Most discounts that can be applied towards the rates of insuring a young driver are based upon the youngster’s actions in life. The more responsible the young driver appears to be in other parts of life, the more likely this person is going to be responsible as a driver on the public roads. Any time a driver appears more responsible, the cheaper the rates will be to insure this driver. Check with your auto insurance company for the availability of these discounts and the prerequisites your young driver must meet before they are considered. Below, we will discuss some of the possible discounts you could receive through the responsibility demonstrated by your teen.
The first discount we’ll discuss is the good grades discount. It’s pretty self explanatory; by your young driver earning good grades, the auto insurance company rewards the driver (and the policyholder) by giving a discount on the insurance rate. A student who focuses on school and is able to meet a certain grade point average, which is usually a B average or higher, that student is showing a higher level of responsibility than a student with a D or C grade point average. It is also thought that students who achieve a high grade point average do better under the pressure of stressful situations. Scoring high on an exam and keeping good grades is stressful, much like the stress that is felt while driving on the roads and successfully assessing situations to avoid accidents.
A second discount is offered by most auto insurance companies when the young (or experienced) driver enrolls in and passes a defensive driving course. This course teaches drivers skills needed to drive cautiously, while helping students learn how to avoid accidents. While driver’s education provides information regarding traffic laws and how to obey them, these defensive driving courses may teach additional information to any driver regarding extra safer techniques that can be applied when driving. They can teach further concerning the rule of constantly using the vehicle’s mirrors and focus on how to use what you see in the mirrors to anticipate what other drivers are going to be doing. Taking these courses designed to promote safety while driving is another way of showing responsibility by wanting to know more about safe driving and using it every day on the road.
Other ways to save on insuring a young driver revolve around the vehicle that will be used by the teenager. While purchasing a brand new vehicle may provide comfort to the parent, it will also bring higher insurance rates to the parent or policyholder as well. Newer vehicles tend to have a higher cash value than older vehicles, therefore they cost more to repair or replace. Teenagers have a history of wrecking cars partially or completely, and insurers know this and act accordingly. There are safe cars available for these new drivers that are only a few years old. These vehicles will not cost as much to insure, especially if they are equipped with safety features such as airbags and alarms.
In addition to the year the vehicle was made, the make and model of the vehicle also play a factor in determining the insurance rates for your teenage driver. It is common sense that sports cars that can go fast will be driven fast, especially by teenagers who lack in thinking of consequences before they act. Because teenagers lack real driving experience, they are more likely to ignore speed limits when behind the wheel of a fast car. This is another thing that insurance companies have dealt with in the past and try to avoid by hiking up the price to insure these vehicles to young drivers. Choosing a car for your teenager that is modest and safe will keep the insurance rates low. If you become really worried, talk to your insurance agent about the vehicles you are considering allowing your young driver to use and ask what the price differences would be.
Keeping an open line of communication with your young driver is also a way to keep your insurance rates low. Discussing your expectations of safe driving and making clear what the consequences are if the rules are not followed may encourage your teenager to do their best to keep their driving privilege. A contract between the new driver and the policyholder may define the rules and punishments more clearly as both parties involved sign it. The contract may include things such as expected curfews and paying for gas. Cell phones should not be used while driving, and discuss whether or not friends are permitted in the car while driving. Another option is to have the teen pay for their portion of the insurance premium.
Some states only allow young drivers to be on the road from dawn until dusk, while others enforce a Provisionary License for the first one to two years of driving. The consequences of breaking traffic laws during this provisionary period are usually more severe. Parents may find it beneficial to mimic these rules with their young drivers as well, reinforcing that driving is always a privilege for them and not something that should be taken for granted.
While it is expensive to insure a young driver, it is necessary to do so. Driving teaches a teenager responsibility and helps introduce them to adulthood. If done correctly, the teen can learn valuable lessons about rules and consequences that will allow them to mature. Look for the discounts offered by your insurance company to help keep this experience as cheap as possible.
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