Here’s What Makes Michigan the Best State for Teen Drivers

A new survey reveals that, compared to the rest of the United States, Michigan leads the nation in one very important way when it comes to teenage drivers.

The personal finance website WalletHub pored through data from all over the country to determine the "Best and Worst States for Teen Drivers in 2024".

SEE ALSO: These 10 Michigan Counties Are Weakest on Drunk Drivers

The study looked at each state's driving laws, their teen driving safety records, and their economic environment for families with teen drivers.

Where Does Michigan Stand in Regards to Teen Driving?

All things considered, Michigan ranks in the middle of the pack for teen drivers. While the state ranks 5th-worst for its driving laws concerning this set of drivers, it does show up in the Top 10 for safety.

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What about the economic environment for families with teen drivers in Michigan - things like insurance costs, the cost of car repairs, and fines for driving infractions such as running red lights or speeding? Turns out that's where Michigan leads the rest of the nation.

Why Teen Driving in Michigan Costs Less Than Anywhere Else

Michigan’s top ranking in the “Economic Environment” category for teen drivers is attributed to high rankings in several key metrics, according to WalletHub writer and analyst Chip Lupo.

"One of the most significant is its low average cost of car repairs, where the state ranks third with an average price tag of $356.29," Lupo says. "Low costs in this area can alleviate some of the financial burden that can accompany a vehicle’s wear and tear or minor accidents that are common among inexperienced drivers."

Another area where Michigan excels is in its punitive measures for high-risk drivers. Lupo says Michigan ranks third in the punitiveness of insurance companies toward these drivers, which shows that the state discourages dangerous driving behavior. This in turn helps maintain lower insurance premiums for all drivers, including teens.

SEE ALSO: Watch Out! This Michigan City Is 2nd-Most Dangerous for Drivers

According to Lupo, Michigan also benefits from one of the lowest auto insurance premium increases when adding a teen driver to a policy. Michigan ranks fifth in this metric, with a premium increase of 80% - which is actually far below many other states where adding a teen driver can drastically inflate a family’s insurance costs.

"While Michigan may not lead in every metric when it comes to teen drivers," Lupo concludes, "its strong showing in the economic environment category shows that the state is doing its part to maintain one of the most financially stable environments for families with teen drivers."