Car Insurance for Teens

Getting behind the wheel for the first time can give a teenager a sense of freedom unlike anything else in the world, but driving is a major responsibility governed by strict auto insurance laws. Insurance rates are often higher for new drivers, but there are a few steps that can be taken by teens and their parents to keep premiums low. Here is a look at the type of car insurance San Diego teenagers need and what they can do to keep their rates affordable.

Finding the Right Policy

As a general rule, it is more affordable for teens to be added to their parents' policy than to apply for their own policy. Many insurance providers offer large discounts to families with multiple drivers and bundling your insurance ensures every licensed family member is covered when driving any family vehicle. There are some instances where teens will own a vehicle outright, and in these situations, they might need their own insurance coverage. That being said, many states have strict laws about underage residents owning property such as a car.

Insurance for teens with learner's permits is a completely different matter. In most states, teenagers with learner's permits will be covered by their parents' policy as long as a parent is in the vehicle when the teen is driving. However, these rules can change between different states and insurance providers. Parents should speak with the local DMV and their insurance company to see if they need additional coverage.

Keeping Insurance Premiums Affordable

Auto insurance is a legal requirement in every state, but many teens and their parents will find themselves struggling to pay the premiums. This is because teenagers are one of the highest risk groups for accidents and tickets. To combat this, teens should do everything in their power to avoid tickets and accidents. The longer drivers go without an accident or ticket, the lower their premiums will be. Many insurance providers also offer good student discounts for teens with high grades.

There are a few other things parents can do to keep their teen's insurance premiums affordable. First, parents should consider what kind of car their child drives. Economic cars with high safety ratings will often have the lowest premiums, while expensive cars and sports vehicles will typically have the highest premiums. If the teenager will not be driving daily, the insurance provider might also offer packages for “occasional” or “pleasure-only” drivers. By driving safely and bundling insurance with their parents' policy, teenagers can rest assured they are getting the best rates possible.