Thursday, March 24, 2011

Teenage Drivers and Your Insurance Rates

My agent Brent Smith
Immokalee Rd (239) 596-2400
I have a Teen Driver and when it came time to include him on my Car Insurance Policy I had no idea what the implications would be.  I knew that my auto insurance rates would increase because I was adding a driver and another car.  I was so sure that the cost would sky rocket. Teenage drivers, especially those who drive fast cars, are the one of the most expensive drivers to insure.  And of course, I was also concerned about safety.  I'm aware there were ways to save money but I didn’t know what the best programs and products were. 
I called my Insurance agent at Pro America Insurance and he helped me.  It turns out I was pleasantly surprised at the outcome.  I have three vehicles, a teen driver and an Umbrella Policy through Progressive.  I found I could afford the coverage I wanted even though my son is inexperienced.  I spent a lot of time with my agent, Brent, discussing how much coverage I wanted.  I wasn’t only concerned with the bottom line.  I wanted to make sure that in every scenario I would be covered.   Brent saved me money by suggesting that I only purchase liability for two of our cars because they are older models.  My son drives an older model Jeep, thankfully it isn’t very fast.  I decided to purchase liability, collision and comprehensive for my car.  I choose a large liability limit and an Umbrella Policy because I agree that having my son on the road is a risk.  Believe me, I hope we never use the coverage’s but in the event we do I am glad they are there.  Brent walked me through all of my options and in the end I got the coverage that I wanted for a price I could afford.
It is important to know that you will pay more for a teen driver because statistically they are responsible for more claims and accidents.  However, some car insurance companies offer rate reductions after three years of experience.  If you’re teen driver has an operator’s license at 16 years old that means when he turns 19 you will see a reduction in your premium.
 Additionally, various auto insurance companies offer cost saving programs for teen drivers. Safeco offers Teensurance.  The Teensurance Program promotes replacing worry with confidence and trust.  The program offers; Roadside Assistance, GPS Vehicle Tracking, Speed, Arrival/Departure and Curfew Alerts sent to your phone or computer.  Although they have competitive prices this is a perfect example of how cost may not be the only determining factor for all consumers.
Currently Mercury is offering the most competitive car insurance rates for teen drivers but you should call Pro America Insurance Agency in Naples FL for expert and intuitive advice while purchasing Car Insurance for your new driver.