Helping Cut Costs for Teen And New Drivers
Key Takeaways
Good Grades Can Save Up to 15% on Premiums
Full-time students with a B average or dean's list honors may qualify for a good student discount. Driver training program discounts are also available in several states.
Choose a Conventional Car and Get a Quote Before You Buy
Insurance costs are lower on conventional vehicles than high-performance cars. Always get an auto insurance quote before purchasing so you know the full cost of ownership.
Raise Your Deductible to Lower Your Monthly Premium
Increasing your deductible from $200 to $500 or $1,000 reduces premiums for all drivers. For older cars, consider dropping collision and comprehensive coverage entirely since those only cover the car's current value.
Recommendations to Help With Your Budget
You have to keep your eye on the big things when a new driver or teenager starts to drive, like making sure they drive safely. But parents and young drivers also have to watch the little things to save money on auto insurance premiums for your teen driver.
GEICO has some recommendations that could help the family budget.
Discounts for driver training programs: A number of auto insurance companies in several states provide discounts for students who complete a driver training program. Discounts will vary, so it's important to compare car insurance.
Good student discounts: Good grades could add up to sizeable savings. Full-time students with a B average or with dean's list or similar honors could qualify for as much as a 15 percent discount. Discounts will vary by state and by insurer. Traffic offenses will nullify a student discount; that's another reason to drive safely.
Teens should start slow: New drivers should approach driving the same as they would any new activity, gradually and deliberately. Limited use of the family vehicle is the best way to gain experience and control costs. New drivers should not have unlimited access to vehicles until they have become more experienced behind the wheel.
Consider the type of car: Young drivers are inexperienced and should never be allowed to drive high-performance cars. Keep in mind, too, that insurance costs are lower on more conventional vehicles.
Get a quote before you buy: Insurance costs vary by age and type of vehicle. It's always good advice to call for a quote or get an auto insurance quote online before you buy any vehicle.
Review your deductible: This applies to all drivers, not just young teen drivers. Increasing deductibles, which results in sharing a greater portion of any comprehensive or collision loss, can reduce auto insurance premiums. Again, check with insurers to find out exactly how much is saved by increasing the deductible from, say, $200 to $500 or even $1,000.
Drop some coverage: Consider dropping collision and comprehensive coverage for an older car, because they only cover the current value of the car.
Safety, safety, safety: The best way to cut teen auto insurance costs is to teach young drivers to drive safely and become experienced gradually. Because young drivers are the least experienced, more fatal accidents occur in this driving group. Premiums reflect this overall driving behavior.
GEICO referral: Your son or daughter can move from your GEICO auto policy to his or her own GEICO auto policy. They will continue to receive the same great customer service you're currently receiving. They can get a free car insurance quote online, call (800) 555-2760, or visit a local agent to get their own GEICO policy started.
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