Keeping Auto Insurance Premiums Down For Teens

Why are the rates for teen drivers higher?

Teens generally have more frequent and more expensive auto insurance claims than any other age group, which is why they pay higher rates for auto insurance. According to the Insurance Information Institute, adding a child to a family’s policy can cause auto insurance premiums to increase by double. To make rates fair for everyone, insurance companies charge higher rates to groups that average more claims and lower rates to those with fewer claims.  However, there are many ways in which parents and young drivers can help reduce the cost of teen auto insurance. 

How can teens reduce their premiums?

Complete the Simply DriveSM Online Course

Simply Drive, our new Teen Driver Discount, offers peace of mind AND savings for your family. Newly licensed drivers may qualify for the discount.

To complete the course and qualify for the discount, go to www.simplydrive.com .

Earn good grades

We offer Good Student and College Graduate Discounts.

• Discounts could be as much as 25%
• The Good Student Discount is applicable to those in high school or college with a B or better average grade point average (GPA) 
• The College Graduate Discount is applicable to college graduates regardless of their GPA 

How Can Parents Help Their Teens?

• Establish rules about where teens can drive and who is allowed in the car.  Ensure the rules are understood before teens earn their license.
• Limit the number of passengers a young driver can have in the car.  Passengers may distract young drivers and encourage them to take risks.
• Restrict driving at night.  Teens driving at night face greater risks, according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. More than half of teenagers’ fatal crashes occur at night, especially weekend nights.
• Set a good example for the teen driver.  Wear seat belts, obey traffic laws, and be courteous to others on the road.
• Know your teen’s driving skill level. Don’t force young drivers to drive in traffic or other situations for which they aren’t ready.
• Refrain from using your own cell phone to call or text while behind the wheel to show your children that you practice what you preach.
• Be patient and remain calm.  Raising your voice or grabbing the steering wheel may seem necessary, but will only agitate the new driver.
• Stress the importance of remaining focused while driving.  According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, people driving with distractions cause more than 1.2 million accidents every year in the U.S.

Guidance from a trained professional will help you find solutions to protect the things most important to you and your family. Contact me to review your unique situation.

Learn more

• Auto insurance FAQs
• Auto insurance discounts
• Raising a teen driver
• Safety tips for your teen driver