Teen Drivers

When it comes to insurance, it pays to be a safe driver. Teen drivers already pay more for car insurance than more experienced drivers, and if you're not following the rules of the road, your costs will be even higher. Insurance companies consider teens a higher risk, because inexperienced drivers are much more likely to get into accidents. In fact, the risk of motor vehicle crashes is higher among 16- to 19-year-olds than among any other age group, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

What factors influence my premium?

Things like your driving experience, driving record, where you live, the kind of car your drive and how much you use your vehicle can all impact your premium.

How can I save money?

You can save money by having a clean driving record. If you have at-fault accidents or moving violations, such as speeding tickets, your premium will go up.  Sometimes it helps to shop around to see if you can get better pricing because prices may vary from company to company. Make sure you're comparing identical coverages when you're shopping around.

Why do I need auto insurance?

• Because its the law. In North Carolina, you are required to have auto liability coverage to legally drive.
• Because it helps you protect yourself financially.
• If you cause an accident, insurance helps pay for injuries and property damage you cause to others. Without insurance, you have the potential to be sued directly for the damage or injuries you are legally responsible for.

If you drive without insurance...

• You could be ticketed and fined.
• Your vehicle registration could be suspended.
• Your vehicle could be impounded.

As a parent, how can I keep my teen driver safe?

If you are a parent of a teenage driver, your child's safety is your first concern. Though you cannot always be by their side, there are things you can do to help keep them safe behind the wheel. Educating yourself and your new teen driver about the risks and insurance implications of unsafe driving can save lives and money. While teen driving statistics are troubling, research suggests parents who set rules cut accident risk in half. Talk openly about your expectations for behind-the-wheel behavior.

Build a teen driver contract that clearly defines rules and consequences associated with driving privileges.