The day has finally come: it’s time for your teenager to start driving! Whether they’ve saved enough money to buy their own car – or are driving one of yours – they will certainly want to have auto insurance. Here are some tips to make sure your teen driver has the right coverage on the road at the best possible price.

Explore Options Ahead of Time

Insurance carriers have different requirements for when a permitted driver should be added to a policy. We always recommend calling your insurance agency as soon as that permit is first secured to make them aware of the change. This will not only allow them to make sure you are properly protected, but it will also give you a chance to review insurance options so you know what to expect when your teen gets their license! 

Increase Your Liability Insurance

Accidents happen; and with teen drivers, they tend to happen more frequently. As a parent, you likely already know that you can be held responsible for your children’s actions and car insurance is no exception. If your teen driver is in an accident, the financial implications could impact you directly and affect your own insurance in the future. Making sure you have the right asset protection when your teen hits the road is just as important as making sure they wear their seat belt. 

Take Advantage of Usage-Based Driving Programs

You may pride yourself on giving your child as much autonomy as possible, but monitoring their driving habits can be a great way to prevent future claims and provide you peace of mind. Usage-based car insurance programs use tracking technology to monitor your teen’s driving habits, and then factor that data into various car insurance incentives. If an accident should occur, it also provides a safe way to notify emergency services.

Remember, Driver’s Education Doesn’t End When They Get Licensed

Developing responsible driving habits takes a lot of practice — far more hours than teens get in their driver’s education courses. That’s why it’s so important for parents to continue coaching their kids and encouraging good habits. The longer your teen drives without an incident, the lower your family’s insurance rates will be over the years. If you want to teach your teen driver how to have safe driving habits, check these great resources:

• The Insurance Information Institute’s safety tips for teen drivers

• The USDOT packet on teen risk and safe driving

• The National Safety Council’s resources for parents of teen drivers

We know that having a teen driver is both exciting and nerve-wracking. If you have any questions about auto insurance options for your child, we invite you to call our local team at 805-984-3777 so we can serve as your trusted thought partner on all things insurance.