Part of coming of age for many teenagers includes getting their driver’s license for the first time. However, along with that driver’s license comes the need for car insurance for teenagers. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety notes that these new drivers are significantly more likely to get into an accident, when compared to drivers a generation or more older. For this reason, acquiring cheap car insurance for teenagers is often a challenge. As such, there several tips that can be used when purchasing car insurance for younger drivers.
First, teens need to not only learn what the laws of the road are, but also how important it is to follow them. One of the easiest ways to lower car insurance rates for teenagers is by them keeping their record clean. Parents should serve as driving role models, in this way. If parents don’t speed or break other driving laws, such as talking on the cell phone, their teenagers are more likely to obey these rules as well. This also goes for drinking and driving. Talking to teenagers about the dangers of drinking and driving can help prevent this tragedy from ever occurring. Serving as a role model, in this area, is even more valuable.
Parents should place their teenage driver on their insurance policy, to get the best rates possible. Instead of buying a policy for just the teenager, placing them on an existing policy as an additional driver ensures that they can benefit from the discounts the parent’s policy enjoys — such as: multiple vehicle discount, homeowner’s policy coverage, etc..
Ensuring the teenage driver maintains good grades is another way to get the best possible car insurance rates for teens. Many insurance companies offer a good student discount, for young drivers who maintain a 3.0 grade point average or higher. It can sometimes reduce a premium by as much as 10 percent.
Insurance companies also often give discounts when teens attend driver education classes. These courses can be taken through private driving schools and sometimes even through the local school system. Information about organizations offering driver training can be found via the National Safety Council. These courses often consist of both classroom training, closed course driving, and driving experience on the road. Of course, policyholders should contact their insurance agent first, to find out which courses are covered and how much the discount will be.
Some insurance companies even offer reduced car insurance rates for teenagers who belong to civic organizations. Discounts for being an Eagle Scout, or volunteering as community service, can be found. Shopping around for companies with these discounts can pay off in the long run.
Vehicle choice is another important consideration when acquiring car insurance for teenage drivers. Sports cars, expensive cars, and SUVs are going to equate to high premiums for teens. Instead, choosing a newer car that is equipped with the most recent safety equipment, like front airbags, side impact airbags, and anti-lock brakes, will not only lower insurance premiums, but also help ensure the young driver arrives at their destinations safely. Vehicle choices, such as the Honda Civic or Toyota Camry, can save thousands of dollars a year on insurance premiums.
If a teen driver does end up with a ticket, look at the possibility of attending traffic school, to remove the violation. Even one ticket can cause car insurance rates for teens to skyrocket. If the judge permits, traffic school can be a means of not only removing the violation, but also it can help the teenage driver learn the consequences of their actions behind the wheel.
Limiting the use of the vehicle, for the teenage driver, can result in more reasonable insurance rates as well. Some insurance companies will offer a discount premium for young drivers who only drive occasionally. The lower amount of time behind the wheel, the less chance the teen will be involved in an accident.
Lastly, shopping around for the best car insurance for teens will be worth the time. Insurance companies are always vying for drivers’ business. There are a variety of Internet services that will allow drivers to compare multiple companies all at once. Only by shopping around can a driver be certain they are getting the best policy available, for the best price.
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