Distracted Driving Teenagers and Insuring them

Numerous public opinion surveys show most drivers believe that using cell phones while driving is dangerous. Indeed, talking on cell phones while driving is estimated to increase crash risk fourfold.

Over 50 research studies have shown that using phones while driving is risky. Each year, cell phones are a factor in 1.3 million crashes, hundreds of thousands of injuries, and thousands of deaths.
(Source: www.nsc.org)
About 10 teens a day die in traffic accidents. That's a number who needs a reduction.
Rocky Mountain Insurance Information gives us these facts and some tips for saving money on insuring teenage drivers.

The risk of crash per mile driven is thee times higher for 16-19 year olds than for drivers age 65-69. But, there are some things teenagers and parents can do to save money on insurance rates.

Get on your parents’ policy.
It’s usually cheaper to add a teenager to their parents’ policy, rather than be insured separately. Most companies won’t charge an additional premium until the teen is a licensed driver. Parents need to inform their insurance agent or company that their teenager is being added to the policy. Deliberate concealment could impact coverage.

Good grades pay off.
Most insurers offer a discount, some as high as 25%, for students who maintain a B average.

Driver experience.
Graduated Driver Licensing law requires teens to log 50 hours with an experienced driver, but taking a formal drivers training course will likely save on insurance. Many companies offer up to a 10% discount.

Penalties can land you back in the passenger seat.
Death and injury are the highest price drivers can pay for drinking and driving, but even if you manage to survive, a D.U.I. ticket will cost teenagers big time. As a teen driver, you’ll likely be cancelled and if you can get insurance, expect to pay a much higher rate for the next 3-5 years. Traffic crashes and citations will also impact your premium. Rack up more than three and teens face cancellation or non-renewal.

Drive an "insurance friendly" vehicle.
Cars that are a favorite target for thieves, are expensive to repair, or are considered "high performance" have much higher insurance costs. Before you buy a car, contact your insurer to get a quote on what it will cost to insure.
So there are many things you can do to save money, drive without distractions, and have a safer driving experience.
Safe driving everyone.