratings. While minivans are generally cheaper to insure, the Routan's solid crash-test results and affordable maintenance make it an economical choice.

Cheapest Cars to Insure

Smart Fortwo

A compact city car with low insurance and maintenance costs. Though small, it has a high-strength safety cell and advanced braking systems to enhance protection in case of a crash. Its small footprint makes parking and handling much easier for teen drivers.

Cheapest Cars to Insure

Fiat 500L

A compact city car with low insurance and maintenance costs. Though small, it has a high-strength safety cell and advanced braking systems to enhance protection in case of a crash. Its small footprint makes parking and handling much easier for teen drivers.

Cheapest Cars to Insure

Honda Odyssey

A top-rated minivan that provides exceptional comfort, cargo space, and safety. It’s one of the most fuel-efficient minivans and is equipped with Honda Sensing safety technology, reducing accident risks and keeping insurance premiums lower.

Cheapest Cars to Insure

Subaru Legacy

A mid-size sedan that offers all-wheel drive, great fuel economy, and top-notch crash safety ratings. Subaru’s reputation for durability and reliability makes it an excellent choice for new drivers.

Cheapest Cars to Insure

Mini Paceman

A sleek and compact crossover with good fuel economy and a fun driving experience. Its low theft rates and strong safety features make it one of the more affordable cars to insure for teens.

Cheapest Cars to Insure

Average Car Insurance Rates for Teens 

Teenagers face higher insurance costs due to their limited driving experience. Here’s what you can expect to pay annually:"

Age

Minimum Coverage

Full Coverage

16

$2,733

$6,613

17

$2,206

$5,373

18

$1,938

$4,837

19

$1,541

$3,716


💡 Tip: Insurance costs decrease as teens gain experience and maintain a clean driving record.

Which States Have the Cheapest & Most Expensive Insurance? 

Insurance rates vary widely across states due to regulations and risk factors.

Cheapest States for Teen Insurance ✅

  • Hawaii – Doesn't factor in age, making it the cheapest option.
  • North Carolina – A 17-year-old pays around $2,660 for full coverage.
  • Iowa – Minimum coverage starts at $930 per year.

Most Expensive States for Teen Insurance ❌

  • Louisiana – Full coverage for a 16-year-old can exceed $11,500 annually.
  • Michigan – Minimum coverage can cost around $4,070 per year.

How to Lower Teen Car Insurance Costs? 

Choose a Safe, Affordable Car – Vehicles with high safety ratings and low theft rates cost less to insure.
Encourage Good Grades – Many insurers offer discounts for students with a GPA of 3.0 or higher.
Opt for a Higher Deductible – This can lower the monthly premium.
Enroll in Defensive Driving Courses – Completing these programs often reduces insurance rates.
Add Teens to a Family Policy – This is usually cheaper than a separate policy.

Conclusion

Picking the right car can significantly reduce insurance costs for teenagers. Safe, fuel-efficient, and reliable models tend to have the lowest premiums. Plus, using smart insurance hacks like good student discounts and bundling policies can further cut costs.

📢 Do you have any experiences with teen car insurance? 

FAQ

Teenagers have less driving experience, which makes them more prone to accidents. This higher risk leads to increased insurance premiums.

Key factors include the driver’s age, location, driving record, vehicle type, and coverage level.

The Mazda MX-5 Miata is one of the cheapest cars to insure for teenagers, with an average annual insurance cost of $2,640.

Yes, newer cars often have higher insurance costs due to expensive repairs and replacement parts. However, cars with strong safety features can qualify for lower rates.

Teens can save on insurance by choosing a safe, affordable car, maintaining good grades, taking defensive driving courses, and opting for higher deductibles.

Yes, insurance costs vary by state. For example, Hawaii and North Carolina offer some of the cheapest rates, while Louisiana and Michigan are among the most expensive.

Yes, adding a teen to a family policy is usually cheaper than buying a separate insurance plan.

Yes, many insurers offer "Good Student Discounts" for teens with a GPA of 3.0 or higher.

A full coverage policy (including liability, collision, and comprehensive coverage) is recommended for teen drivers, though it is more expensive than minimum coverage.

Not always. SUVs like the Subaru Outback have excellent safety ratings, which can lower insurance costs.

Yes, choosing a higher deductible can lower monthly insurance payments, but it means higher out-of-pocket costs in case of an accident.

A clean driving record helps keep insurance rates low, while accidents and traffic violations can significantly increase premiums.

Yes, brands known for safety and reliability, like Subaru, Honda, and Volkswagen, tend to have lower insurance rates.

Yes, vehicles equipped with anti-lock brakes, airbags, and electronic stability control can qualify for discounts.

Insurance rates typically drop at age 19 and continue to decrease as drivers gain experience and maintain a clean driving record.

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