3 Tips For Keeping Auto Insurance Costs Reasonable When Adding A Teen Driver To Your Policy

While many teenagers count down the days until they can get a drivers license, a lot of parents are not as excited about the prospect. Teen drivers are considered a high risk to insure, so if you'll be adding your teenager to your household's auto insurance policy in the near future it is natural to worry about the increase in your insurance premiums. Luckily, there are several ways to save on auto insurance when you add a teen driver. Use the following tips to keep your car insurance rates reasonable after your teenager begins driving:

Defensive Driving Course

A lot of parents spend many hours teaching their child to drive before he or she gets a drivers license. But if you want to reap the rewards of an insurance discount, you should also make sure that your teen takes a defensive driving course. Many auto insurance companies offer lower rates if a teenager successfully completes a defensive driving course, whether through a private driving school or by taking a semester of drivers ed in high school. Check with your insurance company to see what kind of discount they offer, and be prepared to show proof of a passing grade in drivers ed or a certificate of completion from a drivers school.

Good Grades

Almost all parents want their kids to do well in school for educational purposes, but encouraging your teen to keep his or her  grade point average up can also save you money on your family's auto insurance. It is common for insurance companies to offer a discount on premiums for teen drivers who maintain a certain grade point average; requirements vary from company to company, so you may have to call the company you have your insurance through to find out their policy. It is thought that students who are committed to doing well in school may be more responsible, which can translate to better decision-making behind the wheel.

Choose the Right Vehicle

If your teen will have his or her own car to drive after getting a drivers license, keep insurance costs in mind before a purchase is made. For the best insurance rates, help your teen select a used vehicle that is several years old and has high safety rankings, but does not have an extremely high replacement value. Features like extra air bags and an alarm system can also help keep insurance premiums down. Contact a business, such as Plumer Insurance Agency, for more information.