I’m getting into college next year, and my parents are finally going to get me a car to mark my achievements! Any tips on how to get cheap car insurance for young drivers?

Millie,

Austin, TX

It’s pretty hard to get cheap car insurance for young drivers, especially if you’re just learning to drive. Your car insurance agent will argue that young, inexperienced drivers are at a higher risk of getting into accidents than older drivers. However, there are ways for you to get cheaper car insurance rates:

• Prove your driving ability
Bring proof to your car insurance agent that you know how to drive safely. Completing advanced driving lessons and taking defensive driving classes are just some ways to earn a few certificates showcasing your capability to drive a car safely and responsibly.

• Get a cheaper car
It’ll definitely cost much less to repair a second-hand beetle than a top-of-the-line Ferrari. The cheaper your car, the less payment in car damage your insurance company will have to cover if you get into an accident. Let them know this, and you can argue for a lower insurance premium.

• Make your car safer
The safer your car is, the less chances you have of getting some major injuries. And if you don’t get any major injuries, you won’t have to pay as much in hospitalization bills. Install a couple of airbags, early warning devices and other safety mechanisms to lower the risk of bodily harm to you or your passengers

How much should I be expecting to pay if I add a new teenager driver on my car insurance policy?

Beth

Miami, FL

Since teenagers that are newly licensed have such high rates of accidents they cost more to insure than an experienced driver who is more prone to avoid an accident than cause it.

The costs of adding a new teenager driver will depend upon your current car insurance rates, your geographical location and your teen to name a few. For example, if you live in a congested area where your teen is more likely to be involved in an accident compared to a more rural or suburban area the rate to insure your teenager will likely be more.

As for the teenager themselves, insurance rates may vary due to if they have taken formal driving lessons or driver’s education and if you are able to get any type of discount for their grades. If you have a teen that maintains a higher GPA this may allow you to cut costs for car insurance.

Can you give me a range on how much will my car insurance go if I add a new teenager driver?

Rachel

Good Question Rachel.

Adding a teen driver on the policy will definitely cost you more since they have a high rates of accidents since they are newly licensed compared to experiences drivers who is more prone to avoid accidents than cause it.

It will actually depends on what your insurance rates already if you want to know the cost of adding a teenager on your policy. Other factor that may also affect your ate is the geographical location. For instance, it will cost you more on your premiums if you live in the congested area that your teen is more likely to get involved in an accident than in a rural area.

If a teenager has taken a formal driving lessons or a driver’s education, he may be able to get discount, If you also have a teen that maintains a higher GPA, this may cut the cost for auto insurance.

Generally, adding a teenager may cost $1200 up to $2500 a year. a minor may expect to pay 2.5 times the base rate of their insurance. Depending on the state where you reside, studies show that if you add a teenager on your insurance policy, your rates may go up 50-200%.

You may speak with your insurance agent about what your new premiums would be if you add a teenager in your policy. You may shop around to check which insurance company can give you a lower rate if you add a teenager.

Goodluck!

MariCAR