You’re the parent of a driving teenager. While the very thought of this new role is harrowing enough, you know that getting cheap car insurance for teenagers is a hard task, indeed. Find out ways you can significantly lower the costs of insuring your teenage motorist.
Why Your Teenager Automatically Pays Higher Rates
Countless studies have been done and they all say the same thing: teenage motorists are one of the two groups most likely to be involved in a vehicular accident. (The other high risk group is motorists over the age of 65). If this isn’t enough to twist you into knots, consider that these same studies also conclude that teenage drivers are also way more likely to engage in risky driving behaviors while on the road. Even if your teen is a safe driver, he’ll have to pay for the sins of all those young drivers before him who sped and texted while driving their way into higher premiums.
Factors that Will Affect Your Teenager’s Car Insurance Rates
Even though it is a given that your teenager will pay higher premiums than her older counterparts, the rates of all teenagers will vary. How they vary depends on quite a few factors. Some of them include:
- Neighborhood: Do you and your teen live in a high crime area? How likely are the chances that your teen’s car will be stolen or vandalized?
- Your teen’s driving record: Is she a safe driver? Does your son have a penchant for crashing into parked cars?
- Gender: Believe it or not, gender matter a lot. Since studies have shown that young males are many times more likely to get into a car accident than their female counterparts, your son will end up paying higher premiums than your daughter.
Discounts for Teen Drivers
Just because your child is a new driver doesn’t mean she can’t be privy to insurance discounts like you and your spouse. Many insurance companies offer good grade discounts for their young drivers with at least a B average. If your child is slightly older and has been on the road for a couple of years, there are a few companies that offer no-claims discounts for safe drivers who have been licensed for at least three years. The best way you can take advantage of these and other discounts is to do your research. If your child is a safe and cautious driver, there are many companies that will reward you and your child with savings.
Defensive Driving Courses
Cheap car insurance for teenagers can appear if your child chooses to develop good driving habits. One way you can encourage this to happen is to enroll your child in advanced defensive driving courses. Many insurance companies will give you and your child 10% or more off your premium if your teen successfully completes the class. However, these courses shouldn’t only be seen as a way to cut corners. If your child knows how to successfully navigate a vehicular emergency, they’ll be less likely to file a claim. It’s important that both you and your child view defensive driving courses as a vital step in being a responsible motorist.
Cheap car insurance for teenagers doesn’t have to be a paradox. Doing your research and taking advantage of discounts are just two of the ways you can save on your child’s car insurance needs.