Insuring Teenaged Drivers Is Expensive: Make Sure You are Getting the Best Possible Deal
Saturday, April 11th, 2009So, your teenager has just got his or her driver’s license and wants to get a car. The only hitch: automobile insurance for teenagers is far more expensive than for adults. If this seems unfair, keep in mind that statistics show that young drivers, under the age of 20, are as much as four times more likely to get into a car accident than older drivers. Perhaps the hormonal turbulence of youth leads to more risk-taking behaviour. Or perhaps it has more to do with driving inexperience. Either way, teenaged drivers, as a group, are a far greater hazard than adults.
So do you have any options when selecting an insurance policy for your teenager? In fact, there is great variation among insurance companies. Furthermore, many elements other than age factor into insurance premium calculations, so be sure to discuss your options with your insurance provider.
First, parents can reduce costs of their child’s car insurance by adding their child to their existing policy. If a parent solid driving record already, it reflects well on their teen, and the cost may be reduced because of it. Having multiple people on one insurance policy is a good cost-cutter overall, not unlike buying other consumergoods in bulk quantities. If you have been a long-time policy holder with your provider, you may be eligible for deals as well. It makes sound business sense for a company to reward their most valued customers.
So don’t hesitate to call, because it pays to talk to your insurance company about any incentives they have that could help cut the costs of insuring your teen. If you take the initiative, many providers should be eager to offer you something to retain you as a customer. If you’re not sure you’re satisfied with what they offer you or your existing coverage, don’t be afraid to comparison shop other insurance companies. The market for automobile insurance is very competitive, which leads to cost savings for the consumer. Another company might be willing to better your existing provider’s offer just to get you as a customer.
Using the internet as a resource, it is easier than ever to compare prices and incentives that competing insurance companies offer. If you take the time to research, you might be rewarded with big savings on your insurance, especially if you’re planning to take the step of adding a teenager to your policy.