How to Find the Best Insurance for Young Drivers

By Kevin Quinn and the Mercury Team

Getting behind the wheel for the first time is exciting, but finding affordable car insurance as a teen or new driver can feel a little intimidating. Because young drivers have less experience, insurance companies tend to charge higher rates at first. However, there are plenty of ways to keep those costs down.

This post will break down why car insurance tends to cost more for teens, how to qualify for valuable discounts, and how Mercury can help you get the best rate possible.

Why Is Car Insurance More Expensive for Young Drivers?

Insurance companies usually charge higher rates for younger drivers because, statistically, they’re more likely to be involved in accidents. In fact, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) states that teen drivers between 16 and 19 have a higher risk of being involved in car accidents than any other age group.

Let’s take a look at why rates tend to start higher:

Less driving experience: It takes time to develop the instincts and confidence that come with experience. Once insurers can see your track record as a safe driver, your rates will likely go down.
More accidents and traffic violations: Drivers under 25 are involved in more crashes and speeding incidents than any other age group, which raises overall risk levels.
New driver habits: Teens and new drivers are still learning. Things like judging distances, reacting to sudden stops, or minimizing distractions can take practice.

Luckily, those higher costs don’t last forever. As you gain experience, keep your grades up, and maintain a clean driving record, your rates can drop dramatically. And with Mercury Insurance, you can start saving even sooner with auto insurance discounts designed specifically for young and responsible drivers.

Insurance Discounts for Young Drivers

Car insurance for teens and young drivers doesn’t have to be overwhelming, especially when you know where to find savings. Here are some of the best ways to lower your premium:

Good Student Discount

If you’re doing well in school, that hard work can pay off. You may be eligible for this discount if you’re:

An unmarried high school or college student who maintains a 3.0 GPA or higher.
On the Honor Roll, Dean’s List, or in the top 20% of your class.

Statistics show that student drivers who maintain better grades are less likely to make mistakes behind the wheel, and discounts of 10% to 15% are typically available to them.

Safe Driving Discount

Maintaining a safe driving record in addition to having good grades is important. Safe driving discounts are the most important savings to keep for young drivers. A poor driving record will generally overwhelm any savings that may come from other discounts, such as a good driver discount. Involvement in a solo or at-fault auto accident may also cause rates to jump, as will multiple speeding tickets—even if a young driver has been receiving discounts.

Multi-Car Discount

If you still live at home, it may be a good idea to be added to your parents’ policy as a Secondary or Named Driver. Additionally, your parents may be eligible for a multi-car discount. You can opt to be a Named or Secondary Driver on your parents’ insurance until you’ve gained a few years of experience, which is when rates generally begin to drop substantially.

Increase Your Deductible

You can reduce your premium by increasing your deductible. Also, choosing to pay your premium in full may avoid installment payment transaction charges.

Low-Mileage Discount

Reduce the miles you drive annually, and you may be entitled to a discount. The logic is simple: the more time you spend driving your car, the greater your chances of being involved in an auto accident. Consequently, mileage is often a factor that insurers consider when calculating risk.

Drive a Safe Vehicle

Insurers are likely to offer discounts if some of your car’s features reduce its chances of being stolen or increase its chances of being recovered. Parking in a secure garage, installing a car alarm equipped with an immobilizer, and other security or safety features not only protect your car, reduce risk of theft, accidental damage, or break-ins, but they may also have a positive impact on your insurance bills.

Some Cars Cost Less to Insure

You may pay less for car insurance if you choose a vehicle with a lower engine capacity. Typically, cars that are costly to purchase are also more expensive to insure, as well as to maintain and repair. It’s always a good idea to get a price quote on insurance for your dream car before you complete the purchase. Additionally, modifications can run up the price of your premium. For example, spoilers, trim kits, and turbo kits suggest a driving style that may adversely affect your premium.

Why Choose Mercury Insurance for Young Driver Coverage?

Mercury Insurance offers flexible plans, built-in discounts, and personalized support, so you can get coverage that fits your budget and lifestyle.

Here’s why families and students choose Mercury:

Affordable policies with built-in discounts: Mercury helps you combine savings, like good student and safe driver discounts, to get the best possible rate.
Coverage designed for young drivers: Plans can be tailored for students, first-time drivers, or families adding a teen to their policy.
Guidance from real people: Mercury’s local agents and support teams understand the challenges of insuring young drivers and are here to help every step of the way.
Proven peace of mind: With decades of experience and top-rated customer service, Mercury makes sure new drivers are protected without paying more than they have to.

“We know how stressful it can be to find affordable coverage for a new driver,” says Kevin Quinn, VP, Claims at Mercury Insurance. “That’s why Mercury offers flexible policies and discounts that reward responsible behavior, both on and off the road.”

Get the Best Insurance for Young Drivers with Mercury

Getting car insurance as a young driver doesn’t have to be stressful or unaffordable. Students and new drivers can find affordable protection that fits their needs with the right coverage and discounts designed to reward safe driving, good grades, and responsible habits.

Mercury Insurance is here to help you every step of the way, from finding cheap car insurance for young drivers, to taking advantage of discounts. Whether you’re hitting the road for the first time or helping your teen get covered, Mercury makes it easy to protect what matters most.

Kevin Quinn

VP, Claims at Mercury Insurance

Kevin Quinn is Vice President of Claims for Mercury Insurance, where he leads auto claims adjusting nationally. Quinn has been with Mercury since 2015 and has been in the industry – starting as a claims adjuster – for more than 20 years. Quinn received his undergraduate degree in Business Administration from New York Institute of Technology and also holds a Juris Doctor degree from California Western School of Law.