Malman Law
Legal News

Tuesday, July 26, 2011

Teen Drivers Cost More

Teen Drivers Cost More, Regardless of Chicago Car Accidents

If you have a teenager who has or will soon have a driver’s license, most likely you will not be surprised to know that adding him or her to your insurance will cost you – a lot. Chicago car accident lawyers know some of the hazards that drivers – particularly young drivers – face, including texting while driving and other distracted driving behaviors.

Which might explain why a recent compilation of family insurance premiums across the U.S. on carinsurance.com showed rate increases of up to 243% as a result of adding a teenaged driver.

The Chicago Tribune reports, “to find out what adding a teen driver does to a family’s insurance premiums, CarInsurance.com compiled insurance quotes in 25 states for families with a 49-year-old father and a 48-year-old mother who drive a financed 2009 Toyota Camry and a paid-off 2004 Ford Expedition. The quotes included full collision and comprehensive and liability coverage for both cars. The couple didn’t have any violations or accidents on their record; they lived in middle-class suburbs and commuted to white-collar jobs. Then the folks at CarInsurance.com added a teen boy with a clean driving record to the policy. That’s when rates went sky-high.”

While 243% was the highest increase (Scottsdale, AZ), even the more moderate 94% (Northville, MI) increase could put a serious cramp in a family’s monthly debt load. To make sure you are getting the best available rate for your teenaged driver, make sure you shop around for the best available coverage and take advantage of discounts like good student discounts offered by many carriers.

Additionally, as your teenaged driver gains experience and age, your insurance premiums should start to decrease – as long as they are not involved in a car accident in Chicago or your area. Chicago car accident attorneys encourage teenaged drivers – and all driver, for that matter – to practice the following safe driving rules of the road:

– Do not text and drive – EVER.
– Do not drive while distracted – this includes eating, talking on the phone, even applying makeup – anything that takes your attention off the road, even for a split second.
– Drive cautiously and defensively; always be aware of the cars around you and anticipate what they may do.
– Never drive under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

In addition, some states have guidelines in place for new drivers that limit the times of day they are permitted to be on the road and the number of passengers (if any) they are allowed to transport.