Teen Drivers and Insurance
Adding a teen driver to an existing auto policy can be challenging. As a parent, the safety of your teen is your top priority, and understanding the risks can help you take the right precautions.
10 Driving Stats That Might Surprise You
- On average, 6 teens die and more than 650 are injured daily in motor vehicle crashes in the United States.
- Drivers aged 16-19 have a higher crash risk than any other age group.
- The fatal crash rate per mile driven is nearly 3 times higher for 16-19 year-olds compared to drivers aged 20 and older.
- 6 out of 10 teen crashes are caused by driver distraction.
- The risk of a fatal crash increases with each additional teenage passenger in the vehicle.
- 1 in 3 teens admit to looking away from the road when app notifications appear while driving.
- 88% of teens who consider themselves safe drivers admit to multitasking while driving.
- Crash risk is highest during the first months after a teen receives their license.
- Teens are more likely to speed and follow other vehicles at unsafe distances than older, more experienced drivers.
- Teens have among the lowest seat belt usage rates of any age group.
So How Do You Keep Teen Drivers Safe Behind the Wheel?
Here are three proven strategies to help keep your teen safe on the road:
1. Enroll in a Driver Education Program
Signing up your teen for an approved driver education program is one of the best steps you can take. These programs teach essential skills and awareness that reduce crash risk. Many insurance companies also offer discounts for teens who complete an approved driver education course, which can help offset the cost of adding them to your policy.
2. Establish Clear Rules
Before handing over the keys, set clear expectations and behavioral rules. Consider implementing a no-phone policy while driving, limiting the number of passengers allowed in the car, setting curfews for driving at night, and establishing consequences for breaking these rules. Having a written driving agreement that both you and your teen sign can be an effective way to formalize these expectations.
3. Observe and Provide Feedback
Regularly ride along with your teen and observe their driving habits. Provide constructive, supportive feedback to help them develop safe habits over time. Focus on positive reinforcement when they make good decisions, and calmly address areas that need improvement. This ongoing supervision is especially important during the first months of driving when crash risk is highest.
Getting Started Is Easy
All Access Insurance is an independent insurance broker located in Littleton, CO. We offer a wide range of coverage options including auto, home, commercial, and workers compensation insurance. Contact us today for a free quote and let us help you find the right coverage for your family, including your new teen driver.