Insuring Your Teen Driver

If you have a teen driver, there’s probably a million things running through your mind, including the cost of insuring your new driver. Statistically speaking, it’s expensive to add a teenager to your existing policy due to the high rate of crashes and traffic violations. Fortunately, there are some ways that you can keep your premiums as low as possible. Read on to learn more.  

Tips to Keep Costs Down 
If you’re the parent of a teenager who is getting ready to climb behind the steering wheel, insuring your new driver 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 keep your teen safe and accident-free. 

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. 

Add Your Teen to Your Auto Policy 
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.  

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.  

Ask for the Student Discount 
If your teenager maintains at least a 3.0 grade point average (GPA), he or she typically qualifies for a rate discount. 

Set Your Expectations for Safety and Minimize Distracted Driving 

Above all, talk to your child about the importance of staying focused while on the road. Additionally, consider having them pitch in to cover the cost of their insurance. Chances are, if they’re paying for their insurance, they’ll be more involved in trying to keep their costs low.