How to save Money on Teenage Car Insurance
We all know that our kids grow up too quickly, but never is that more obvious than when they become teenagers and begin to utter those words that make every parent shudder -driver's license. As if those words aren't enough, they bring on another set of words that parents don't like to think about - teenage car insurance premiums. It's a foregone conclusion that having a teenage driver in the house will increase your insurance rates. There are however, some things that you can do to help minimize the sticker shock when you see your new premiums.
Have your Teen take a Driver's Ed Course
Many states require that drivers under 18 take a driver's education course before they can get a license. Even if yours doesn't, you should consider looking into one anyway. Most insurance companies, both in St. Petersburg, FL and around the country, offer discounts for teens who have completed one of these courses. Having your teen complete it can save big money when it comes to teenage car insurance. St. Petersburg, FL has many driver's education courses available and most schools offer them as well.
And Speaking of School...Get strict about Grades
Insurance providers have noticed a correlation between kids with higher grades and those who are at a lesser risk when driving. That connection can lead to a discount on your teen car insurance rates. Children who maintain a 3.0 or better grade point average generally qualify for what is known as a "good student discount" with many insurance companies.
Many states require that drivers under 18 take a driver's education course before they can get a license. Even if yours doesn't, you should consider looking into one anyway. Most insurance companies, both in St. Petersburg, FL and around the country, offer discounts for teens who have completed one of these courses. Having your teen complete it can save big money when it comes to teenage car insurance. St. Petersburg, FL has many driver's education courses available and most schools offer them as well.
And Speaking of School...Get strict about Grades
Insurance providers have noticed a correlation between kids with higher grades and those who are at a lesser risk when driving. That connection can lead to a discount on your teen car insurance rates. Children who maintain a 3.0 or better grade point average generally qualify for what is known as a "good student discount" with many insurance companies.
Add your Teen to an Existing Policy
The added price of teenage car insurance on your policy is bad enough as it is, but it is insignificant compared to the price of securing an individual policy for your teen. In addition to this, you may become eligible for a multi-vehicle discount by adding another vehicle to your existing policy, which may help to offset the cost.
Choose the right type of Vehicle for your Teen
If your teen will have his or her own car, they will most likely be thinking fast and flashy. If you are wise they will get modest and sensible. The insurance on a flashy car is almost always more expensive than that on a more modest vehicle. It is even true that some colors can affect the insurance rates. Opt for a reliable, safe vehicle that is equipped with all the safety features, such as air bags and ABS and you will see your premiums drop. If you happen to hear a phrase like "It looks like the car that grandma drives", simply remind them that no vehicle at all is much worse than a "grandma's car."
Whether or not you get a discount on your teenage car insurance using these tips, there is nothing more important than the safety of your children. The best way to ensure that safety is to teach them to drive responsibly. This not only insures the safety of your teen, but prevents your rates from skyrocketing as the result of an accident. Remember that children learn from us so give them a firm, guiding hand when it comes to driving safely and most importantly, give them a good example by driving safely yourself.
The added price of teenage car insurance on your policy is bad enough as it is, but it is insignificant compared to the price of securing an individual policy for your teen. In addition to this, you may become eligible for a multi-vehicle discount by adding another vehicle to your existing policy, which may help to offset the cost.
Choose the right type of Vehicle for your Teen
If your teen will have his or her own car, they will most likely be thinking fast and flashy. If you are wise they will get modest and sensible. The insurance on a flashy car is almost always more expensive than that on a more modest vehicle. It is even true that some colors can affect the insurance rates. Opt for a reliable, safe vehicle that is equipped with all the safety features, such as air bags and ABS and you will see your premiums drop. If you happen to hear a phrase like "It looks like the car that grandma drives", simply remind them that no vehicle at all is much worse than a "grandma's car."
Whether or not you get a discount on your teenage car insurance using these tips, there is nothing more important than the safety of your children. The best way to ensure that safety is to teach them to drive responsibly. This not only insures the safety of your teen, but prevents your rates from skyrocketing as the result of an accident. Remember that children learn from us so give them a firm, guiding hand when it comes to driving safely and most importantly, give them a good example by driving safely yourself.