Risk and Teen Drivers Go Hand in Hand

It’s here. The day you’ve been dreading for years: Your teenage son is about to turn 18. Although he’s still living at home, he’ll be able to vote, to serve in the military – and to drive his friends and siblings anywhere without a licensed adult in the car with him. Your concerns are well founded. Auto accidents are the single biggest cause of death for teenagers, killing more young people than cancer, violence, and suicide combined. Along with the safety risks, you’re probably also feeling a bit anxious that the days of cheap car insurance policies are coming to an end. The cost of insuring a teenage male driver in San Diego are not insignificant, to say the least. But there are still ways to keep your child safe and save money on insurance – even if your son’s favorite T-shirt is emblazoned with the words “Speed Demon.” Parents can take comfort in the fact that keeping young drivers safe behind the wheel has become a major priority for legislators, auto manufacturers, and insurers alike. Many states, including California, have enacted much stiffer restrictions on young adult drivers. Until they turn 18, San Diego teens aren’t allowed to drive anyone under the age of 20 without a licensed driver who’s at least 25 in the car with them. Although those restrictions are lifted upon a child’s 18th birthday, the added time with adult supervision can mean your son has a bit more time to develop judgment and restraint behind the wheel. If you’re planning to give your son a car, or help him buy one, take the time to review some of the vehicles that are rated highly for safety features. Online you can find lists of cars that are specifically recommended for teen drivers (hint: You won’t find any Maseratis). Buying a particular vehicle may also affect your insurance costs. You may not be able to get the cheapest rate around, but your insurance provider will take note if your son’s car has a high safety rating. In addition, some insurers offer discounts of up to 15 percent if students maintain a certain grade-point average, so encourage your college-bound child to keep his grades up as an incentive for your help with the insurance premiums. You might also want to discuss a parent-child driving agreement with your son. It’s not a binding document, and it won’t help you get a cheaper policy, but it may encourage him to drive more responsibly. It’s painful but true: if your child is about to become a fully licensed driver in San Diego, you will be paying a lot for car insurance. There’s just no getting around the fact that cheap rates are gone for a while (at least until Jr. turns 25 or, even better, can pay for his own coverage). But all is not lost: With a little research and some parent-child involvement, you can save money and protect your child as long as he’s behind the wheel.