Adding Young Drivers- Perspectives from an Insurance Agent Who is Now the Parent

April Jordan June 2025

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Do you remember getting your drivers license? I do!  Unfortunately, I failed my eye test the first time around. Once I got contacts, I was off and 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 on this milestone with your child!

Here’s to safe driving and making informed choices—both on the road and with your insurance coverage.  My suggestion, find an insurance agent that can provide options and take the time to have the conversation with you.   It makes a difference.