Auto Insurance For Teen & First Time Drivers – Tips & Advice

The day your child is ready to get behind the wheel is fast-approaching. It’s a monumental time for any parent, and it comes sooner than you think! Auto insurance is a necessity for all drivers, but there are special considerations for teens and others who will be taking the wheel for the first time. Here are some key tips to help you as you seek the best auto insurance for teen drivers.

Teens & Driving – Statistics You Should Know

While learning to drive is an inevitable part of any teen’s life, the cause of concern most parents have is justified. The fact is, teenage drivers are less experienced, and they are more likely to make decisions that may result in an accident. These statistics highlight the risks for teenage drivers:

• Motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death and disability among teens
• 16 & 17 year olds are 9 times more likely to be involved in a crash than adults
• 16 & 17 year olds are 6 times more likely to be in a fatal crash
• Motor vehicle crashes among 15-20 year olds increased by 9 percent from 2014 to 2015
• 14 percent more teen drivers were injured in auto accidents in 2015 than in the prior year

These stats aren’t intended to scare parents away from letting their teens drive. Instead, they show the importance of proper training and protection. The good news is that you can take steps to protect your family in the case of an accident.

Maximizing Cost & Safety

Certain actions can increase your teen’s experience as a driver while also helping to save you money on insurance premiums. As with any skill, the more your teen is able to practice operating their vehicle and obeying the rules of the road, the better they may be able to handle themselves on their own. The following tasks will help to prepare your teen for the challenges of driving independently:

Enroll Your Teen In Driver’s Education Classes

Odds are, your teen is anxious to get their license and venture out on their own as soon as possible. However, requiring them to pass a driver’s education class beforehand can do a lot to set them up for success. In just a few weeks or months, their knowledge of traffic signs, laws, and the rules they need to be safe drivers can increase substantially. Plus, in some states, teens who attend safe driver classes may be able to reduce insurance premiums!

Ask About “Good Student” & Other Discounts

While details may differ from state to state, it’s worthwhile to ask your insurance provider if they offer a good student discount. If your teen has a grade point average that qualifies, they may be eligible for a reduction in their insurance premium. Be sure to inquire about other discounts that may apply for your teen as well!

Explain The Importance Of Driving Undistracted

As the more experienced parent or mentor, it’s a good idea to warn your new driver about one of the biggest causes of accidents on the road: distracted driving. Nobody loves their smartphones like teens, but it’s vital that they understand the dangers of using devices while driving. The age group most likely to be involved in a distracted driving-related accident is 15 to 19 year olds, so really emphasizing the danger of texting and driving is recommended. Beyond their safety, if they were to get into an accident, your rates could be increased. Staying alert and undistracted on the road is a smart move for safety and finances.

The Vehicle You Choose Matters

The vehicle your teen drives can make a major difference in their safety and insurance premium as well. As a rule of thumb, cars that are cool, fast and sporty are more likely to require a higher insurance rate. Another concern parents commonly have about their teen’s first vehicle is the level of protection it provides. A crash in an SUV, for instance, may result in less damage than a crash that occurs in a small compact car comprised of little to no steel. Balance safety, your teen’s preferences, and finances when looking for the right car.

Trust King Street Agency To Insure Your First-Time Driver

From excitement and joy to worry and stress, seeing your teen drive off for the first time can cause a roller coaster of emotions. At King Street Agency, we want to make this time as stress free as possible.

Contact us today to request a quote for teen auto insurance!