Car Insurance Tips for Teen Drivers
One of the big days in a teenager's life is the day they get their driver's license. But with that passport to adulthood comes tremendous responsibilities. Every newly licensed driver?in fact, anyone seeking to become a licensed driver?must arrange for adequate auto insurance coverage.
Car insurance for teens is usually very expensive. That's because teens, lacking driving experience, tend to get into many more crashes. They are considered high-risk. That fact should not stop any teen from getting a license, however, because with a little planning teens who drive can almost always find ways to lower their car insurance premiums.
The first step in getting the lowest rates is to get several quotes. These quotes should be obtained from authorized insurance agents or company websites. The various insurance companies define teen risk in very different ways. This means one company may charge just a little more than they charge an older driver, while another company may charge you a whole lot more. There is tremendous competition among insurance companies, so companies that know you are doing comparison shopping tend to offer you the lowest rates. They just might offer you a lower premium. But to get it, you have to ask, and you may have to willing to negotiate. Fortunately, it's easy to do research on the net and shopping for low premiums is a lot easier than it used to be.
Also, if you have not already done so, look into taking basic driver ed or defensive driving. Passing these courses shows insurance companies that you are serious about safe driving, and allows them to lower you risk level when assessing your driving record for computing your insurance premium. Talk to a licensed agent about what courses are available that qualify you for an insurance discount.
Check with your insurance provider to see if they offer discounts for good students or belonging to a club or organization. Also, see if they will extend to you a discount if your parents belong to an eligible club or organization. Ask the insurance provider what other discounts are available to you. And here is where the internet comes in handy again. Do research to see if there are any discounts that you qualify for and are not aware of.
If your parents have additional insurance policies, such as home or life, see if they will ask the insurance provider to bundle the policies. Many providers often give big discounts to customers who purchase more than one insurance policy from them. Check to see if the insurance provider offers discounts for multiple drivers from the same household. This is another way to obtain great savings on your car insurance premiums.
You should be fully informed about insurance (and, usually, fully insured) before you take your driving test. You authorized insurance agent can answer any questions you have and make you get all the coverage you need. You will have to take some time to do your research, but the money you will save on your premiums will make the effort worthwhile.
Filed under: Car Articles