InsuranceThought — Blogs About Insurance

As a kid, you’ve excitedly looked forward to the day you can get your driver’s license and the freedom that comes along with it. Once you’ve passed the driving exam and gotten your license you probably can’t wait to grab the keys, hop in the car, and go for a spin.

In the midst of this excitement, it’s easy for you to overlook the fact that you need auto insurance. Your parents, of course, are aware that they need to insure a new driver in the family and know that it is usually quite expensive. There are ways, fortunately, to keep the costs of insuring yourself as low as possible. The key is to find the lowest priced policies by shopping around; this is easier if you have a plan in place before you begin.

Tips:

Teens have a number of options when looking for affordable auto insurance; be sure to utilize each before you settle on a policy. Begin by getting help from a parent; parents were once teen drivers, but have now been insured for quite some time. Their experience and ability to provide assistance is usually an easy thing to ask for and can help you tremendously. You do have the option of comparing policy quotes of having your own insurance or being insured on your parents’. In most cases, it’s less expensive to be added to your parents’ policy than it is to get your own insurance.

You can lower the cost of your premium by seeking out common discounts offered by auto insurance companies. Most have “good student” discounts, so, depending on the insurance company, this can save you (or your parents) up to 15%; you will most likely need to maintain a “B” grade point average or higher.

You can also take a state recognized defensive or safe driving class; upon completion of the class, you will qualify for this insurance discount as well.

As you prove your ability to drive safely on the road, your insurance rates will drop, so be sure you always be as careful as possible while driving by wearing your seatbelt, not talking or texting on your cell phone, keeping your radio at a moderate level, obeying all traffic signs, and abiding by the designated driving rules of your state.