* Driving record: A clean driving record will result in significantly lower premiums than one with accidents, tickets, or suspensions.
* Location: Insurance rates vary widely by state and even by zip code due to differences in accident rates and claims costs. High-crime areas tend to have higher premiums.
* Type of car: Insuring a sports car or a high-performance vehicle will be far more expensive than insuring a smaller, less powerful car.
* Coverage levels: Choosing minimum liability coverage will be cheaper than opting for comprehensive and collision coverage. Higher deductibles also lower premiums.
* Credit score: In many states, insurance companies use credit history to assess risk, and a poor credit score can lead to higher premiums.
* Driving habits: Some insurers offer discounts for good drivers (e.g., telematics programs that track driving behavior).
* Student status: Being a full-time student might qualify for discounts in some cases.
A 19-year-old with a clean record, driving an older, less expensive car, and carrying minimum coverage in a low-risk area might find car insurance affordable. However, a 19-year-old with a poor driving record, driving a new sports car, and seeking comprehensive coverage in a high-risk area might find it prohibitively expensive.
In short, affordability is highly individual and requires getting quotes from several insurance companies to determine the actual cost.
