Young Driver Car Insurance

by Robert Osborne

Auto Insurance

Often, when young drivers need car insurance, they plan to be covered under their parent’s policy, feeling that it will be less expensive because it includes drivers with more experience, and that they will be able to take advantage of a multi-car discount as well. It might be a viable alternative, but it is not always the least expensive one because the carrier may assign the youngest, highest-risk driver to the most valuable family vehicle to calculate the car insurance for young drivers rate, even though that is not the car the young person will actually be driving. If they decide to go this route, young drivers who are in a position to do so can certainly be expected to show some sense of responsibility and pay their own portion of the premium.

What inexperienced drivers can do

To find companies that will offer them cheap insurance for young drivers, they can compare quotes from multiple insurers, rather than going on recommendations from others. (Many factors are used to calculate rates, and no two drivers’ circumstances are exactly the same). This can easily be done on the Internet, and after you answer a set of questions, OnlineAutoInsurance.com will allow you to compare quotes from major leaders in the insurance industry, including GMAC, Progressive, Infinity, and others.

You can request a discount if your grades average B or above, your daily commute to work or school is short, or you have been covered by another insurer within the past 30 days. You will not need collision coverage if the value of your car is negligible, and if you decide to include physical coverage, think about getting a higher deductible. In addition, you can enroll in a defensive driving course to help lower your premium and show that you take the privilege of having a driver’s license seriously.

As a conscientious driver, forget about the current craze that involves the supposed talent of multi-tasking. Avoid distractions when you are driving, and concentrate on the task at hand.

What parents can do

In order to make an informed decision, they should contact their current carrier and request a no-obligation quote for adding their teenager to their policy, being careful to determine the total price difference between the “old’ and “new” coverage.

Parents should also be prepared to do the following:

Teach your teenager how to obey the rules of the road and keep a clean driving record.
Practice what you preach. You will need to set a good example whenever you get behind the wheel that your young driver can follow. This will do far more than any lecture you give on the subject of safety on the road.
Remember that sport cars are forbidden fruit for young drivers. Premiums are lower when teenagers drive safe cars that have the most up-to-date safety equipment, including air bags, car alarms, automatic seat belts, running lights, and air-lock breaks. This will also help them to drive responsibly.
Take the time to let young drivers know what car insurance for teenagers costs and the role it plays in the family budget—a good lesson in practicality and economics.
Discuss drugs, alcohol, and the term “designated driver” with your youngsters. They may never verbalize it, but they are sure to appreciate being given some definite guidelines in an area that is so important ,and having evidence of your concern for them.
In order to determine how your child is doing behind the wheel, allow your son or daughter to drive while you slip into the passenger seat. Calmly point out anything negative that you happen to notice, and provide some positive reinforcement for their good driving technique.