Do you have a teenage driver you need to add to your auto insurance policy? Before you get started, it’s important to do some research into the issues you need to know about insurance for teens in Tampa, FL. Here’s a quick look at some of the things you should be aware of.
Expect rate increases as you add teen drivers
The first thing you need to be aware of when adding teen drivers to your policy is that your rates are going to go up. It can be a bit of a shock to see the numbers swell after they’re officially added, but it’s inevitable. Insurance companies see teen drivers as a larger risk, and larger risks cost more to insure.
Their position is understandable—year after year, teen drivers statistically are involved in more accidents than other drivers. This is typically due to inexperience on the road, as well as a greater propensity for engaging in risky behaviors behind the wheel.
It might be a good idea to compare rates across multiple providers so you can see where you can get the best deals after adding a teen driver.
You might be able to find discounts
That being said, while rates will go up, there are still opportunities for you to get discounts for young drivers. The good student discount is a common one. Teens who earn high grades in school might be eligible to receive discounts on their car insurance policy in Tampa, FL. You may need to submit proof of these grades to your provider.
Other common discounts include safety discounts for teens who take safe driving courses, and discounts for teens who go to college but are not taking a vehicle with them, as they will not be driving as frequently and thus will not be considered nearly as high of a risk.
The kind of car will make a difference
As with adults, the type of car your teen drives will make a difference in the kinds of insurance rates they’ll get. Auto insurance rates drop over time as the vehicle gets older, in most circumstances. In addition, flashier, “nicer”-looking cars tend to be more expensive to insure than safer used vehicles. An older Honda Civic, for example, will cost much less to insure than a brand-new BMW, especially for a teen driver.
In short, prioritize safety and affordability, and try not to go with anything excessive or flashy.
Know your policy
Carefully review your policy before adding a teen driver, as there might be stipulations you do not know about. For example, you might not have to pay for insurance while the teen still has a learner’s permit. There might also be specific age requirements.
Regardless, you’re going to want to inform your insurance provider as soon as you have a teen who’s ready to start driving.
For more information about the considerations you’ll need to think through before adding a teen driver to your car insurance policy in Tampa, FL contact the experts at Affordable Car Insurance Tampa.
