How to Get Cheap Car Insurance at 18: The Complete Guide

Getting affordable car insurance at 18 can seem impossible. Premiums are sky-high for teenage drivers due to lack of experience and higher accident rates. But with the right strategy, you can minimize costs and find cheap car insurance as a young driver.

In this complete guide, I’ll explain why car insurance is so expensive at 18 and provide actionable tips to lower your rates. I’ve helped dozens of teen drivers save money on their policies over the years. You can too with the advice in this article.

Why is Car Insurance So Expensive for 18 Year Olds?

Car insurance rates for 18-year-olds average $[3,186] per year for minimum coverage according to [QuoteWizard] research That’s $[2,142] more than the national average!

The main reason insurance is expensive for teens is inexperience. Insurance companies consider 18-year-olds high-risk drivers due to:

• Lack of driving experience
• Higher accident rates
• Increased tendency for risky driving behaviors

Other factors affecting your premiums include:

• Age and gender – males pay more than females
• Where you live – urban areas cost more
• Type of car – sports cars and SUVs have higher rates

Insurance companies charge higher premiums to offset the elevated risk. But there are ways to counteract these rate factors and find cheap coverage.

9 Ways to Get Cheap Car Insurance at 18

Here are 9 proven strategies to get cheap car insurance at 18:

1. Take a Defensive Driving Course

Defensive driving courses teach accident avoidance skills and safe driving techniques. Completing one allows you to discount your premiums by up to 10% with most insurance companies.

Look for courses approved by the National Safety Council to guarantee qualifying for the savings Many are available online for convenience Expect to pay $25-$75 to complete a class,

2. Maintain Good Grades

Earning good grades demonstrates responsibility and lowers your risk to insurance carriers. Maintaining a B average or better qualifies you for a good student discount with many insurers.

Make sure to submit your latest report card or transcript to get this discount. The savings range from 5%-15% depending on the company.

3. Limit Your Miles

Insurers charge rates based on how much you drive. The less miles you put on your vehicle, the lower your premiums will be.

Consider a policy with low mileage thresholds like 5,000 or 8,000 per year. Drive conservatively and keep mileage low to lock in cheap rates

4. Remove Unnecessary Coverage

Don’t pay for superfluous coverage you don’t really need. For example, you can likely skip comprehensive and collision coverage on an older vehicle.

Review your policy details and remove any extras like rental reimbursement or roadside assistance too. Stripping away unnecessary coverage is an easy way to lower premiums.

5. Increase Your Deductible

Deductibles represent how much you pay out-of-pocket before insurance kicks in. Choosing a higher deductible like $1,000 rather than $500 can reduce your premiums substantially.

Just make sure you have savings to cover the larger deductible if needed. This strategy makes sense if money is tight and you have a clean driving record.

6. Ask About Discounts

There are many common discounts that add up fast. Don’t hesitate to ask your insurer or agent about savings you may qualify for.

Good student, driver training, anti-theft device, and multi-policy discounts offer typical savings between 5-25%. Make sure you’re getting all the discounts possible.

7. Shop Around and Compare

Rates can vary widely between insurance companies. That’s why it pays to shop around and compare quotes. You should check rates from at least 5-6 insurers to find the best deal.

Websites like [QuoteWizard] make this easy by providing free quotes from top companies all in one place. Spending an hour or two comparing can save you hundreds!

8. Choose an Older, Inexpensive Car

Older vehicles with standard safety features are much cheaper to insure than newer cars loaded with technology. For example, a 10-year old sedan will have lower premiums than a brand new SUV.

If you’re buying a car, let insurance costs guide your decision too. Review insurance rates for different vehicles using your criteria to choose an affordable option.

9. Ask About “Parent-Teen” Policies

Adding your 18-year-old driver to your own policy is substantially cheaper than purchasing separate insurance. On average, it saves over $[2,700] per year according to [QuoteWizard].

“Parent-Teen” policies effectively allow you to spread risk across multiple vehicles and drivers. Be sure to ask your insurer or agent about this money-saving option.

Final Thoughts

I hope these tips help you find cheap car insurance as an 18-year-old. The key is minimizing risk factors in your control and shopping around for the best rate.