Children. The bane and the backbone of most adults lives. One of the scariest times for parents is when their little darlings suddenly become eligible to drive. Besides the mortal peril that they may kill themselves, there is the added financial burden that comes along with it. Many parents worry about the potential cost of adding a teenager to their car insurance policy, but there are a few steps you can take to help reduce your expenses and make your policy more affordable.

Firstly, look into discounts. There are many discounts that you and your teenager may be eligible to receive, such as the good student discount. If your teenager is a full time student and maintains a good academic record, many insurance companies will extend a discount of up to 15%. If your teenager completes a driver training program, he or she may be eligible for additional insurance discounts.

Next, get the right type of car. Just as the type of car you purchase has an impact on your rates, the same is true for your teenager. A teenager who drives a high-performance car can expect to pay a higher insurance premium, so look for a more conventional vehicle without a lot of extra bells and whistles for your teenage driver.

Finally, preach safety. Kwik Fit Insurance* have published a recent report that Speeding youths ‘risk more than their motor insurance,’ showing that insurance rates are directly proportional to driving style. Ultimately, when all is said and done, the easiest and most effective way for your teenager to help keep insurance costs down is to be a safe driver. Getting into just one fender-bender can be enough to increase the rates and to negate any special discounts you may have received. So, be certain to give your teenager plenty of practice behind the wheel with you at his or her side and then gradually allow your teenager to take on more solo driving time. This way, your teenager will be more likely to be a safe driver.

*Find out more about car insurance from Kwik Fit Insurance by visiting their website.