I am going to get my driver’s license here in Wisconsin very soon. I know I will be added to my dad’s policy since I am a licensed driver now. Is there any way I can soften the blow to the auto insurance premiums he’s going to be paying since I am a teen driver and the rates are much higher?

Harold

Milwaukee, WI

You are right. Your inclusion in your dad’s auto insurance policy will raise his auto insurance premium. When a teenager is added to somebody’s auto insurance policy, and I assume that’s what you are, that somebody’s risk factor is affected negatively. Teenagers are statistically known to be reckless and inexperienced–not a very good combination. Your willingness to minimize the effect of your inclusion to your dad’s auto insurance, however, is commendable and a good sign.

There may be some things a teenager can do to minimize this negative impact on your father’s auto insurance premium rate. Of course, you’ll have to check this with your father’s auto insurance company in Wisconsin. You may enroll in a driving school that is acknowledged by your dad’s auto insurance company. Usually, auto insurance companies extend discounts to those drivers with defensive driving backgrounds. Having good grades at school can also help your dad. I’m not talking about your dad’s peace of mind about your academic performance, but auto insurance recognizes the link between diligent students and good driving habits. They believe that students who do well in school, those maintaining a B average or higher, will be very responsible on the road.
Ask for discounts, you never know what you might be able to get and how much you can save by asking. Some popular discounts can be given for:

1. Military personnel

2. Good grade students

3. Union membership and bank member affiliations

4. Safe drivers with no claims in last 7 years

5. Defensive driving school attendance

6. Clean credit history – used by many carriers to determine payment risk

Although adding you to your dad’s insurance will raise the auto insurance premium, it is usually cheaper than having your own auto insurance coverage. And you can tell your dad that.

I bought my teenage son a new car. After getting quotes from auto insurance companies in South Dakota, I realized auto insurance for teenagers have higher premiums. Is there any way I can lessen charges for my son’s car insurance?

Jenny

Sioux Falls, SD

Most insurance companies charge higher premiums for auto insurance for teenagers because teenagers are assumed to be more accident-prone and reckless compared to adults. But still there are ways in which you can lessen the charges for your son’s insurance in South Dakota. To get a better deal, you need to put emphasis on the importance of a clean driving record for your son. Such can be done by observing traffic laws and avoiding speeding tickets and any other traffic violations at all costs.

Premium payments are usually less for auto insurance with a greater deductible. In your choice of car, choose one that has more advanced safety features to avoid having a hazard in the high ranking class which can increase premiums. By getting a stand-alone policy, you son will be responsible for his own insurance and he will only be allowed daylight driving, a certificate from a driving school, among others. It would also help if you make your son accountable for whatever happens to his car by working part-time so he can pay for half of his car’s premium. That way, you do not only reduce cost, you also inculcate in him the value of responsibility.