Expensive car insurance is probably on your mind if you have a teen driver. Of course you are also concerned for their safety. Here are some tips for their safety and your peace of mind.
Recently, the Professional Association for Chartered Property Casualty Underwriters published some safety tips for teen drivers. In their publication they note that car accidents are the leading cause of death for teenagers and young adults and that parents can help their teens be safe behind the wheel. Some of their tips include:
Limiting distractions. Cell phones, iPods, putting on makeup, and eating can cause a great distraction. Make it a rule that your teen cannot use these items or do these activities while driving. And friends can be an even bigger distraction. Limit the number of friends your teen has in their car; preferably only one at the most.
Is your teen ready to drive? Just because they are old enough to get a license doesn’t mean they are mature enough to drive. Every teen matures differently and you should judge whether or not your child is ready.
Be a good role model. Your teen has probably watched — and learned — a lot about driving from you. If you drive fast or reckless you’re teaching your child dangerous behavior.
Give them ownership in the car they are driving. If they are financially responsible for insurance, payments or maintenance it may curb reckless behavior.
And when it comes to buying insurance, consider getting higher limits since teen drivers have a greater chance of an accident. In order to make sure you’re getting the best value for insuring a teenage driver, do some comparison shopping. Get at least three different quotes. One of the easiest ways to do this is to go online to a Web site that offers comparison quotes.
It’s a trying time when you have a teenage driver. Keep in mind that you as a parent play an important role in keeping them safe.
