Why is the cost of car insurance higher for teenage boys than teenage girls?

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.

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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.

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.

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