There is no denying that the statistics around teen drivers are sobering. Having a teenager in today’s world is stressful enough, but a teenager with a new driver’s license can be downright terrifying. There are many things to consider before putting a teenager behind the wheel of a car – from safety to insurance rates (which are typically sky-high due to the risk and their inexperience.) Young, inexperienced teen drivers are at a greater risk for motor vehicle accidents, which means that auto insurance coverage costs more.
If you have a teen driver ready to conquer the world, there are many concerns and issues to face. Here are just a few – as well as some of the ways you can protect your child.
- Fact: Teen drivers account for 500,000 car crashes in the United States annually. Parents can enroll their teenagers in a defensive driving school for additional education, but you can also continue to teach them on your own. Most parents drive around with their children while they have their permits, but you can also have them drive when you are together after they have their license. This will give you the chance to keep track of how their skills are evolving.
- Fact: Nearly half of fatal teen crashes happen between 9 pm–6 am. There is an old saying, “nothing good happens after midnight.” While everyone’s parenting style and rules are different, keeping realistic curfews and moderating where they are allowed to drive on their own before the age of 18 is good practice. Another statistic is that 50% of car crashes with teens involve drowsiness – so having them home early is good for them – and for your peace of mind.
- Fact: More than 66% of teen motor vehicle crash fatalities are male. While there is not much you can do about this, be aware that new teenage male drivers represent the demographic with the highest car insurance rates. If you are adding your son (or daughter) to your car insurance policy, be sure to stress the importance of good grades. One of the few discounts available to this age group is associated with being a good student.
- Fact: 55% of teenage drivers admit to talking on the phone while driving, and many do not wear a seatbelt. From the first day, they sit behind the wheel of a car, emphasizing the non-negotiable rules. Insist that phones are put away while driving and that they must pull off to check messages. Be sure that they wear a seat belt every time they get into a vehicle – and reinforce the behavior by making sure you do the same.
Tips for Reducing Insurance Premiums When Adding Teen Drivers
When you add anyone to your policy, your premium will go up. When you add your teenager to your policy, it is going to go up substantially. You can cushion the blow just a bit with these tips:
- Adjust your deductible. If your savings have room for it, consider raising your deductible. A higher deductible means you will need to contribute more if an accident occurs, but your monthly premium will be less.
- Choose your car. If you are car shopping for your teen, don’t choose anything too fancy or sporty. A basic car with all the necessary safety features will cost less to insure than a high-performance car – and will be less tempting for your teen to drive too quickly.
- Drop the collision: If you have an older car, consider eliminating collision coverage. If the vehicle doesn’t have much value, you might be paying for a benefit that won’t even help much if the car is totaled. Dropping collision coverage saves an average of 30% and could offset some of the additional costs of your teen’s coverage.
Teen drivers are expensive, but they also can cause some gray hairs. When it comes to your teen’s first year driving, a few tips can save some money and sleepless nights.
Anderson & Associates Insurance Group is a full-service insurance brokerage based in Palmetto, Florida.
