Can my insurance really be $400 a month?

I'm 17, I live in Ohio, I have no accidents or tickets on record (I haven't even drove with my license yet) and I have a 96 Honda Civic. I picked this car because I thought insurance was low for it. My stepmom says my insurance could $400 a month, which seemed RIDICULOUS. Maybe if I was driving a Mustang or a different sports car but not a 17 year old Civic. The highest premium on my online quote was somewhere at $260 a month, which is a lot but sure as hell a lot berrer $400 a month. Could it really be that much?

The insurance premiums on the car will depend on the insurance record for all of the drivers in your household. The reason for that is that your parents will be the people who have the insurance policy… You'll be listed as an authorized driver on the policy, but will not have an insurance policy of your own. (You can't buy an insurance policy in your own name until you become an adult.)

The car really doesn't matter. What matters is the zip code where the car will be garaged, the education level of the insured people, and the driving records of the insured people.

As a 17 year old, you will add a pretty substantial amount to the family policy.

- Stuart

Ask your insurance provider
Insurance rates for a 17 year old is always expensive regardless of what car it is. The Civic will be one of the cheapest cars to insure, but will still be expensive compared to what a 25 year old will be paying

Well it could but probably will not be. I would tell you to call around for a quote but you can't do that if you are on your parents insurance.Yes ins. Will be high for first car and it does have to do with what you drive.A safer car means some discount. Your parents should check to see if they are getting all the discounts they are entitled too it could help you all.

I think your stepmom is talk to friends that don't know. Don't let some else do your job call the agent and talk to him and get straight answer that his job and b average will help

It could be that much, but the key word is could.

Is your mom, by any chance, an insurance broker? Then she's not who you want to ask. I've got loads of experience in the insurance business, and I'll tell you one thing you always (always) want to remember.

Everyone, whether they've been driving 50 years or just a week longer than you, is an expert on insurance. They 'know' all the inner workings of a policy, and they 'know' everything there's to know about rating and premiums. They even 'know' stuff like how red cars cost more, and they 'know' which vehicles are on the top secret sports-car-list. They'll even tell you to not mention the colour or engine size of your vehicle, lest it be classed as a sports car. And they all know it because a) they've been driving for x-number of years and b) they know a guy who knows a guy who confirmed it.

Insurance is funny that way. You've been eating food for around 17 years, do you claim to know everything about farming? You've been wearing clothes most of your life, does that make you an expert in textiles and tailoring? You've probably gone shopping once or twice, does that mean you know all about how to run a retail store? Exactly. And it also means they're no more experts on insurance than you are. Seriously, always remember that. That's why insurance companies have representatives, and you're allowed to ask them any question (even the stupid ones) you want. Call a broker or agent, get a few quotes, and feel free to ask them what the hell all that gibberish means.

You don't care what insurance could cost, nor do you really care what it costs for anyone else. Your only concern is what will it cost for you. Online quotes are great for starters, but don't sign anything until you know exactly what you're getting into. While it's marketed as a simple product anyone can buy, insurance is actually a legal contract. Rule #3 is never sign anything you don't understand.

In case you were wondering, Rule #2 is buy low sell high, and Rule #1 is never lick live electrical connections.