Yes, young drivers in Illinois can get low-cost car insurance quotes with some strategic planning and by leveraging available discounts. While insurance is often more expensive for teens and new drivers due to their limited experience, there are many ways to bring those premiums down.
By using good-student discounts, driving safely, choosing the right vehicle, and comparing multiple policies, young drivers can significantly lower their insurance costs. For instance, adding an 18-year-old to a parent’s policy can save hundreds of dollars per year compared to the teen purchasing a separate policy.
Many insurance companies offer special programs for teens that reward responsible driving with lower rates. Insure on the Spot, based in Chicago, helps Illinois young drivers compare insurance quotes to find the most affordable coverage.
Call 773-202-5060 for a quick quote!
Why is Car Insurance So Expensive for Young Drivers?
Car insurance premiums are higher for young drivers because teenagers and drivers under 25 are statistically more likely to be involved in accidents. Inexperience leads to more mistakes on the road, and insurers charge higher rates to compensate for the added risk. According to the CDC, teen drivers (ages 16–19) have a crash rate nearly three times higher per mile driven than drivers aged 20 or older. Young drivers are also more prone to speeding, distracted driving, and other risky behaviors, particularly in the first year or two of driving independently.
Another reason for higher premiums is the lack of driving history. Insurers use past records to predict future risk, but since a 16-year-old has no driving history, the insurer assumes higher risk.
Young male drivers, in particular, often pay more due to their higher crash rates compared to females. The good news is that as young drivers gain experience and maintain a clean record, their rates will gradually decrease. The most significant drops typically happen around ages 19, 21, and 25.
Is It Cheaper to Add a Young Driver to a Parent’s Policy or Get Their Own?
In most cases, it is much cheaper for young drivers to stay on a parent’s auto insurance policy rather than getting their own. Insurance companies charge significantly lower rates when a teen driver is added to a family plan, as they benefit from the parent’s good driving record and multi-car discounts.
For example, adding a 16- or 17-year-old to a parent’s policy might increase the premium, but it’s still cheaper than buying a separate policy. A standalone policy for a teen could cost two to three times more than a policy for an adult. Many families find that adding a teen driver saves them $300–$400 per month compared to separate policies.
When Should a Teen Get Their Own Policy?
A separate policy might be necessary if a teen owns a car in their own name or if they live independently from their parents. However, as long as possible, it’s better to stay on the family policy to keep costs down.
What Discounts Are Available for Young Drivers on Car Insurance?
Young drivers in Illinois can access a range of discounts that can significantly reduce their insurance premiums. Some of the most common discounts include:
1. Good Student Discount
If the young driver maintains a “B” average (3.0 GPA or higher), most insurers offer a good student discount, ranging from 5% to 15%. Make sure to provide a report card to your agent every policy term to keep this discount active.
2. Driver’s Education or Training Discount
Completing an approved driver’s education course can lower rates for young drivers. Illinois often requires driver’s ed for teens under 18, which can also serve as an opportunity to earn an insurance discount.
3. Safe Driving Apps / Telematics Discounts
Many insurers offer telematics programs that monitor a driver’s behavior through an app or device. Safe driving habits (like avoiding speeding or hard braking) can earn discounts up to 20%. Programs such as State Farm’s Drive Safe & Save or Progressive’s Snapshot reward safe driving.
4. Distant Student Discount
If a young driver is attending college more than 100 miles from home without a car, insurers may offer a discount. This is because the student will only drive the family car during school breaks, which reduces mileage and risk.
5. Multi-Car or Multi-Policy Discounts
If the family has multiple cars or insurance policies, insurers typically offer a discount for insuring them all under the same policy. Additionally, bundling auto insurance with homeowners or renters insurance often results in additional savings.
6. Safe Driver / Clean Record Discount
Though this applies more as the young driver gains experience, insurers offer discounts for accident-free or violation-free drivers. Starting with a clean record and maintaining it over time helps secure better rates as the driver ages.
7. Low Mileage Discount
Young drivers who don’t drive much may qualify for a low-mileage discount if their annual mileage is below 7,500 or 10,000 miles. If your teen uses the car occasionally, let the insurer know, as this could result in additional savings.
What Kind of Car Is Cheapest to Insure for a Young Driver?
The vehicle a young driver insures can significantly affect their premiums. Generally, safe, practical, and moderately valued cars are cheapest to insure for young drivers. Here’s what to consider when selecting a car for a teen:
1. Choose a Safe, Reliable Car
Look for vehicles with a high safety rating and modern safety features (airbags, anti-lock brakes, stability control, backup cameras). Newer cars with these features often qualify for insurance discounts because they are less likely to be in severe crashes.
2. Avoid Sports Cars and Luxury Brands
Sports cars and luxury vehicles are expensive to insure for young drivers. These cars encourage risky driving behaviors and are more costly to repair or replace. Opt for compact or mid-size cars like a Honda Civic, Toyota Camry, or Ford Focus.
3. Consider a Used Car
A used car with a lower MSRP is usually cheaper to insure. The value of the car directly affects comprehensive and collision premiums, so choose a safe, reliable model that’s not too valuable.
4. Look for Low Insurance Group Models
Insurance companies classify cars into low-risk and high-risk categories. Vehicles in the low insurance group tend to be cheaper to insure because they are less likely to be involved in accidents or theft. Consider family sedans or minivans rather than sports coupes or luxury SUVs.
5. Install Anti-Theft Devices
Installing an anti-theft system, such as a car alarm or GPS tracker, can lower premiums slightly. It’s worth checking with your insurer to see if additional devices can reduce rates.
Can Safe Driving Programs or Habits Help Reduce a Teen’s Insurance Rates?
Yes, adopting safe driving habits is one of the best ways to reduce insurance rates for young drivers.
1. Enroll in a Safe Driving Program
Many insurers offer telematics programs that monitor driving habits. By enrolling, the young driver can receive immediate discounts and additional savings for maintaining good driving behavior.
2. Take a Defensive Driving Course
Completing a defensive driving course can teach teens to avoid accidents and drive more safely. Insurers may offer discounts for completing these programs, and the skills learned help prevent accidents, keeping insurance costs low.
3. Avoid Accidents and Violations
A single accident or traffic violation can significantly raise insurance premiums. Encourage young drivers to obey speed limits, avoid distractions, and never drive under the influence. A clean record leads to better rates over time.
4. Use the Car Wisely to Build Experience
Insurance companies favor drivers with years of experience. Gaining driving experience safely – by practicing under different conditions – can help young drivers lower their premiums as they age.
How Can Young Drivers in Illinois Find the Cheapest Insurance Quotes?
Finding affordable insurance for young drivers in Illinois involves comparison shopping and leveraging local expertise. Follow these steps to get the best deal:
- Compare Quotes from Multiple Insurers: Don’t settle for the first quote. Use online tools or work with an agent to compare rates from different companies.
- Use an Independent Agent: An agent can help you compare rates from multiple insurers in one go, saving time and ensuring you find the best deal.
- Look for No-Credit-Check Quote Options: Some insurers offer quotes without checking credit, which can save money for young drivers with limited credit history.
- Adjust Coverage Levels and Deductibles: Choose the right balance of coverage and deductible to save money without sacrificing protection.
- Consult a Local Insurance Expert: A local agent, like Insure on the Spot, can guide you through Illinois-specific programs and help you find the most affordable options for young drivers.
5 Steps to Get a Cheaper Car Insurance Quote Today
- Gather Your Information: Have the young driver’s license number, car details, and mileage estimate ready.
- Decide on Coverage Needs: Determine the necessary coverage (liability or full coverage) and deductible amount.
- List Applicable Discounts: Note discounts like good student, driver’s ed, and safe driving apps.
- Compare Quotes: Use an independent agent or online tool to compare rates from several insurers.
- Consult and Choose: Review the quote and coverage options before finalizing the policy.
Get a Quote Today!
For affordable auto insurance in Illinois, call Insure on the Spot at 773-202-5060 or get a free online quote now.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Why is car insurance so expensive for young drivers?
A: Young drivers face higher insurance costs due to inexperience and a higher likelihood of accidents. Teen drivers (ages 16–19) have a crash rate nearly three times higher than older drivers, leading insurers to charge higher premiums to offset the risk.
Q: How can a teen driver get cheaper car insurance?
A: A teen driver can reduce their rates by staying on a family policy, maintaining good grades, driving safely, using telematics programs, and shopping around for quotes.
Q: What discounts can young drivers get on car insurance?
A: Young drivers can earn discounts for good student grades, driver’s education, telematics programs, being away at college, and multi-car or multi-policy coverage.
Q: Is it cheaper to be on a parent’s insurance or have my own policy as a young driver?
A: It is almost always cheaper to stay on a parent’s policy. Young drivers typically pay much higher premiums if they get their own policy.
Q: Does car insurance get cheaper when I turn 25?
A: Insurance premiums generally decrease as drivers age and gain experience. The biggest drops occur around ages 19, 21, and 25, assuming a clean driving record.
Get a Quote Today!
For more details or to get a quote, call Insure on the Spot at 773-202-5060 today!