* Age: The younger the driver, the higher the rates.
* Driving record: Accidents and tickets drastically increase premiums. A clean record is crucial for lower costs.
* Location: Insurance rates vary significantly by state and even zip code due to accident rates and claim costs.
* Vehicle: The type of car (make, model, year) impacts insurance costs. Expensive, high-performance, or easily stolen cars are more expensive to insure.
* Credit score: In many states, your credit score influences your insurance rates.
* Coverage levels: Higher coverage limits (liability, collision, comprehensive) mean higher premiums.
* Discounts: Many insurers offer discounts for good students, safe driving courses, bundling policies (home and auto), and other factors.
To find the least expensive insurance, young drivers should:
1. Shop around: Get quotes from multiple insurers. Don't just rely on one company. Use comparison websites like NerdWallet, The Zebra, or Policygenius to easily compare quotes.
2. Consider less comprehensive coverage: If you have an older car, you might consider dropping collision and comprehensive coverage to lower premiums. (But weigh the risk of not having that coverage if you're involved in an accident.)
3. Take a defensive driving course: Many insurers offer discounts for completing a defensive driving course.
4. Maintain a clean driving record: This is the single most impactful factor.
5. Explore discounts: See what discounts your insurers offer.
6. Consider a telematics program: Some insurers offer programs that monitor your driving habits; good driving can lead to lower rates.
In short, the best approach is to actively compare quotes from multiple insurers, considering your specific circumstances. What's cheapest for one young driver might be much more expensive for another.
