Your NJ Auto Insurance Policy: 3 Things to Know When Adding Your Teen Driver
Have you ever wondered how your auto insurance policy will change when your child first learns to drive? Here are 3 things you should know about your changing auto policy for when your teen gets behind the wheel.
16 Can Be Expensive.
The crash rate per mile driven is 1.5 times higher for 16-year-olds than it is for 18-19 year-olds. This is why Car Insurance rates decrease when your teen gets older. Due to this high risk, it costs more to insure younger teen drivers. However, a clean driving record will help lower rates as your child enters their late teens.
Fact: 17-year-old Male drivers are 2X as likely to crash as 17 year old Female drivers.
Check for Discounts.
Depending on your policy, discounts can be applied to save some you money. Some companies offer the following discounts:
- Defensive driving discount – Completion of a Defensive Driver internet course
- Good student discount – When the teenage driver does well in school
- Student “away” discount – If your teenager does not use the car while away at school
- Low-mileage discounts – customers who drive a set number of miles per year
Communicate with your child.
Instilling good driving behavior pays. Not only does good behavior lower your insurance rates, but it helps keep your child mindful of risks while driving. Take time to talk about the dangers of drugs and alcohol, the importance of seatbelts, how to prevent phone usage and how to assert their safety needs to passengers. Keep in mind that summer months run a much higher risk for teen car accidents, so it’s important to have these conversation as soon as possible.
Our children are our top priority. Their safety is paramount. Make sure they are prepared, aware and properly insured.
Curious about insuring your teen as they go off to college? Find additional information here.
