Skip to main content

Tips for Adding a Teen Driver

Tips for Adding a Teen Driver

As a parent, watching a teen learn to drive and gain independence is exciting and scary at the same time. Having a new teen driver at home adds worry and concern for parents. There’s the logistics of finding a car for them to drive or coordinating the use of a family car, figuring out who will pay for gas, establishing the ground rules, and adding a teen driver to your insurance.

Even though your teen is excited to start driving, you’re probably not excited to be adding them to your auto insurance policy. When adding a teenager to your policy your insurance agent will have a few questions for you such as:

  • Will they be driving an existing car on the policy?
  • Or, will you be adding a car to your policy that they will drive?
  • How many miles will your teen be driving to school or to work?
  • Are they a good student?
  • What is the make and model of the car they will be driving?
  • Have they taken a certified drivers education course?
  • Have they taken any additional drivers safety courses?

All of these questions are important in establishing the insurance rates for your new driver. Insurance rates are not cheap for teen drivers, but there are some things you can do to keep the costs down.

  • Ask for a Good Student Discount for students maintaining a B or 3.0-grade point average
  • Emphasize the importance of maintaining a good driving record free of accidents and traffic violations
  • Choose a modest and safe car for your teen to drive. Prepare to pay a lot more if your teen is driving the latest sports car. Ask your insurance agent for tips before purchasing a new/used car for your teen that will be overly expensive to insure.
  • Make sure your teen takes a certified drivers education course
  • Take advantage of safe driving courses or a winter driving courses in your area. They may result in additional discounts and can help make your teen a better driver.

It’s likely less expensive to add your teen driver to your existing policy, but expect your premiums to go up and their driving record to affect your rates. In some cases, people choose to establish a separate policy for their teen. Talk to your agent about these options.
Take advantage of multi-car discounts with an existing carrier
One of the best ways to have peace-of-mind while embracing your teens new found independence is to focus on safety.

  • Establish ground rules for safe driving and consequences for breaking them
  • Sign a contract
  • Find a way to stay informed about where your child is
  • Make sure they understand the risks of driving
  • Cell phone use
  • Other drivers
  • Time of day
  • Dangerous routes
  • Speed
  • Distractions

We understand the challenges of having a new teen driver. It’s exciting and nerve-wracking at the same time. We’re here to help with the insurance questions and concerns you may have. Talking with your insurance provider will help you get the best protection at the most affordable price.

We look forward to speaking with you and helping you understand your insurance and your options.