Teens often forget the cost of driving includes auto insurance. Putting Gas in the tank is only part of the cost of having an automobile. Rates for teens are higher for a variety of reasons, including a lack of experience on the road. Insurance as a concept is based on the idea of sharing expenses among a group of individuals where the risk is calculable.

It is important to not that as a group teens are involved in a greater number of auto accidents where critical and fatal injuries are incurred. In fact the leading cause of death among young people between the ages of 16 and 20 years is auto accidents. That factor naturally translates into higher rates for youthful drivers.

Ideas to Lower your Auto Insurance Premiums

Get on the Honor Roll and stay there –students who maintain a B average or better are offered lower rates by most insurers

Drivers Education is Important – Many insurance companies offer lower rates for coverage to those students who have completed a qualified driving course. While many school systems no longer provide this as a part of the regular curriculum, there are lots of good private driving schools. Most state motor vehicle departments can provide you a list of the most reputable schools in your area.

Don’t let a good thing get away from you – Normally when you first get your license you’ve got a clean record with motor vehicles. Sometimes as little as one ticket early on can increase you insurance cost two or three times what it was. An ounce of prevention is worth a lot of bucks, so don’t get daring and don’t speed or take unnecessary chances behind the wheel.

Think Safety When Choosing a Vehicle and When Driving – Driving an older vehicle that is loaded with safety features helps keep rates down. If the vehicle you are driving doesn’t have automatic seat belts, that is no excuse for not using them. The higher the horsepower the higher the premiums generally speaking. It is also true that vehicles with low safety ratings, high theft rates, or high rates of vandalism usually carry a higher insurance premium. If you need to use the cell phone pull off the road first. Don’t engage in racing, tailgating, radical lane switches or other similar activities.

Don’t Drink and Drive!! – Besides that it’s just plain stupid if you are under age it’s illegal. Remember that when a person is performing an illegal act, the insurance coverage could be nullified. More than half of all fatal accidents involving teen drivers are alcohol related. Don’t become part of the statistics.

Compare Policies and Rates Carefully – Rates vary greatly from one company to the next. It is usually less expensive to be on your parents policy than to try and get one of your own if you are not yet 21.