One day you're driving your teenager everywhere. The next, they're asking for the keys.
Whether they're heading to school, band practice, a part-time job, or meeting up with friends, having a teen driver is a big milestone for everyone involved. It also happens to be one of the biggest changes you can make to your auto insurance policy.
Before the school year gets into full swing, it's worth taking a few minutes to make sure your coverage is keeping up with your family's new routine.
Let's get the part no parent loves out of the way first: adding a teenager to your auto insurance policy will increase your premium.
Insurance companies generally charge more because teen drivers have less experience behind the wheel and are statistically more likely to be involved in accidents. While you can't avoid the increased risk entirely, you can make sure you're getting the best value from your teen-driver insurance coverage.
If you're only looking at price, you could miss crucial differences in coverage that matter if your teen is ever involved in an accident.
When your family changes, your insurance should too. Instead of simply adding your teens to your existing policy, take the opportunity to review what you actually have. Consider questions like:
If you're not sure what some of those coverages actually do, our blog on Beyond Basic Auto Insurance explains several of the ones many drivers overlook.
Adding a teen to your policy doesn't always mean you're stuck paying the highest possible rate. Many insurance companies offer discounts that can help lower the cost of teen driver insurance, including:
Available teen-driver discounts vary by insurance company, so it's worth asking what's available. The Georgia Department of Driver Services also offers information about approved driver education programs that may qualify with certain carriers.
Adding your teen to your insurance policy is only part of getting them ready for the road. If they're still driving with a learner's permit, they're generally covered under your policy while driving with a qualified adult. Once they're licensed and driving on their own, you'll typically need to add them to your policy. If you're not sure when that change should happen, it's worth checking with your insurance agent.
It's also a good idea to talk through a few expectations before they start driving to school or around town. Remind them to put the phone away, limit distractions from friends in the car, know what to do if they're in an accident, and always keep proof of insurance in the vehicle.
Need a refresher on Georgia's phone laws? Check out our blog, How to Avoid Tickets Under Georgia's Hands-Free Law, for a quick overview and tips.
A new school year brings plenty of changes, and adding a teen driver is one of the biggest. Reviewing your coverage and asking about available discounts now can help you feel a little more prepared—and ease at least one of the many worries that come with having a teenager behind the wheel.
Still have questions? Our Common Home & Auto Insurance Questions blog covers deductibles, liability limits, and other topics that can help you better understand your coverage.
When you're ready, the team at Mountain Lakes Insurance is here to review your family's policy and answer any questions you have.