Young Drivers on your New York Car Insurance Policy

As a parent, one of our biggest worries starts when our kids turn 16 and obtain their learner’s permit…their first steps to becoming a licensed driver. Not only do we worry for their safely, but how this new development will affect our pocketbook when they are added to our auto policies. There is no getting around the fact that young teenage drivers are expensive to insure. However, there are steps you can take to minimize this cost as much as possible:

• Have your child complete a defensive training class. Besides providing a discount on your insurance, it is reemphasizing some important rules of the road.
• Increase your physical damage deductibles, which will also reduce your premiums. For some older vehicles, you may want to consider removing this coverage entirely.
• If mom and dad’s cars are the only vehicles on the policy, your newly licensed driver will be rated as an occasional operator, which is a lower insurance rate than a primary operator. Think very carefully before you provide them with their own vehicle. Yes, it may be more convenient, but you need to weigh the pros and cons when the cost factor is thrown in.
• If you do purchase a vehicle for your child to drive, consider buying a used vehicle instead of a new model. Try to avoid the faster, sportier models by opting for a vehicle with a modest sized engine.

Young drivers are so expensive to insure due to their lack of experience on the road. As parents, one of the biggest challenges you have is making them understand how important it is to maintain a clean driving record for at least 3 years, which will greatly help to reduce their insurance premiums. They should never let themselves get distracted, either by cell phones, texting, or other drivers in the car. It’s so important for them to be aware of their surroundings and drive defensively, to remain safe and avoid accidents.

In the meantime, make sure you are properly protected from your New York Car Insurance in the event your young driver gets involved in an accident and you are sued. Call an insurance professional here at the Alliance Group, as you may need to consider purchasing an umbrella policy which will give you higher limits of liability.