Giving your teenager keys to the car arises new questions and feelings of fear inside of you. You may worry about your new driver’s safety behind the wheel, fear that other drives may be reckless on the road, or wonder how much your auto insurance rates will go up. There are steps that your teen can implement, however, in order to keep your insurance rates low. Keep the following tips in mind when shopping for car insurance policies. 

How to Reduce Insurance Rates

1. Encourage Your Child to Study

Diligent studying not only produces good grades but it also helps qualify your teen for auto insurance discounts. Many students can earn up to a 20% discount with a “B” average.

It also helps lower your monthly price if your teen student has earned a place on the dean’s list, honor roll, or is in the top percentage on standardized tests. Once your student graduates high school, simply enrolling them in college will help keep your rates low. 

2. Enroll In a Safety Course

Signing your child up for a driver safety class can also help you receive up to a 15% discount on auto insurance rates. Your insurance agent will tell you if your child needs to take a general driver’s education class or a course directly through the insurance carrier.

Since accidents will inevitably cause your rates to skyrocket, insurers will reward those who participate in safety classes that can help prevent accidents and teach students basic safe driving habits. 

3. Purchase a Used Car

Older cars usually cost less to insure since they will not cost as much to repair. Talk to your agent before purchasing the car you have in mind to make sure that it will save you some money on your auto insurance rates.

Do keep in mind that safety features in cars will help reduce rates as well, so check that the car you plan to purchase comes with features such as airbags, an anti-lock braking system, or an anti-theft system. You want a used car that you can afford but also one that has enough security measures to keep your child as safe as possible on the road. 

Contact Grachek Insurance in Kalispell, MT, to help you find more ways to lower your auto insurance rates. Since 1986, this independent insurance agency has helped its clients receive reliable and affordable auto insurance, homeowners and renters insurance, life insurance, and workers’ compensation insurance packages. Call (406) 755-4000 to request a free, competitive quote or visit them online to learn more about all the services they offer.