When it is time for your teenager to obtain their driver’s license, it is exciting but at the same time, a little intimidating for parents. While teens can wait to get behind the wheel, parents have several things to do before and after that happens to ensure peace of mind.
One of the concerns many parents have is obtaining auto insurance for their teens, and they worry about how much money it will cost. Here are some tips for securing insurance for your teen without going broke.
Use Your Policy
It is less expensive to add your teen driver to your existing auto insurance policy than to obtain a brand new policy for him or her only. This will also help maintain your current insurance status, especially if you have not had any accidents or citations for at least five years.
Type of Vehicle
Much like any other insurance policy, it will cost more to insure a sports car versus a family-style sedan. Just because your teen wants a Mustang GTO does not mean you have to purchase them one. Opt for a vehicle that gets good gas mileage, is dependable and safe and will not break the bank when you obtain insurance for it.
Follow the Law
Parents should update themselves on the laws in their state. In Connecticut, teens must be 16-years-old to take a test to obtain their learner’s permit. They then must drive only when accompanied by a parent, guardian, or driving instructor who have valid driver’s licenses.
A teen must practice driving for at least 40 hours with one of the adults listed above and must take at least 22 hours of classroom training before taking their driver’s exam. They must also take an eight-hour class about safe-driving techniques from a driving or secondary school that is licensed by the state of Connecticut. After all of this is completed, they can take their driving examination which includes a road test.
Raise the Deductible and Look for Discounts
Two other ways to keep costs down is to increase the deductible on your policy. The higher the deductible, the lower your insurance premiums will be to insure your teen driver. Also, if your teen gets good grades, you may be entitled to a discount.
The West Hartford, CT agents with ALLConnecticut Insurance can assist you in obtaining auto insurance for your teen driver and answer any questions you may have.