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Auto Insurance Information for Teenage Drivers

Many young teenagers simply can’t wait for the chance to get behind the wheel can they, counting down the days until they’re old enough to drive, then counting down the days until they actually pass their drivers test and are considered to be old enough, skilled enough and responsible enough to drive a motor vehicle all by themselves! Unfortunately, not many of them (or their parents) realise just how much it’s all going to cost them.

Driving Tips for Teenagers

Unfortunately, many teenagers feel invincible and this really ain’t the case, especially when they are behind the wheel of a car. Confidence is one thing, misplaced confidence is another . . . I remember discussing this very topic with some work colleagues of mine a few years ago – one colleagues son was about to take his drivers test and his Mom was not too worried because she proudly informed us that he was “confident” – another quickly added that her very confident son had passed his drivers test at around 11.30am, and by the middle of the same afternoon had been involved in an accident in which he was fine, but her car was completely totaled.

Teenage drivers do make more driving mistakes, whether it’s because of their misplaced confidence, their youth or simply their inexperience, driving safely takes practice and it takes time.

• keep your eyes and ears open whilst driving – stay alert, stay alive . . .
• focus on what you’re doing – driving, not fiddling with the radio / cell phone / girlfriend . . .
• don’t be tempted to drink and drive, not even a little bit. 60% of all teenagers which are involved in road traffic accidents have been drinking, according to some statistics.

No wonder that insurance companies are not very forthcoming in offering affordable policies to teenager drivers. Some families find the only way that insurance for their teenage offspring is affordable is by adding them to the parents policy, even though this will substantially increase their premiums.  So what can a teenager do in order to find lower insurance premiums, apart from age by about 10 years? These tips can help to lower premiums:

• A clean driving record – I know that this isn’t something which can happen overnight – “I’ve never had an accident” – “how long you been driving?” – “almost a week”!! People with good driving records do generally qualify for lower premiums eventually, so keep your nose clean and it will happen. Incidentally, if you are added to your parents policy, then your driving record will affect it for them too.
• Vehicle – teenagers often fancy themselves in something flash and sporty, but that is not the way to go until they’ve got a few years clean driving under your belt. You pay more insurance for a vehicle which is more likely to be stolen, has higher repair costs or is faster than the average car. Souped up street machines are just gonna have to wait.
• Safety features – on your vehicle can help to reduce the insurance costs. We’re talking air bags, anti-lock brakes, anti-theft devices, seat belts.
• Credit history -is another feature which can make a difference. You might have to pay higher premiums if you are not of such a good financial status . . . get my drift?
• Work hard at college – some insurance companies offer reduced insurance rates for teenagers who maintain good grades of a “B” or better – you see, your Mom was right, it pays to work hard in many different ways.