Saturday, September 4, 2010

Teenage Car Insurance

Cheap teenage car insurance is difficult to find. However if you are prepared to put a little effort into researching companies you can find some better rates. There are also several things that your teen can do to lower their premium costs. Sometimes you find yourself wondering just why this form of insurance is so expensive.

There are several reasons for this.

• Accident prone group: teenagers are notorious for getting into accidents. There are very few teens who can honestly say that they have not had at least one minor accident since they started driving. Speeding tickets are another area where teens go wrong. Both these factors will make them a high risk driver in the insurance company's eyes.
• No driving history record: your child will be labeled as a first time driver and will not have a driving history. Therefore they will not be eligible for a good driver discount. Plus first time drivers are a possible risk to insurance companies and the premiums will automatically be higher.
• Reputation of getting easily distracted: Teens have a bad reputation of using poor judgment and getting easily distracted. They often go in groups and are busy talking instead of keeping their eye on the road.
• Lifestyle: Many teens do quite a bit of socializing and partying. They often drink a little more than they should and then start to drive.

Insurance companies are aware of these risks and put up the premiums accordingly. So now you understand what the insurance company is seeing, the next question is how to lower the premiums?

Here are two easy ways to help you get cheap teenage car insurance.

• Get an older car: expensive cars cost more if they get damaged and are a higher risk for insurance companies. Plus these companies know that teens enjoy these classy looking vehicles. This will make the rates go up. Alternatively you can look for an older car for your teen, which will decrease the premium rates. You may run into some resistance from your kid as a classy looking car is a status symbol, but you can suggest that your teen work for a good car by driving safely and eventually paying for the insurance.
• Do a driver's education course: If your teen does a driver's education course and can show proof to the insurance company with a certificate, they can lower their premium costs considerably. This is because they will show the company that they have every intention of being a safe driver.

Emphasize safe driving: always tell your teen the advantages of safe driving. A good driving record will earn them a discount on their premium and will help you find that elusive cheap teenage car insurance.