What to know before your teenager starts driving
If you’re the parent of a teenager who is getting ready to climb behind the steering wheel, insuring them can be an expensive endeavor. This is because the risk of motor vehicle crashes is higher among 16- to 19-year-olds than among any other age group. We’ve gathered some helpful tips to help you keep your premiums as low as possible, and your teen safe and accident-free.
Tips to stay safe and save money
Add Your Teen to Your Auto Policy as Soon as They Get Licensed
Rather than setting up an independent policy for your teen driver, consider adding him or her as an additional driver on your auto insurance policy. Also, if you have more than one vehicle, keep costs down by designating which vehicle your child will be driving. Lastly, don’t wait to get them insured! Opinions differ on when a new driver should get insurance, but the truth is they must be insured on the day they get their license, and some insurers even require coverage when they have a permit. Contact us to discuss further.
Deductible Considerations
Auto deductibles typically range from $250 to $1,000. By upping your deductible and using your insurance for big repairs, you can significantly reduce your premium.
Driver Training Discount
Most insurance carriers offer a driver training discount if your teenager completes 30 hours of classroom training and/or 6 hours of driving.
Student Away at School
If your child does not need access to a vehicle while away at school, you may be able to save money from some insurance carriers with this discount, depending on where their school is located. You don’t need to add and remove your child from your insurance policy every time they come home for a visit, too.
Weigh Your Buying Decision
Wanting to get your teenager a new car to drive with the latest safety equipment is understandable, but you may be better off purchasing a safe, used vehicle in terms of premium prices.
Another feature of purchasing an older, reliable vehicle, is that you may consider only carrying liability coverage and not physical damage coverage. This also helps lower the premium.
Set Your Expectations for Safety and Minimize Distracted Driving
Teens can get distracted easily. To help reduce potential accidents:
- Restrict your teen’s nighttime driving
- Do not allow them to drive with more than one other person in the car
- Ban cell phone use while driving
- Ride with your son or daughter occasionally to make sure they are keeping up with the safety habits that they learned in driver’s education
Consider Having Your Teenager Enroll in the YourTurn® Program
Your teenager can earn rewards for safe driving. Check it out.
