Affordable Auto Insurance for Your Teenager

Posted on Nov 2nd 2009, 07:54 am, under Find The Best Auto Insurance Quotes

If you've got a teenage son or daughter, you know how hard it can be to get auto insurance for them. Driving is considered a rite of passage, and many kids nowadays can't wait to get behind the wheel and out from under their parents' wing. But even if your child is the most careful driver in the world, insurance companies still seem to charge exorbitant rates for teenagers. So how can you get the most affordable insurance premium for your child? Here are some ways to do it:

1. If your teenager has a good grade point average (GPA), how this to insurance companies when applying for coverage. A high grade point average is excellent evidence of your child's conscientiousness and responsibility, and this can help you get a discount on the insurance.

2. Always shop around for the best rates. Ask at various companies about their requirements for lowering premiums for teenagers. Many insurance firms offer discounts for students who have passed a teen driving program course with high marks, while others have special rates for teens who are already working. 

3. Another important factor is the distance your teenager plans to drive each year. Naturally, insurance companies consider long distance drivers a higher risk versus those who just use their car for traveling to and from school. Get your child to commit to driving a limited number of miles weekly, and ask them to stay off the highway and within a small local area. Your insurance company will be more inclined to lower its rates this way.

3. Your teenager's car model (and even its color) can influence insurance rates. Avoid older or larger vehicles. Above all, don't allow your child to drive a sports car if you don't want your premium and rates to skyrocket.

4. Ask your current insurance provider if you can piggyback your teen on your own insurance policy. Your insurance company may offer discounts for multiple vehicles and/or drivers. Basically, the more insurance claims you have with a single firm, the lower your rates. In a similar vein, see if you can buy coverage through your employer. You may be able to get significant savings for your child, up to 20 to 25 percent off the usual price.