Why Teen Drivers are So Expensive to Insure

If you've ever had to add a teenage driver to your insurance policy, you know that it's not cheap.  A Quadrant Information Services study commissioned by InsuranceQuotes.com found that the average annual premium increase for adding a driver between the ages of 16-19 was 80%.  And in several states it doubled.  For Minnesota the average increase was 83.75% and for Wisconsin it was 69.37%.

Why So Much?

As much as we think our young adults may be cautious and responsible, they just don't have the knowledge and experience that some of us older drivers have.  Young drivers are more prone to mistakes, distracted driving and accidents.


According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, "teen drivers have crash rates 3 times those of drivers 20 and older per mile driven."  So even though they drive less, they crash more often.

With the emergence of cell phones and texting, distracted driving has become a major problem for all drivers.  But it seems to be an especially bad influence on teen drivers.

Driving with other teenagers in the vehicle is also a big distraction.  Add in underage drinking and you've got a recipe for disaster and thus higher insurance costs.

How Can We Make Our Teens Safer?  

Many states have already taken steps to lessen the impact and danger for teen drivers.  In Minnesota, the OTS  prohibits driving between midnight and 5am and limits the numbers of passengers under age 20 in the first 6 months of licensure, with exceptions.  And it is illegal for drivers under the age of 18 to use a cell phone while driving except in an emergency.

Educating our new drivers is very important.  The parents' responsibility does not end after your son/daughter gets their license.  Other suggestions to make are:

• Buckle-up
  
• Don't speed
• Practice driving with your new drivers
• Talk about peer pressure and how to get out of different scenarios that may arise
• Make yourself available in unsafe or sticky situations
• Place your own limits on cell phones, passengers and the radio
• Consider installing monitoring devices in your vehicles

Saving Money on Insurance

In a perfect world, the best way to minimize your insurance expense is to do your best to make sure your teen driver doesn't get into an accident or get any tickets.  But in reality, teens are not perfect.

Talk to your insurance agent about possible discounts.  Many insurance companies offer discounts for good students and for students attending school away from home - especially if they don't have a car with them.

I hope this helps with your new drivers.  Please "Like" my Facebook page for more insurance tips, news and contests.

A Guide to Safe Winter Driving

With our first real snowfall of the year on the ground it's official...winter is here!  After last year's long cold season, we should be used to driving in the snow, right?  But we could all use a refresher course in preparing for, and driving on, our icy, slippery roads.  Here are a few things to help you survive the season as a good winter driver.

Winterize your Car - Before even thinking about going out on those snowy roads, make sure your vehicle is ready.  Here are a few things to prepare:

• Routine maintenance and tune-up - get your entire vehicle checked for worn hoses and belts, correct type of oil and other simple repairs.
• Check your battery - make sure it's got enough charge left to start on those especially cold days.
• Inspect your tires - make sure you have enough tread to handle the snow and that they are properly inflated.  Consider switching to snow tires for the winter.
• Check your cooling system - make sure you have enough anti-freeze and that there are no leaks.
• Check your windshield wipers and fill the windshield fluid - keep some extra fluid on-hand just in case you run out.
• Fill your gas tank regularly - prevents freezing.
• Floor mats - make sure they are not going to get in the way of operating the pedals.
• Emergency Supplies - pack an ice scraper, shovel, jumper cables, flashlight, blankets, sand or kitty litter, emergency flares or markers and extra water/food for longer trips.

Driving Tips - Make sure you have the right mindset and preparation when heading out on the roads.  Things to think about:

• Give yourself enough time - leave early if you have to and expect longer-than-usual driving time.  Reduce speed and be patient.
• Drive defensively - no matter how good of a winter driver you think you are, that person in front of you, behind you, or next to you may not be as skilled.  Expect slipping and sliding and keep your distance.
• Plan your travel - know your route in advance, make sure someone not with you knows where you are going, check the weather and heed travel warnings.
• Safe driving habits - seatbelts, no distractions, be rested, dress warmly.
• Have an emergency plan if you break down or get stuck - stay with your car, keep a cell phone and charger handy, know who to call, mark your car for other drivers to see, don't run your car in place for extended periods with the windows up or in an enclosed space to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning.

Of course, if you can avoid traveling in the worst weather do it.  It's always better to be safe than sorry.  Protect yourself and your loved ones.  Enjoy the season!