It’s no secret that insuring a teen driver is expensive. Teen drivers don’t have the experience of mature drivers, and they are statistically more likely to get into car crashes, particularly severe ones. Still, it’s not a lost cause to get favorable rates for your teen, but it will require some commitment from the young driver themself. By talking to your teen about driving safely, you can help them develop good habits, which, in turn, can help you keep your insurance costs down.
Helping Your Teen Be a Safer Driver 
Teen drivers are supposed to be green behind the wheel, but this doesn’t mean that they can treat cars like toys. Driving a vehicle is dangerous, not just for the driver but for anyone who is in their way. You must impress on your teen the importance of responsibility behind the wheel.
When your teen gets their license, talk to them about your expectations for them. Help them understand how to be as safe as they can whenever they get behind the wheel. Use these tips to guide your conversation:
- Avoid driving at night if you don’t have much experience behind the wheel.
- Watch the forecast to avoid any inclement weather.
- Always try to stay at least two seconds behind the vehicle in front of you. This can help give you more reaction time in the event of an emergency.
- Never use your cell phone in your car (in most states, this is illegal anyway, especially for teens).
- Always use your seatbelt, even if you’re just going for a short drive down the block—it’s the law!
- Never drive under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Remember that prescription medications can impact your driving too, so if your teen does take medication, make sure to monitor their driving.
- If you ever feel uncomfortable, unwell or unsafe on the road, pull over somewhere safe and call someone for help.
- Don’t drive with more than one other person in your car until you feel more comfortable behind the wheel—this will help you to stay focused on the road and the traffic around you. Some states even prohibit teens from driving with anyone other than a parent or guardian for a certain time period after they get their license.
Don’t forget to lead by example, too. Practicing safe driving when your teen is first starting out can help them develop the skills they need to become a safe driver for the rest of their lives.
Contact us today to learn more about auto insurance with teen drivers.