Why is the cost of car insurance higher for teenage boys than teenage girls?
Teenage boys usually pay more for auto insurance than teenage girls, but there are ways to help keep rates low. Here's why your rates are higher and what you can do to save money.
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Kristen Gryglik
Licensed Insurance Agent
Kristen is a licensed insurance agent working in the greater Boston area. She has over 20 years of experience counseling individuals and businesses on which insurance policies best fit their needs and budgets. She knows everyone has their own unique needs and circumstances, and she is passionate about counseling others on which policy is right for them. Licensed in Massachusetts, New Hampshire,...
Licensed Insurance Agent
UPDATED: May 13, 2024
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Editorial Guidelines: We are a free online resource for anyone interested in learning more about auto insurance. Our goal is to be an objective, third-party resource for everything auto insurance related. We update our site regularly, and all content is reviewed by auto insurance experts.
UPDATED: May 13, 2024
It’s all about you. We want to help you make the right coverage choices.
Advertiser Disclosure: We strive to help you make confident car insurance decisions. Comparison shopping should be easy. We are not affiliated with any one car insurance company and cannot guarantee quotes from any single company.
Our partnerships don’t influence our content. Our opinions are our own. To compare quotes from top car companies please enter your ZIP code above to use the free quote tool. The more quotes you compare, the more chances to save.
On This Page
- Males usually pay more for car insurance than females, especially teens
- In some states, using gender to determine rates is illegal
- You can help keep insurance rates low, even for teen males, by understanding other factors that can influence rates
Car insurance for teens is some of the most costly, and males usually have higher rates than females. Read on for more information about teen car insurance and why car insurance is more expensive for males, state laws about using gender to determine rates, and other factors that could influence your teen’s rates.
Why Male Teenagers Usually Pay More for Car Insurance
There are different average car insurance rates by age and gender. Teens pay the most out of any group because they have the least experience. They also have the highest fatality rates while driving. According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), about two of every three teenagers who die in a car accident are male.
Male teens tend to take risks (like speeding) more often than females, leading to these statistics. Since insurance companies make payments for accidents that involve male drivers more often than female drivers, their rates are higher, especially when they’re teens.
Read More: How much do school grades affect car insurance rates?
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Laws About Determining Auto Insurance Rates by Gender
In some states, teen males usually pay a lot less than in other states. These states ban gender discrimination by car insurance companies, making the rates for men and women with similar characteristics the same.
In these states, insurers don’t consider gender:
- California
- Hawaii
- Massachusetts
- Montana
- North Carolina
- Pennsylvania
Men may still pay more than women because of their driving history and other factors, such as the number of car accidents they’ve claimed or the number of speeding tickets they’ve received.
Factors That Could Impact a Teen’s Car Insurance Rates
Here are some of the factors that can influence insurance rates.
How a Teen’s Grades and Education Affect Car Insurance Rates
Your school grades can affect car insurance. A variety of insurance companies offer discounts for high school students with high GPAs. Some companies also offer discounts for college students that can remain on their policy even after they graduate. It’s also worth noting that women tend to have higher average GPAs than men, so fewer males can take advantage of this discount.
People with more education can often get lower rates because college graduates are seen by insurance companies to be more responsible and therefore better drivers.
You can also get driver’s ed car insurance discounts if you take a class in high school or with a private instructor.
How a Teen’s Driving Record Affects Car Insurance
People who have more accidents and traffic violations pay higher rates than those with fewer incidents on their record. Since men tend to take more risks and fewer precautions when driving, they also get more tickets and typically require more money for repairs after accidents.
How the Make and Model of Your Car Affects Auto Insurance
Sports cars usually have higher rates than vehicles with more safety features, like SUVs, minivans, station wagons, or sedans. These features can help inexperienced drivers avoid accidents. Many cars today have teen driver safety systems that can restrict audio volume and speed while keeping features like lane-keeping assistance on.
People are more likely to participate in risky maneuvers to test a sports car’s performance, especially teen males. It’s a good idea to look for an inexpensive vehicle that costs less to insure.
You can choose liability-only coverage without comprehensive or collision insurance because the potential cost of replacing the vehicle after an accident is low. With a more costly vehicle with a large engine, full coverage can keep you from having to pay for a new car or extensive repairs after an accident.
How a Teen’s Family’s Auto Insurance Policy Affects Rates
People of any age who live at their parent’s home can get car insurance through their policy. Many insurers offer discounts for households with more than one driver. If one of the other people on the policy has a long driving history without any major accidents, you might even save additional money.
Read More:
Case Studies: Understanding Higher Car Insurance Rates for Teenage Boys
Case Study 1: Risky Driving Behavior
Mark is a 17-year-old boy who recently obtained his driver’s license. He has a history of speeding and has been involved in a couple of minor accidents. Mark’s risky driving behavior and previous incidents make him a higher-risk driver in the eyes of insurance companies. As a result, his car insurance premium is higher compared to his female peers who have a cleaner driving record.
Case Study 2: Lack of Driving Experience
Alex is an 18-year-old boy who just started driving. As a new and inexperienced driver, he poses a higher risk on the road. Insurance companies consider the lack of driving experience as a contributing factor to accidents and claims. Therefore, Alex’s car insurance premium is higher than that of his female counterparts who may have more driving experience.
Case Study 3: Statistical Risk Analysis
Ryan is a 19-year-old boy who recently got his own car insurance policy. Insurance companies rely on statistical data and risk analysis to set premiums. Statistically, teenage boys have higher fatality rates and tend to engage in riskier driving behaviors compared to teenage girls. As a result, insurance companies charge higher premiums for teenage boys to offset the increased likelihood of accidents and claims.
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Final Thoughts on Car Insurance Rates for Male vs. Female Teenagers
Statistics from the IIHS show that there are reasons for car insurance to be higher for teenage boys than teenage girls. However, you can find an affordable policy by taking advantage of the discounts available and choosing an inexpensive vehicle with plenty of safety features. For most people, insurance rates drop as they get older and gain driving experience. No matter what your age, you can always compare rates in order to get affordable car insurance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there any discounts available specifically for teenage drivers?
Yes, many insurance companies offer discounts for teenage drivers. These may include good student discounts, driver’s education discounts, or discounts for completing safe driving courses.
Will my rates decrease as I gain more driving experience?
Generally, insurance rates tend to decrease as you gain more driving experience and demonstrate a safe driving record. However, individual factors such as your driving history and the insurance company’s policies can also impact your rates.
Can adding safety features to my vehicle help lower insurance costs for a teenage driver?
Yes, adding safety features to your vehicle, such as anti-lock brakes, airbags, and electronic stability control, can help lower insurance costs. These features reduce the risk of accidents and injuries, which insurance companies consider when determining rates.
Should I choose a higher deductible to lower my insurance premiums?
Choosing a higher deductible means you’ll have to pay more out of pocket in the event of a claim, but it can lower your insurance premiums. Consider your financial situation and determine if you can afford a higher deductible before making a decision.
Can I be added to my parents’ car insurance policy to save money?
Yes, adding a teenage driver to a parent’s car insurance policy can often be more cost-effective than getting a separate policy. Many insurers offer multi-driver discounts for households with multiple drivers.
How long will it take for my insurance rates to decrease as a teenage driver?
Insurance rates for teenage drivers usually start to decrease around the age of 20 as they gain more driving experience. However, this can vary depending on your driving record, location, and other factors.
Free Car Insurance Comparison
Enter your ZIP code below to view companies that have cheap car insurance rates.
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Kristen Gryglik
Licensed Insurance Agent
Kristen is a licensed insurance agent working in the greater Boston area. She has over 20 years of experience counseling individuals and businesses on which insurance policies best fit their needs and budgets. She knows everyone has their own unique needs and circumstances, and she is passionate about counseling others on which policy is right for them. Licensed in Massachusetts, New Hampshire,...
Licensed Insurance Agent
Editorial Guidelines: We are a free online resource for anyone interested in learning more about auto insurance. Our goal is to be an objective, third-party resource for everything auto insurance related. We update our site regularly, and all content is reviewed by auto insurance experts.