Insuring teen-age drivers

Car insurance for teen drivers tends to be the most expensive car insurance out there. But there are a few tricks to finding the right policy and reducing premiums while maximizing coverage.

The first step to getting the right policy for your teenage driver is getting the right car. Teens who drive cars with high safety ratings typically pay lower premiums, so it pays to look for a safe, high-quality vehicle for your teen.

Of course, if you aren’t interested in buying the newest state-of-the-art car for your teen driver, consider supplying them with that old beater your neighbor is selling. An older car that isn’t worth a lot doesn’t require comprehensive/collision coverage. Comprehensive coverage is often the most expensive part of a car insurance policy, so leaving it off the bill will make a big difference.

Many insurance companies offer teen drivers hefty discounts for taking defensive driving courses through professional driving schools.

Tying driving privileges to grades and activities is also a good idea for parents who want to save on car insurance premiums. Most teens are eligible to receive good student discounts if they have good grades.

While all of these ideas are good ways to save on car insurance premiums for teen drivers, they also just make good sense. A teen driver who has been trained by professionals, is responsible enough to get good grades, and is behind the wheel of a safe vehicle is more likely to be safe in the event of a crash.