In case you’ve just lately obtained your driver’s license—otherwise you’re on the point of—you is perhaps questioning what it means to be thought-about a “new driver” for insurance coverage. Learn the way lengthy drivers are usually thought-about new, the way it impacts your insurance coverage prices, and extra.
Key takeaways
- New drivers embody teenagers and adults getting their first license, in addition to drivers with international licenses. They’re usually thought-about new for as much as three years by many insurers.
- Insurance coverage premiums are sometimes increased for brand spanking new drivers as a result of restricted driving historical past and youthful age enhance perceived danger.
- New drivers could possibly decrease insurance coverage prices by driving safely, selecting modest automobiles, becoming a member of household insurance policies, and making the most of reductions like good grades or defensive driving programs.
On this article
- What does “new driver” imply in insurance coverage phrases?
- Why new drivers pay increased premiums
- Which issues extra to insurance coverage firms: Age or driving expertise?
- Suggestions for reducing insurance coverage prices as a brand new driver
- Selecting automobile insurance coverage as a brand new driver
What does “new driver” imply in insurance coverage phrases?
Typically, a brand new driver is somebody who has simply obtained their very first driver’s license. That features:
- Youngsters: In case you’re a teen who just lately received a driver’s license, you’re thought-about a brand new driver.
Why do new drivers pay increased premiums?
Automotive insurance coverage is commonly dearer for brand spanking new drivers. That’s as a result of youthful or much less skilled drivers could have the next danger of accidents. Additionally they don’t have a longtime driving historical past, which makes it tougher for insurers to evaluate their particular person danger.
In line with MarketWatch, a first-year new driver can anticipate to spend a median of $487 a month for full protection automobile insurance coverage. Right here’s a year-by-year common insurance coverage price breakdown for brand spanking new drivers:
| Years of driving expertise | Common month-to-month full-coverage fee* |
| 1st 12 months | $487 |
| 2nd 12 months | $457 |
| 3rd 12 months | $429 |
| 4th 12 months | $389 |
| 5th 12 months | $365 |
| 6th 12 months | $312 |
| 7th 12 months | $292 |
| 9th 12 months | $235 |
*Displays information from July 2025
Your insurance coverage premium can range based mostly on many components, like your location, accident historical past, and automobile mannequin. Get a automobile insurance coverage quote from The Common® at this time to see how a lot you’ll pay every month as a brand new driver.
Which issues extra to insurance coverage firms: Age or driving expertise?
Age issues extra for automobile insurance coverage firms. Right here’s why:
- Danger evaluation: Automotive insurance coverage firms use age as a powerful predictor of danger. Accident statistics from the Nationwide Security Council present that youthful drivers—particularly these below 25—are concerned in crashes at increased charges than older drivers.
Suggestions for reducing insurance coverage prices as a brand new driver
In case you’re a brand new driver, there are steps you may take that will assist decrease your automobile insurance coverage prices:
- Drive safely: Following protected driving practices like avoiding distracted driving, obeying site visitors legal guidelines, and never driving in extreme climate can assist you construct a clear driving report, which might decrease insurance coverage prices over time.
- Keep on a mum or dad’s coverage: In case you’re a youthful driver, becoming a member of an present household coverage is commonly extra inexpensive than buying a separate coverage.
- Think about a protected, modest automobile: Luxurious vehicles or sports activities vehicles usually have increased premiums. Selecting a automobile with excessive security rankings and decrease restore prices could assist scale back your insurance coverage prices.
- Get good grades: In some states, youngsters could possibly get discounted insurance coverage charges by sustaining a 3.0 GPA or increased.
- Take a defensive driving course: For cheaper automobile insurance coverage, you may full a defensive driving course, however this low cost isn’t out there in all states.
Selecting automobile insurance coverage as a brand new driver
In case you’re a brand new driver, it’s vital to decide on a automobile insurance coverage firm you may belief. The Common gives automobile insurance coverage for brand spanking new and seasoned drivers. Prospects select The Common as a result of we:
- Supply inexpensive choices
- Make the claims course of easy and simple
- Earn optimistic rankings on Trustpilot, with 4.7 out of 5 stars and over 100,000 critiques
The Common® model merchandise are underwritten by a member of the Sentry Insurance coverage Group. Sentry has an AM Greatest Monetary Energy Ranking (FSR) of A+ (superior), present as of June 2025. See ambest.com/rankings/information.pdf for ranking data.
Get a quote at this time to see how a lot new drivers can save on automobile insurance coverage with The Common.