Your palms are sweaty, your heart is racing, your mouth is suddenly drier than the Sahara Desert, and your hand is shaking as you try and steady yourself… right before clicking “submit” on a quote for auto insurance for your teen. We get it. The only thing scarier than handing the keys over to that hormone-driven, emotionally unstable teenager that you could swear was just a toddler yesterday, is navigating the world of auto insurance for said teenager. However, just like many other fears we experience in life, a little bit of knowledge goes a long way. (Cue superhero cape dramatically waving in the wind behind our logo) Today we’re going to debunk some of the myths that have created some unnecessary fear and intimidation for parents of teen drivers.
Myth #1: It’s Going to Break the Bank to Insure My Teen
Many people believe that adding a teen driver to your insurance policy will immediately drain your “rainy day” budget and will keep you in the red on the monthly. While it's true that teen drivers typically have higher rates due to inexperience, there are ways to manage the costs, and still have fun on a rainy day! For example, you can add your teen to your existing policy, which is usually cheaper than getting them their own. Plus, most insurance companies offer discounts for good grades, driver’s education completion, and safe driving habits. Some go as far as to track your driving habits and offer an additional discount for consistent, smart driving.
Myth #2: The Car You Drive Doesn’t Matter
It’s easy to assume that the car your teen drives doesn’t affect insurance premiums, but it absolutely does. High-performance or luxury cars tend to be more expensive to insure because they’re more costly to repair or replace. If you’re looking to save money, consider a used car with a lower value and fewer horsepower – these tend to be more affordable when it comes to insurance.
Myth #3: Boys Are Always More Expensive to Insure
While it’s true that boys have an overload of testosterone fueling their every move and sometimes this can lead to less-than-ideal driving habits, the bottom line is that there are lots of options out there. Some carriers may quote you a higher rate for your son than your daughter, but another carrier may offer other discounts and incentives that result in a premium no more than you would pay for your daughter. The key to finding the best option is being willing to shop around.
Myth #4: The Color of the Car Makes Insurance More Expensive
Hooey! This is one of the greatest myths we’ve all probably heard (and maybe believed) at some point in our life. Go ahead and let your daughter get that lime green Volkswagen, or the cherry red Kia. Not only do insurance carriers not care what color the vehicle is, many won’t even ask when preparing a quote. The only thing you need to consider is, does it take away from the curb appeal when parked in front of your house?! HA!
Re-Cap
Not all auto insurance policies are created equal. Some offer more extensive coverage for teen drivers, while others are basic. It’s important to shop around and find the policy that suits your needs and budget. Look for coverage that balances affordability with the peace of mind that your teenager is properly protected on the road.
Navigating auto insurance for teenagers can be overwhelming, but debunking these myths is the first step toward making the process easier. By doing your research and understanding your options, you can keep both your teenager and your wallet safe on the road. As an independent agent, Foursquare Insurance has a lot to offer you- a trusted ally, working to find the best solution for your family. But with access to over 30 different carriers so we can do the heavy lifting of shopping around to find the best rate! Click on the following link to get your free quote today: