It’s exciting to finally have your driver’s license. Next, you will need to purchase car insurance before you can drive. It is illegal in most U.S. states to drive a car without insurance. The disadvantages of being a first-time driver are not yours. Because you are a first-time driver and a teenager, your insurance company will “bias” you. Statistics show that teens are more likely to be involved in an accident than adults. The bad news is that you will need to be biased in this way before you can show that you are a safer driver.
There is also good news. Even if you’re a teenager, there are ways to save money on your car insurance. These are some tips for you:
- Get good grades in school. Many insurance companies offer discounts up to 20% for students with a minimum of a B or better. Research shows that students who have good grades are more likely to be licensed as drivers.
- Learn to drive Teens must log 50 hours of driving with an experienced driver. You will have a greater chance of lowering your car insurance premiums if you are able to take a formal driver’s training course. If you can prove to insurance companies that you are serious about driving and that you are less likely to be in an accident, they will likely discount your car insurance premium. You may be eligible for a 10% discount if your state licenses you to take a driver’s training course.
- Add your teenager to your parents’ policy. It is usually cheaper to add a teenager on their policy than to insure yourself with an insurance company. Your parents will notify their insurance agent or company about the addition of their teenager to the policy.
- Choose a safer and more affordable vehicle. Insurance companies have conducted extensive research. For example, they found that big trucks and SUVs are more likely to cause an accident. They drive faster, making it more difficult for the vehicle to stop. Repairs for trucks and SUVs can be more costly. All types of cars must pass crash tests. Insurers pay less to fix and compensate injured passengers if safer cars are more likely to survive an accident. Cars that are frequently targeted by car thieves will also be more likely to receive a higher premium. If you are looking for a car that is safe and has passed crash tests, the Toyota Camry might be a better choice than the Honda Accord. The latter is a popular target of car thieves. Ask for the safety rating of any truck or car you are considering buying. Trust me, your research will pay off.
- Avoid getting ant tickets or any other accidents. Now that you are biased by insurance companies, you can prove to them that your risk of being in an auto accident is higher. Do not do this. Keep a good driving record and focus on driving when you’re on the road. If they are deemed high-risk, teens could be subject to cancellation or denial of their insurance policy.
- Compare rates from different insurance companies. Rates can vary by hundreds of Dollars even for teens. Also, if you can afford it, ask for higher deductibles.
This article should help you find cheap insurance for teens. You’ll be happier if you have more driving experience and a clean driving record.
