How much does a Teen Driver affect car insurance rates?
Updated: Sep 19, 2020
Young and Reckless
So, your teenager has started driving. The moment they pass their driver’s test is bittersweet. They have passed a major milestone, but you are naturally worried about their safety. Plus, the cost of adding them to your auto insurance probably gave you heart palpitations. It is important to compare quotes so you can make sure you are getting the best deal. Insuring teen drivers can be unreasonably costly because of their reckless tendencies. According to the Department of Motor Vehicles, the crash rate for 16-year-olds is almost 4 times higher than other drivers. Teen drivers are 3 times more likely to die in a fatal crash. In a staggering statistic, 6 teens between the ages of 16 and 19 die every day from motor vehicle crash injuries. The leading cause of fatal crashes is unsafe speed followed by right-of-way and improper turns.
They are also 2 times more likely to receive a citation. Almost 80% of these citations are caused by speeding and signaling issues. With the advent of handheld cell phones, texting, and social media apps like Snapchat, distracted driving is at an all-time high. And, according to the Center for Disease Control, 1 in 10 teens drinks and drives. In a survey from 2015, 1 in 5 high school students admitted that, within the last month, they had ridden in a car with a driver who had been drinking.
Why is this? Well, the CDC explains that teens are much more likely than other drivers to underestimate danger on the road. They also fail to recognize hazards and end up making poor split-second decisions. Teen drivers are also more likely to speed and leave less distance between their car and the one in front of them. This gives them less time to respond in tricky situations. To compound all of this, teen drivers also have the lowest use of seatbelts.
Crash risk is highest within the few months of having one’s license and the presence of other teens in the car increases this even further. It is no surprise that insurance companies view teen drivers as a great risk.
So, what can you do to stop your rates from going through the roof? Compare companies and quotes to determine if adding your teen to your policy or getting them one of their own will be less expensive. Make sure your teen is driving a safe, sensible car that will not add to the risks. Investigate the possibility of lowering your premiums by increasing your deductible. Be aware of your state’s regulations for teen drivers to help avoid them getting citations. Practi//ce riving with your teen and make sure they are aware of the risks Emphasize how important it is for your teen driver to keep a clean driving record. This will keep your rates from constantly climbing with each mistake they make.