Adding a teen driver to your auto insurance can have a big impact on your rate and your liability. In many cases adding a teen driver to your auto insurance can double your premiums. However, the increase in premium is not the only place that a teen driver can affect your auto insurance. In addition to the cost teen drivers can be involved in accidents. Motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death for teens in the United States according to www.trafficsafetymarketing.gov. However, the news is not all bad, also according to trafficsafetymarketing.gov, in 2018 the deaths of teen drivers dropped 5%.
Distracted Driving can be a problem.
There are many causes for teen auto accidents. Distracted driving is an emerging cause of accidents for teen drivers. Trafficmarketsafety.gov reports that in 2018 10% of fatal crashes involved distracted driving. Distracted driving is not just using a cell phone. Other causes of distracted driving can be eating, playing with the radio or passengers in the car. In other words stopping the use of a teens cell phone is just the start of the battle. Putting a cell phone out of reach while driving is one way to help. Similarly, putting a phone on do not disturb can accomplish the same goal. In addition many insurance companies offer some type of app that can track driver performance. Typically, these apps use some form of cell phone use in their scoring. These apps typically allow parents to check on their teen drivers.
Are you a good example?
Remember that setting a good example is a great place to start. Avoiding distracted driving techniques with your teen in the car is a great first step. A parent-teen contract can be another good way to help incorporate safe behaviors. Finally a pre-trip checklist can help cut down on distractions. Have all the mirrors been adjusted, is the radio set, is the GPS ready. All of these behaviors can distract your teen while driving. Doing these prior to leaving can help cut down on distracted driving. In conclusion, setting good habits yourself before your teen starts driving is a good start. Using technology after they are driving can help keep your teen safe. A teen driver already is affecting your auto insurance, keep your teen safe so that they do not affect it more.
Has your teen driver had an auto accident? Check out our client center: https://icpitt.com/client-center/
