Teen Driver in Your House? Read This

When your teen starts driving, it can mean more freedom both for them and you. But you might worry about the dangers your teen driver will face on the road as well as the expense of adding a teen driver to your car insurance policy. You’re right to be concerned: statistically, teens are more likely than adults to be involved in vehicle accidents and car insurance premiums do go up with the addition of a teen driver. But there are things you can do both to help your teen driver stay safe and minimize the impact on your car insurance.

Main risks for teen drivers

Lack of experience and immaturity are the main reasons teens are more at risk on the road. They’re more likely to be distracted or to engage in risky behavior like speeding or not wearing a seat belt. Teen drivers need time and experience to develop good judgment.

Parents can remind their teens that basic safe driving comes down to a few simple principles:

• Buckle up
• Observe speed limits
• Never drive under the influence of drugs or alcohol
• Focus on driving when behind the wheel

In addition to teaching your teen driver these basics, protect your teen driver by:

• Enrolling them in driver’s ed. Driver’s ed instruction and practice will help your teen learn how to react to hazards and challenges.
• Discuss the dangers of various behaviors like distracted driving, as well as your expectations. Establish consequences if they don’t comply.
• Set a good example. Don’t do the things you tell your teen not to do! Keep your full attention on the road when you’re behind the wheel.

(For more teen driver safety tips, click here.)

Car insurance for teen drivers

Here are a few ways to minimize this expense of adding a teen driver to your auto insurance policy:

• Call Lakewood Financial Services to compare car insurance rates. We’re an independent insurance agency and write with several companies that offer competitive rates for households with teen drivers.
• Think twice before buying your teen his or her own car. Not only will you have the expense of adding an inexperienced driver, you’ll have to insure an additional vehicle. (Some research says teens are less likely to speed in a family car versus their own.)
• If you do provide your teen with a car of their own, choose a safe vehicle that isn’t too sporty or expensive.
• Encourage your teen to maintain good grades, and keep a clean driving record.

Auto insurance for all ages and stages

Lakewood Financial Services is here to help, no matter what age or stage of life you find yourself in. Our agents help drivers of all ages in Bradenton, Sarasota, and Lakewood Ranch and nearby communities find auto insurance policies suitable for their needs at the most competitive price available. Please call us at 941-747-4600, or click here for an auto insurance quote.