Teen Car Insurance

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The number one killer of teens is traffic crashes and driving safety for teenagers has become a national priority. Eight out of every 10 teen auto fatalities occur when another teenager is driving the car. Teenage drivers are involved in nearly three million accidents every year.

In some states, every person under 18 old must hold a learner’s permit for one year before getting a license and a person is not allowed to drive alone with a learner’s permit regardless of age. The age limit for a learner's permit varies; in some states it is as early as 15.

Keep Your Teen Driver Safe

Parents are understandably very concerned about their teenage drivers. Sometimes teens go through a stage when their relationship with their parents is not very good. They find understanding each other to be almost impossible. But when it comes to driving, good communication is a key to avoiding perilous consequences.

Companies that sell auto insurance for teenagers encourage parents and their teenage drivers to communicate candidly with each other about rules for driving. Talking honestly and plainly about the risk of teen auto crashes can save lives. Statistics show it makes a difference if parents take a serious interest in their teenagers' driving habits.

Some companies that sell teen auto insurance take a dim view of young drivers. Discounts are sometimes available to help cut costs. However, the higher the risk, the higher the cost of insurance premiums will be. This is one of the basic guidelines for buyers of auto insurance for teenagers.

Learning the causes of accidents and the importance of safe driving is a first step. Most insurance companies that sell teen auto insurance have brochures about driving safety and some even have videos for parents to watch with their teen drivers. The discussion between parents and teens on auto safety will hopefully be ongoing so that the teens continue to fully understand the importance of being careful drivers especially when they are novices. Talking about it may be a little awkward at first, but it is worth the effort. Taking a drivers education course at school is helpful, but it still does not relieve mothers and fathers of their parental responsibilities.

When their kids are about to start driving, parents worry about the high cost of auto insurance for teenagers. They also worry that they are no longer in control of their kids. It is true that teens have a new sense of freedom when they get their licenses. But they often don’t understand the responsibilities that come with the privilege. Parents can help by drawing up a driving contract which states the rules as well as the consequences for breaking them. The contract should address safety and good driving skills.

The Role Parents Play

Companies that sell auto insurance for teenagers expect parents to make decisions about the following:

• Which car(s) the teen is allowed to drive. The car should have a driver’s side airbag, a good safety rating, and be easy to maneuver.
• Car care, putting gas into the car, oil changes, tire pressure, and regular maintenance requirements.
• Keep the car clean inside and out and free of trash.
• Paying for insurance. Teen auto insurance rates are often twice the ones for adults over twenty five—and for good reason. Teens have an average of three accidents between 16 and 20. Some parents find that having their teens pay the insurance costs with their part time jobs provides some incentive to avoid reckless behavior that often results in accidents. Rates for teen car insurance rise sharply with each accident—sometimes costing thousands of dollars per year.

The Teen Driving Contract

The contract should emphasize safe driving including:

• Always obey the speed limit and the traffic laws.
• Always use seat belts and make sure that all passengers buckle up.
• Parents should watch for signs of alcohol or drug use. Driving while impaired is one of the leading causes of deaths in vehicle crashes and these numbers have been going up. The contract should state that teens are not allowed to drink and drive, have alcohol in the car, or even be a passenger in a car with a driver who has been drinking or using drugs. Make sure your teen knows that they can always call you to come get them if they get stranded at a gathering.
• Teens should not be allowed to drive with friends or younger children in the car for the first six to twelve months unless an adult is in the car with them. Many states have this limitation. Distractions are one of the main problems for new drivers. Trying to keep track of conversations, playing around, or trying to act cool could lead to an accident.
• New drivers should let parents know where they are going and when they plan to return.

Additional Risks and Teen Auto Insurance

Night driving is difficult for a new driver and more accidents happen between 9:00 p.m.-2:00 A.M. than during the daylight hours. A realistic curfew should be set, but also tell teens that if they are running late, it is always better to drive safely than to speed home. They should call you if possible to let you know they are going to be a little late.

There should be consequences for teenagers who break the rules. Ask for your teen’s input on appropriate penalties. A speeding ticket might result in the loss of driving privilege for a week and they will have to pay for the ticket. Companies that sell teen auto insurance expect parents to insist that their teenagers take responsibility for their actions.

For sample contract recommended for parents before they buy teen auto insurance, click here.