Congratulations! Your teenager just got their license and is ready to hit the road. It’s a significant milestone, but it’s also a major expense. Adding a teenager to your auto insurance policy can be a costly endeavor. Teenage drivers are among the riskiest group of drivers, so it’s essential to make sure they’re adequately insured. But with so many options and considerations, how do you know what’s best for your family? In this blog post, we’ll discuss everything you need to know about adding a teenager to your auto insurance policy.
Understand the costs:
Before adding your teenager to your policy, it’s critical to understand the costs. Teenage drivers are among the riskiest drivers to insure. According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, drivers between the ages of 16 and 19 are three times more likely to be involved in a fatal car accident than drivers who are 20 and older per mile driven. That’s why shopping around and comparing rates from multiple insurance companies is essential. Additionally, many insurance companies offer discounts for students who maintain good grades or complete a safe driving course.
Liability vs. Full Coverage:
When adding a teenager to your policy, you must decide whether to add liability or full coverage. Liability coverage is the minimum required by law. It covers damages and injuries to other people if your teenager is at fault in an accident. Full coverage includes liability coverage and coverage for damages to your own vehicle. While full coverage is more expensive, it may be worth the added cost for a teenage driver who is more likely to be in an accident.
Talk to your insurance agent:
Your insurance agent is your best resource for adding a teenager to your policy. They can help you understand your options and recommend the best coverage to fit your needs. Additionally, they can help you find discounts and savings you may not have known about. Make sure to ask about any potential deals for good grades, safe driving, or even being a member of specific organizations.
Set rules for your teenager:
One of the most important things you can do when your teenager starts driving is to communicate clear expectations and rules on how to stay safe on the road. The most obvious one is to follow the speed limit and traffic signals, but also remember to encourage your child to be a responsible driver by avoiding distracted driving behavior. For instance, they should refrain from using cell phones, texting while driving, eating, and other potential distractions. Prohibit driving under the influence of alcohol, and encourage your teenager to avoid taking passengers who may interfere with driving.
Adding a teenager to your auto insurance policy can be challenging and expensive. However, by understanding your options and working with your insurance agent, you can find the best coverage and rates for your family. Remember to emphasize safe driving to your teenager because with the right coverage and a focus on safety, your teenager can hit the road with confidence and peace of mind.
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