Now that your teen has—or is about to receive— a driver's license, your auto insurance rates will likely increase considerably, not to mention your stress levels. New drivers are a risk for insurers because of their youth and inexperience. However, you can reduce the risk of your child being in an auto accident by instilling responsible behavior early on. Below are some tips for helping your teen become a safe driver.

3 Tips to Keep Your Teen Driver Safe on the Road

1. Set Ground Rules

Make sure your child understands the rules you expect them to follow behind the wheel. For instance, they should never text or otherwise use a handheld device while they're driving. Distracted driving is extraordinarily dangerous. Limit the number of friends they can have in the car with them. Also, give them a curfew until they have more experience. Dark streets and bright headlights can be overwhelming to new drivers.

2. Enroll Them in a Defensive Driving Course

Tennessee offers a number of state-approved defensive driving courses. Most take about eight hours to complete and teach drivers safe driving habits and Tennessee traffic laws. Not only will it help your teen stay safe, but it also may reduce the cost of auto insurance.

3. Adjust Your Auto Insurance Limits

When you have a new driver in the household, it often makes sense to raise your auto insurance limits and lower your deductible amounts. Higher limits cover more of the cost of auto repairs and medical bills, while a lower deductible reduces the amount you must pay out of pocket toward a claim before your insurer must start to contribute. This ensures you have the most comprehensive coverage in case something unfortunate occurs. Openly communicate this to your child so they can better understand that driving is a privilege that carries risks for everyone on the road, from safety to financial costs.

To speak with an experienced agent about insuring your young driver, contact Lafever Insurance Agency in Cookeville, TN. The team has been serving Putnam County for more than 30 years, and they can help even risky drivers obtain auto insurance through SR-22. They also specialize in motorcycle insurance. Call (931) 526-3377 to request a car insurance quote today.