6 Tips for Choosing the Right Car Insurance for Teens

Your teenager spent hours studying the rules of the road. Now that they have their permit, you spend a lot of time in the passenger seat pressing an imaginary brake pedal and hoping they’ll be safe. While we can’t make driving lessons any less stressful, we can help simplify the process of shopping for car insurance for your teenage driver.

1.  Research Required Coverage

Each state has minimum auto insurance requirements. Your insurance agent can walk you through the required coverage for bodily injury liability and property damage liability. Also ask them about the pros and cons of adding extra coverage, such as collision, personal injury protection and uninsured motorist coverage.

2. Add Your Teen to Your Policy at the Right Time

Though most states don’t require drivers with learner’s permits to have their own coverage, your teen needs to be insured as soon as they get their license. Call your insurance company before the big day when your child heads to the DMV — and hopefully leaves with a license. Bonus: It’s probably less expensive to add them to your existing policy rather than getting a separate policy. Do note that adding a teen to your insurance will increase your car insurance premiums.

3. Teach Teens About Driving Behavior and Insurance Rates

Involve your teen as you shop for car insurance. Explain how a speeding ticket or citation for texting and driving affects teenage car insurance rates. Teach your teen what a deductible is, and how much it could potentially cost if they cause an accident.

4. Consider a Driving Contract

Creating a contract with your teen driver is a great way to establish safe driving rules, including expectations for seatbelt use, safe vehicle operation and never drinking and driving. Farm Bureau’s Young Driver Safety program offers a safe driver pledge. New drivers under 25 who complete it and meet other eligibility requirements receive a bonus discount.

5. Keep Them on Your Policy While They’re at College

It might be tempting to remove your teen from your insurance policy while they’re in college and not driving. But be aware that this can cause a lapse in coverage that could make insurance rates higher when they shop for a new policy following this pause in coverage. You’ll also want them to be covered to drive the car during weekend trips home and summer vacations.

6. Take Advantage of Discounts

Search out good driver rewards and other auto discounts that can help lower premiums for new drivers. Insurers may offer discounts for good grades or driver education classes. Our Driven to Safety discount can save you up to 30 percent. 

Got Questions? We’ve Got Answers.

If you’ve got a new driver in your household, call your local Farm Bureau agent. We can answer your questions and ensure you have the best car insurance for teens.