Make Your Teen Driver a Safe Driver

What's more horrifying: the thought of your child driving; or the thought of how your teen driver will jack up your auto insurance rates? You're right -- they are both terrifying.

Youthful operators -- especially teenage boys -- are the most likely group of motorists to be involved in an accident. Therefore, teenage drivers will have a severe impact on your auto insurance rates.

There are ways to help prevent your car insurance premiums from sending you to the poor house.

1. Education, education, education. Teaching your child about vehicle safety should begin long before they attend a driver's education course. First off, you should lead by example. Let them see from their parents that aggressive driving is unnecessary and dangerous. Talk with them about the rules of the road. Share with them statistics about the dangers of unsafe driving. And, when it comes time to enroll them in a driver's ed program, make sure you don't cut corners. The course should be thorough and highly informative.

2. Be aware of additional cost factors that will increase your rates: Of course, age and inexperience will be major insurance rating factors that you simply cannot control. But there are other factors you can control. Consider the make and model of the vehicle(s) they are driving. Insurance rates for sport utility vehicles and sports cars are going to put a sizeable dent in your bank account. Consider vehicles with good safety ratings and features. Your teen may push you for a car that makes them look cool. Avoid the temptation to be the cool parent. It is much better to be a careful parent.

3. Consider your policy limits and deductibles. Some insurers may offer lower limits for young drivers. Raising your deductible may lower your rates, as well, if you can afford to pay a little more out of pocket.

4. Consider what discounts might be available. Many insurers offer good student discounts, multi-policy discounts, group discounts and more.

5. Know the law. Many states mandate a gradual license program where a teen cannot obtain a full driver's license until age 18. Parents and teens should understand the licensing laws so they are not blind-sided by a major fine or license suspension. Do not allow your young driver to pull the wool over your eyes.

6. Make sure your teens fully comprehend the dangers of driving under the influence of alhocol and drugs. Be available any time they are in a situation where they should not be driving or riding in a vehicle where the driver is impaired. Most teenagers believe they are invincible. No matter how inconvenient, parents need to step in to keep their young drivers out of dangerous situations.

7. Keep the lines of communication open. Your children should not be afraid to discuss these matters with their parents. Do not punish them for honest communication, especially if they are trying to make good decisions. Remember when you were a teen. We have all made mistakes and we had to learn from those errors in judgement. But when it comes to driving, there is little room for bad errors in judgement. The sooner your teens learn that, the safer they will be on the road.