Car Insurance For Young Drivers

Car Insurance For Young Drivers
by Kian Chong

Car insurance is expensive enough but when you add a teenage driver to your policy don't be surprised to see your insurance rates skyrocket. Unfortunately, young drivers are always going to cost more because they are viewed as a higher risk by insurance companies. The good news is there are ways to reduce those costs.

Good Grades
Many companies will offer car insurance discounts for drivers who maintain an "A" or even a "B" average in school. The amount of the discount and the requirements for eligibility do vary from company to company but that's why you should always call around before choosing car insurance coverage for your child.

You should also find out if those discounts will also apply for good grades in college because young drivers will be paying more until they are at least 25 years old.

Drive a Less Expensive Automobile
If your car insurance company allows you to choose a primary driver for each of your family's cars or if you opt for a auto insurance young driver policy, then make sure your teen is driving the least expensive car in the family. The greater the risk of loss the higher those premiums are going to be. Plus, some cars are just naturally going to cost less to insure, regardless of the driver's age.

Complete a Driving Course
Another way to possibly receive relatively cheap auto insurance for your child is by having him or her complete a driving course. These courses are usually offered through private companies and often through vocational colleges. The course may cost several hundred dollars but that might be an excellent investment depending on what your child's insurance rates will be without the course. Feel free to ask your insurance agent for quotes both ways before you make a decision.

Besides the savings, the driving course can be a valuable source of information and training for young drivers. They'll usually have hands-on experience, plus lessons in safety that will reduce their risks of having an accident.

Boost the Safety Features
If you want to buy a car for your child and are concerned about the car insurance premiums, make sure to look for safety features. The more features the car contains that will protect your child during and from an accident the lower the premiums are going to be. You should also avoid any cars that are considered dangerous or that typically provoke dangerous driving, such as sports cars.

Opt for a Higher Deductible
Another way to secure more affordable insurance for your teenage driver is by increase the deductible on the policy. Doubling the deductible can provide a significant reduction in the cost of those premiums but you'll want to make sure you can afford that extra out-of-pocket expense if something does occur.

If you already have a high deductible, you may want to avoid this option and instead start shopping around for a different policy. You may be surprised at the lower prices you and your teen driver can find.