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Car insurance for 22-year-olds
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When you’re a younger, less-experienced driver, you can typically expect to pay more on average for car insurance, at least until you hit a certain age and have more experience behind the wheel. As a 22-year-old driver, you likely have a few years of experience under your belt, which is represented in lower average insurance costs compared to 18- or 19-year-old drivers. And, if you maintain a clean driving record, your rates will likely continue to go down as you get older.
But while 22-year-old drivers pay less, on average, than drivers who are teenagers or are 20 or 21 years old, there may still be opportunities for you to save money on your car insurance. That’s because your car insurance rates are based on numerous factors, so it can be helpful to understand what insurance companies use to determine your premium. Bankrate’s research, which includes the average premium costs for 22-year-olds by gender, state and company, might help you take control of your car insurance expenses.
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Coverage.com, LLC is a licensed insurance producer (NPN: 19966249). Coverage.com services are only available in states where it is licensed. Coverage.com may not offer insurance coverage in all states or scenarios. All insurance products are governed by the terms in the applicable insurance policy, and all related decisions (such as approval for coverage, premiums, commissions and fees) and policy obligations are the sole responsibility of the underwriting insurer. The information on this site does not modify any insurance policy terms in any way.
How much is car insurance for a 22-year-old?
The average cost of car insurance for a 22-year-old driver on their own full coverage policy is $3,163 per year, according to premium data provided by Quadrant Information Services. That equates to about $264 per month. If you have a policy with minimum coverage, the average annual rate for a 22-year-old is $955, or approximately $80 a month. As expected, these rates are higher than the national average cost of car insurance, which is $2,014 for full coverage and $622 for minimum coverage per year.
As you gain more experience behind the wheel, and have no at-fault accidents or moving violations, you may see your auto insurance rates gradually decrease. Bankrate’s sample profile for a 22-year-old driver represents a 22-year-old with their own policy, who rents rather than owns their own home. Because many 22-year-olds might have moved out of their parents’ home and are living on their own, but may not own a home yet, these rates are generally helpful and representative of this age group.
For 22-year-olds listed on their parents’ policies, the average cost of a full coverage policy is $2,466 per year, and the average cost of a minimum coverage policy is $769 per year. That’s slightly lower than the average cost of car insurance for 22-year-olds on their own policies.
Drivers under age 25 are generally considered to be relatively inexperienced by most insurance companies and are often charged a higher premium to compensate for the greater risks they present. In general, the older you get — assuming you are able to maintain a clean driving record — the lower your premium will be.
Average car insurance cost for 22-year-olds by state
Insurance rates vary by state, so knowing both the national average premium for your age group as well as your state’s average premium can be helpful for the sake of comparison. Along with different regulations surrounding insurance in every state, each individual ZIP code has varying rates of collisions, vehicle thefts and costs for repairs. All of these factors determine the average rates quoted in each state.
| State | Average annual full coverage premium for 22-year-old drivers |
|---|---|
| Alabama | $3,055 |
| Alaska | $3,148 |
| Arizona | $2,901 |
| Arkansas | $2,955 |
| California* | $3,478 |
| Colorado | $3,383 |
| Connecticut | $2,618 |
| Delaware | $3,314 |
| Florida | $4,944 |
| Georgia | $3,330 |
| Hawaii* | $1,327 |
| Idaho | $1,864 |
| Illinois | $3,098 |
| Indiana | $2,096 |
| Iowa | $2,070 |
| Kansas | $2,923 |
| Kentucky | $3,567 |
| Louisiana | $4,622 |
| Maine | $1,621 |
| Maryland | $3,266 |
| Massachusetts* | $1,661 |
| Michigan* | $4,368 |
| Minnesota | $2,728 |
| Mississippi | $2,786 |
| Missouri | $3,165 |
| Montana | $3,099 |
| Nebraska | $2,546 |
| Nevada | $4,459 |
| New Hampshire | $2,146 |
| New Jersey | $2,962 |
| New Mexico | $2,492 |
| New York | $4,642 |
| North Carolina | $1,610 |
| North Dakota | $1,979 |
| Ohio | $2,179 |
| Oklahoma | $3,084 |
| Oregon | $2,206 |
| Pennsylvania | $3,383 |
| Rhode Island | $3,075 |
| South Carolina | $2,449 |
| South Dakota | $2,292 |
| Tennessee | $2,427 |
| Texas | $3,210 |
| Utah | $2,501 |
| Vermont | $1,848 |
| Virginia | $2,502 |
| Washington | $2,389 |
| Washington, D.C. | $3,252 |
| West Virginia | $2,550 |
| Wisconsin | $2,062 |
| Wyoming | $2,584 |
Rates were calculated for 22-year-old renters on their own policy.
*Age is not a contributing rating factor in Hawaii and Massachusetts due to state regulations.
Best car insurance companies for 22-year-olds
Car insurance companies vary greatly, not only in the rates charged, but in the coverage types, discounts, policy features offered and corresponding third-party rankings. Bankrate’s insurance editorial team reviewed the best car insurance carriers by market share in the nation. We’ve included each company’s Bankrate Score, which is calculated on a five-point scale entailing an assessment of coverage availability, options, discounts, price, customer service and financial strength, among a few other factors. Considering each Bankrate Score when you are shopping for your car insurance can help you quickly narrow down top options from your list of potential companies to identify a quality provider that meets your insurance needs. If you are in the market for the best car insurance for 22-year-old drivers, comparing quotes from these four major providers will give you an idea of how rates vary based on your circumstances:
| Car insurance company | Bankrate Score | Average annual minimum coverage premium for 22-year-old drivers | Average annual full coverage premium for 22-year-old drivers |
|---|---|---|---|
| Geico | 4.4 | $558 | $2,026 |
| USAA | 4.3 | $572 | $2,096 |
| State Farm | 4.2 | $741 | $2,352 |
| American Family | 3.8 | $959 | $2,688 |
Geico
Geico’s low average rates are already competitive, but this well-known U.S. auto insurer also has one of the most comprehensive lists of available discounts in the industry. 22-year-olds may be able to save additional money by taking advantage of discounts including good student, military and federal employee and vehicle safety equipment. However, keep in mind that Geico does not offer gap insurance, so if you want gap coverage, you’ll have to look into another company. Geico carries an A++ (Superior) financial strength rating from AM Best, the highest rating possible.
Learn more: Geico Insurance review
USAA
USAA is known for its competitive premiums and high-quality customer service. However, one drawback of USAA may be that the company only sells insurance to active-duty military, veterans and their qualifying family members. If you qualify for membership, USAA provides a few advantages to consider. In addition to low premiums, the company offers numerous discounts for 22-year-olds, including safe driving, good student and owning a new car. USAA carries an A++ (Superior) financial strength rating from AM Best.
Learn more: USAA Insurance review
State Farm
State Farm, the largest U.S. auto insurer, may appeal to 22-year-old drivers who value working with a local insurance agent in person. The company has over 19,000 exclusive agents nationwide, making it probable you have a local State Farm agency nearby. You might be able to lower your premium further with the company’s Steer Clear safe driving telematics program that tracks your driving habits, or by being a good student that maintains a B average or better. State Farm also offers several other insurance products, if you are looking to expand your financial protection, including home, condo and renters coverage, and provides additional banking services. However, with the second-highest premiums on our list, State Farm may not be the best option for budget-conscious 22-year-old policyholders. AM Best rates State Farm A++ (Superior) for its financial strength.
Learn more: State Farm Insurance review
American Family
American Family, commonly known as AmFam, has the highest premiums among the insurers on our list, but its overall average premium is still cheaper than the national average for 22-year-olds. AmFam offers some unique discounts that could help you save, including a young volunteer discount and a generational discount, which you may be able to take advantage of if your parents are insured with AmFam. You can tailor your policy with optional coverage, such as accidental death and dismemberment coverage or gap coverage. AmFam is fiscally sound and carries an A (Excellent) financial strength rating from AM Best.
Learn more: American Family Insurance review
Cheapest car insurance for 22-year-olds
22-year-olds are often just starting out and establishing independent lives. Rent or mortgage payments, utility bills, car loan payments and student loan payments may cause these young adults to operate on a strict budget. If you’re looking for the cheapest car insurance companies, the following major providers offer average rates that are below the national average for 22-year-olds:
| Car insurance company | Average annual minimum coverage premium for 22-year-olds | Average annual full coverage premium for 22-year-olds |
|---|---|---|
| Geico | $558 | $2,026 |
| USAA | $572 | $2,096 |
| Auto-Owners | $582 | $2,221 |
| Amica | $662 | $2,374 |
| Travelers | $693 | $2,350 |
Regardless of the average rate for 22-year-olds, keep in mind that car insurance premiums are personalized. Your individual rating factors will ultimately determine how much you pay. Your choice of vehicle, the level of coverage you purchase and your driving history will all be factored into your premium, so you might pay more or less than these average premiums.
How to save on car insurance for 22-year-olds
While the average cost of car insurance for 22-year-olds tends to be higher than it is for older drivers, there are several ways you may be able to lower your auto insurance rate.
Maintain a good driving record
One of the best ways to keep your insurance premium low is to avoid at-fault accidents and traffic violations. The more accidents and moving violations you have on your motor vehicle record, the higher your premium is likely to be. Practicing safe driving habits not only keeps you, your passengers and those around you safe, it can help keep your auto insurance premiums low. Since some insurers offer good driving discounts, safe driving is further incentivized.
Get good grades
Many insurance companies offer discounts for teens and young adults if they have good grades in high school or as full-time college students. You will likely have to present a recent grade card to your insurance company to qualify for this discount. Every company has different requirements, so be sure to ask your insurance company if you qualify.
Go to college without a car
If you are a college student living away from home, you may qualify for a discount on your auto insurance policy if you choose to leave your car behind. Most companies dictate how many miles you must be away from home in order to qualify for this discount. For example, you may need to be going to a school that is at least 100 miles from your home address in order to qualify.
How to get the best car insurance for a 22-year-old
There are several tips a 22-year-old driver may be able to use to find the best car insurance for their needs. These include:
- Shop around. Each insurance company calculates rates differently and each may also offer different types of coverage options or discounts to drivers. Shopping around for car insurance quotes can help you find the best car insurance company for the coverage you need at a rate that fits your budget.
- Ask about discounts. In many cases, car insurance discounts can be stacked together to maximize savings. Ask about available discounts that you may qualify for in order to help maximize your savings whenever possible. Some discounts that could quickly lower your premium as a 22-year old include a multi-policy discount, a good driving discount, and even a good student discount if you are in school maintaining a decent grade point average.
- Be a safe driver. By practicing safe driving habits, you can better maintain a clean driving record. This may not only keep rates low, but may also make you eligible for the best car insurance companies and safe driving discounts in many cases. Car insurance is already more expensive for younger drivers so having a moving violation on your record has the potential to raise your rates well-above the average premiums.
- Work with an agent. As a 22-year-old, you may not know what coverages you need and which are optional for your specific situation. Working with a licensed agent, whether it’s a captive agent like a State Farm agent or an independent agent, may help to ensure that you get the right policy without paying for extra coverage you don’t need.
Frequently asked questions
Methodology
Bankrate utilizes Quadrant Information Services to analyze 2023 rates for ZIP codes and carriers in all 50 states and Washington, D.C. Rates are weighted based on the population density in each geographic region. Quoted rates are based on a 40-year-old male and female driver with a clean driving record, good credit and the following full coverage limits:
- $100,000 bodily injury liability per person
- $300,000 bodily injury liability per accident
- $50,000 property damage liability per accident
- $100,000 uninsured motorist bodily injury per person
- $300,000 uninsured motorist bodily injury per accident
- $500 collision deductible
- $500 comprehensive deductible
To determine minimum coverage limits, Bankrate used minimum coverage that meets each state’s requirements. Our base profile drivers own a 2021 Toyota Camry, commute five days a week and drive 12,000 miles annually.
These are sample rates and should only be used for comparative purposes.
Age: Rates were calculated by evaluating our base profile with the ages 18-60 (base: 40 years) applied. Depending on age, drivers may be a renter or homeowner. Two states prohibit insurers from using age as a rating factor: Hawaii and Massachusetts