If you have a teenage driver in your home, you'll want to read this article today! Not too long ago it was 7pm and I was at a concert with my wife. I saw the number of a client pop up on my phone and answered it right away. "Joe, my daughter's been in an accident - everyone's ok but what do we do next?" Worried that her premiums would skyrocket and not sure of her next steps, I worked to calm her down and reassure her we'd help her every step of the way, and that everything would be ok. As President at CH Insurance, I consistently reinforce to each of our CH Team that it's vital we take every call, day or night, and be prepared to do whatever it takes to help our clients.
EVERYTHING WILL BE OKAY
Reassurance is what we do. Maybe they should've named our business that rather than insurance LOL!? If you have a teen driver, or maybe more than one teenager driving, it can be stressful enough thinking of them on the roads. I'm a parent with three daughters so I know (I'm told you never stop worrying no matter their age). You want to rest easy at least knowing that if and when something happens, you're covered. The most cost-efficient way is to add the teen, once they're LICENSED, to your own auto policy vs. getting them their own policy. On average to get a teen their own auto policy is $2200-2300 annually compared with an addition of $600-700 annually on the parents' policy.
BE THE MODEL
The smart thing is to be proactive with your teenager regarding driver safety. Also realize YOU ARE THEIR MODEL - they're watching and listening to what YOU do in the vehicle. Because distracted driving is one of the top causes for teenage automobile accidents, YOU need to be focused on the road when YOU are driving as well. They will indeed emulate you.
Here are some tips for teen driving discounts on your auto policy
1. Encourage your teen to study hard. Is your kid a star student? There are discounts for students who do well in school.
2. Enroll your teen in a safe-driving course.
3. Take advantage of distant-student discounts. Sometimes certain carriers offer discounts if your graduating high school student is attending college away from home. The car that teen would otherwise be driving if home, has to be garaged a minimum of 100 miles away from where the teen is attending college.
4. Get the teen driver an older car to drive. Premiums are lower typically, on older vehicles, just as they are for adults.
5. Take advantage of new technology. There are actual monitors you can put in the vehicle your teen is driving to monitor their driving behavior.
Your best bet is to reach out to your insurance agent and review with them anytime there are changes in the household, including newly licensed drivers. At CH Insurance, we're in your corner 24/7/365.
CH Insurance is an independent insurance agency based in Syracuse, NY. Independent means they offer you many options because of their multiple carrier partners. You won't be locked in to choosing a policy from only one carrier. CH gives you CHoice. Speak to any one of our personal lines insurance executives today by phoning 315-234-7500.