Car insurance for teenage drivers can be a costly necessity and with good reason. Reportedly, car accidents are the number one cause of death for young people ages 15 to 20. The youth within this age range are more likely than any other age to be involved in accidents and the risk increases the younger the driver. Despite these facts, there are multiple ways to reduce the high price of your teenager’s car insurance.
1. Good Grades
Though it may seem unrelated, good grades can earn
a reduction in automobile insurance for teens. With a B grade point average or higher, the reduction can range from 5 to 25 percent off. Studies show that students who receive good grades display a large amount of responsibility that they take seriously; insurance companies take notice of such behavior and generally conclude that the teenager will not pose a threat while driving.
2. Completing Driver’s Education
One of the most obvious methods for lowering car insurance rates for teenagers is the taking of a driver’s education course. From the courses, which are often offered through high schools or a separate company, your teen will learn the ethics and laws of the road. Based upon the insurance company, both the discount amount and which courses are qualified differ. Despite these conditions, completing a driver’s education course can most certainly decrease the cost of
car insurance for young drivers.
3. Choosing the Safest Car
Not every car is meant for teenage drivers. In fact, a variety of vehicles such as sports cars, SUVs, trucks, and small cars can be unsafe and unreliable for young drivers. One of the most important qualities of a safe car is airbags. Not only do airbags have the ability to prevent serious injury and even death in the event of an accident, but they also have the potential of lowering your teenage driver’s insurance.
4. Driving an Older Model
Adding to the above suggestions of the right automobile for your teen is the idea of purchasing an older model vehicle. Generally, older vehicles are more difficult to handle irresponsibly and are less likely to be involved in accidents than newer cars. With an older automobile, many owners do not feel the need to retain their insurance policy’s collision coverage, causing them to remove the extra and nearly unnecessary charge. Many
insurance companies designate the most expensive vehicle to insure to the most expensive driver to insure, which would be your teenager. But this can be prevented with your teenager driving an older car.
5. Enrolling in a Safe Driver Program
Often insurance companies have safe driver programs in which your teen can enroll. The program typically focuses on the consequences of breaking certain laws while on the road as well as the serious threats posed when one drinks and drives. In order to receive the discount, which can be up to 5 percent, the program must be completed in its entirety. Simple things, such as tickets for speeding and more seriously, small accidents, can greatly increase your car insurance. Much like the aforementioned airbags, the program provides your teen with valuable information for their safety and also helps you save money.
Though it can be an expensive venture,
car insurance for teens does not have to be. Things like driver’s education courses, safe driver programs, and the type of car you purchase for your teen all can help in reducing your car automobile insurance. A number of these discount options increase your teen’s knowledge about driving laws and overall safety, thus decreasing the possibilities of accidents and even more dire, death. Like any other large purchase, the rates of various insurance companies should be compared so that you will be able to make the decision that works best for both you and your teen.