Whether you’re dreading the day your teen gets their driver’s license or enthusiastically helping them prepare, your teen’s safety will be at the forefront of your mind. Teen drivers are inexperienced and more likely to engage in certain risky driving behaviors, such as texting and driving, which increase the likelihood of car accidents.
The proper car insurance can help protect your teen and bring you some much-needed peace of mind. Contact RCS Insurance in Reno, Nevada, to speak to an insurance agent today.
When Does My Teen Need Insurance?
Your teen needs to be added to your auto insurance as soon as they get their driver’s license—before they take their first independent drive. Many insurance companies will cover your teen under your auto policy while they have their learner’s permit, but individual policies may vary. Review your policy or speak to an insurance agent to be sure. 
What Should I Expect When Adding a Teen to My Auto Policy?
Unfortunately, with a teen driver on your insurance policy, you should anticipate an increase in your annual premiums. Statistically, teen drivers are more likely to get into car accidents than more experienced drivers—making them more expensive to insure. This risk may be reflected in your auto insurance rates until your teen is well into their 20s.
Does Adding a Teen Have to Be Expensive?
Although your premiums will likely increase, having a new teen driver in the house doesn’t have to break the bank. There are ways to reduce your auto insurance rates and keep your teen driver safe at the same time, including the following:
- Enroll your teen in a safe driving course to teach them the rules of the road and other safe-driving behaviors
- Be transparent about your safety expectations to ensure you and your teen are on the same page about never texting while driving, never drinking and driving, and obeying traffic laws.
- Consider having your teen postpone their license to reduce the premium spike of having a young driver on your insurance.
- Pick the right car to lower your rates, and consider putting your teen in a used car—some models are less expensive to insure than others (e.g., Sedans, SUVs, minivans).
- Increase your collision deductible to reduce monthly premiums—but keep in mind that this will increase our out-of-pocket expenses if an accident occurs.
Can I Get a Teen Driver Discount?
Your insurance company may offer teen driver discounts to help mitigate the cost of premium increases. Students with high GPAs may be eligible for good student discounts. Other discount options include programs that monitor your teen for safe-driving behavior, low mileage plans and distant student savings.
Finding the Right Car Insurance for Your Teen
We understand that your teen’s safety is your top priority. Call RCS Insurance today to learn more about our car insurance solutions and for a free quote.
This blog is intended for informational and educational use only. It is not exhaustive and should not be construed as legal advice. Please contact your insurance professional for further information.