Adding Young Drivers

Do you remember getting your driver’s license? I do! Unfortunately, I failed my eye test the first time around. Once I got contacts, I was more than excited and started driving. My first car, a red Pontiac Sunbird with a big bow on top, arrived on the only snowy Christmas morning I have ever seen in 1989. Just a few months later, I got into my first accident. It was a lesson learned early. Being distracted behind the wheel with a car filled with friends can have quick consequences. Thankfully, no one was hurt. I was a great example of what not to do.

Now, 34 years later, I’m preparing to put my teenage son behind the wheel. As both a parent and an insurance agent of over 25 years, I understand the concerns—and the costs—of adding a young driver to your policy.

Here are some tips that can help keep insurance costs down and young drivers safer:

• Safety matters more than ever. Cars that are noted for their safety features are a great place to start! The Highway Loss Data Institute publishes information suggesting which cars are rated as safer options. Click here to access HLDI
• Good Grades Pay Off: Most carriers offer a discount for students receiving A & B’s on their grade reports. Send your teen’s latest report card to your agent. They will need it for their file.
• Driver’s Ed Discount: Once your teen completes a certified driver education course, send the certificate to your agent as they will need to forward this to the insurance carrier.
• Avoid Violations: A single ticket can significantly raise rates. Encourage smart, cautious driving habits from the start. Rates are built on driving history. Your teen needs a violation free history to keep your rates as low as possible.
• Practice Defensive Driving: Talk with your teen about safe habits—no texting, slowing down in neighborhoods, following a safe distance behind other cars and anticipating other drivers’ moves.

Congratulations – you’ve reached a major milestone with your child!

Here’s to safe driving and making informed choices – both on the road and with your insurance coverage. Search your options and take the time to have conversations with a trusted insurance agent. Our agents are here for you if you need to have that conversation.