Reader’s Question:

Will be buying a car for my teenage daughter within the next few months, what are the things that I should know about car insurance for young drivers?

Inigo

Gainesville, FL

Let’s face, it teens are not exactly the best, most responsible drivers around. This makes shopping for teen car insurance coverage a bit of a challenge, especially to the parents. Here are five important things that you should know about young driver car insurance:

Car Insurance for Teens can be Three to Four Times as Costly

Statistics over the years have shown that drivers between the ages of 16 to 24 have the most likelihood of being seriously injured or killed (and causing) a car accident/collision. This makes many legs at the insurance firm shaky when it comes to teen drivers. Expect to pay hefty premiums until they hit 25 years of age.

Putting a Teen on Your Policy is Expensive; Getting Their Own Coverage is Even More Expensive

Getting teens their own car insurance may sound like a good idea, but unless you have buckets of money to throw around you are decidedly much better off keeping them under your own. This is because most insurers offer discounts for adding a secondary driver/another vehicle on your policy.

The Type of Car Your Teens Drive Will Impact Rates

What you allow your teen driver has a big influence on young driver car insurance rates as well. A sports car with a teen driver and you might as well start setting your dollars on fire. Choose a vehicle with the best safety rating you can find or have them drive an older vehicle to reduce rates.

Get Your Teen to Drive Responsibly

This is a great chance to imbibe safe and responsible driving habits to your teen. A good driving history will help maintain affordable rates for years to come. Enrolling them on a state-accredited defensive driving course will also help them become better drivers and be eligible for discounts.

Rates Vary Greatly Between Insurers

Use insurance comparison websites (like this one) to get a free quote and shop for rates coming from many different insurers, quickly and easily. Each insurer determines rates in their own way so it is still possible to find affordable car insurance for young drivers.