Teen Drivers and Summer Break: What Parents Should Know About Auto Insurance

Summer break is often when teen drivers are more likely to take road trips, meet up with friends or take on seasonal jobs. As a parent, it’s essential to know how this increase in driving can impact your auto insurance.

Increased Driving Risks During Summer

Teens typically already face higher accident rates due to inexperience. Summer months can add extra risk because of potentially heavier traffic, a greater likelihood of distracted driving and, in some cases, increased night driving. More time on the road, especially in such riskier circumstances, often means more chances for accidents.

Auto Insurance Basics for Teens

Adding a teen to your auto insurance policy can cause a noticeable increase in your premium. Insurers consider young drivers riskier to cover, and those rates reflect that. Still, adding them to your policy is usually more affordable than having them get their own.

Liability coverage is crucial, as it may cover injuries and property damage the teen may cause to others. Collision coverage may help pay for damage to the vehicle after a crash, while comprehensive coverage may help with noncollision incidents like theft or damage due to severe weather. Having all three in your policy may help you limit out-of-pocket costs if something goes wrong.

Tips for Managing Costs

Reducing auto insurance costs is possible with a few smart steps:

• Encourage your teens to maintain good grades. Many insurers offer discounts for students with academic achievements, as it may indicate responsible behavior.
• Enroll teenage drivers in a defensive driving course to potentially qualify for another rate reduction.
• Choose a car with strong safety ratings and lower repair costs, which may also bring premiums down.
• Check your coverage limits and deductibles to see if adjustments make sense.
• Ask your agent to check for any additional discounts. A little research and planning can go a long way.

Secure a Policy Today

Contact Nolasco Insurance & Tax Services today to explore auto insurance options that suit your family’s needs. Our team can help you navigate coverage choices for your teen driver.

This blog is intended for informational and educational use only. It is not exhaustive and should not be construed as legal advice. Please contact your insurance professional for further information.