4 Tips for Insuring your Teen Driver
Congratulations! You have a teen driver in the family. However, you teenager wants a car, but you know that adding a teen driver to your insurance policy is going to inevitably increase your insurance rates. The reason for this is statistically, young drivers are considered more of a risk than seasoned drivers, with increased accident, careless driving, speeding, and even tickets.
You don’t have to pay an arm and a leg to insure your teen driver.
1. Consider safety first
Of course your teen’s desire for a sports car will be vetoed by your need for a safe, reliable vehicle. You’re paying after all, so put your foot down when it comes to speed induced sporty cars and opt for a car built for safety. Do your research on the safety rating of this year’s top makes and models. Keep in mind the safer the car, traditionally the lower the auto insurance rate.
2. Monitor your teen driver
Parents who are willing to monitor their new driver’s in car behavior can be rewarded with an insurance break. For instance, certain insurance companies offer discounted rates for teen drivers with a GPS-based safety monitoring system installed in their vehicle. This monitor tracks and notifies parents if a teen driver speeds, doesn’t wear a seatbelt, breaks hard, runs a red light, or drives outside of certain geographical locations. Other devices can also limit speed and even the volume of the radio.
3. Cell phone blocking
Teens and smartphones kind of go hand in hand. But if you’re worried about your teen driver using their phone while driving, you can install technology to prevent distracted driving, and save on your car insurance at the same time. A car cell phone blocker will prevent car passengers from making phone calls and sending text messages while a car is in motion.
4. Ask for discounts
While insurance companies tend to punish high risk customers with high insurance rates when they have poor driving records, they tend to reward good drivers with discounts. This can include discounts for teen and new drivers as well. So ask your insurance agent if they offer a discounted rate for new drivers who’ve completed a driver’s education course. Car insurance companies also issue discounts to teenagers who maintain a certain GPA or student average, which can help cut costs.