Car Insurance for Young and New Drivers in New York
Young drivers in New York need the same coverage as everyone else, but they usually pay more for it. The decisions that matter most are when to add a teen to a policy, whose policy a student should be on and which discounts a young driver can actually get.
These guides take those questions in order, from a learner’s permit to turning 25.
At a Glance
- Same Minimums at Every Age: Every New York policy needs at least $25,000/$50,000 bodily injury, $50,000/$100,000 death, $10,000 property damage, $50,000 no-fault and $25,000/$50,000 uninsured motorist coverage.
- A Defensive Driving Course Can Help: Completing a DMV-approved Point and Insurance Reduction Program course cuts liability and collision premiums by 10% for three years.
- Tell the Insurer Where the Car Is Kept: Insurers price by rating territory, so a car that moves to a campus in another part of the state may need to be re-rated.
- Get Quotes Both Ways: Before adding a teen, ask for a price with the teen on your policy and a price for a separate policy, then compare the same coverage.
Teens and High School Drivers
- Learner’s permits: How insurance works for permit holders and when to tell your insurer.
- Teen drivers: Coverage options and discounts for teen drivers in New York.
- High school students: When to add a high school driver and which discounts may help.
- Whether you must add your child: When insurers expect a teen or adult child to be listed on your policy.
- Adding a child to your policy: How to add a child, how permits affect rates and what coverage is required.
College Students
- Students: Coverage for New York students, including out-of-state and international students.
- Insurers for college students: Companies to compare and the discounts that matter most for students.
- Good student discount: Who qualifies and what proof insurers ask for.
- Student away from home discount: How the discount works when a child goes to college, with or without a car.
What Young Drivers Pay
- Why rates are higher: Why young drivers pay more and what brings the price down.
- 16-year-olds: What insurance can cost for a 16-year-old and how families lower it.
- 17-year-olds: Costs, permit rules and savings for 17-year-olds.
- 18-year-olds: What affects rates for 18-year-olds and ways to save.
- 19-year-olds: Rating factors and discounts for 19-year-olds.
- First-time drivers in NYC: What first-time drivers in New York City may pay and why.
- Turning 25: What actually changes at 25, and what doesn’t.
New Drivers of Any Age
- New drivers: What new drivers must carry and the options worth comparing.
- Defensive driving discount: How the course discount works and how to send your certificate to your insurer.
Related Guides
For every discount we cover, see our tips to lower your car insurance costs. For license rules, points and penalties, see New York car insurance laws and requirements. The DMV’s Point and Insurance Reduction Program page explains how the course works and how often you can retake it.