New Drivers And How They Affect The Cost Of Family Auto Insurance
Adding a new driver to your family's insurance policy can be distressing, since new driver insurance rates are typically very high, but it's necessary if a driver in your household will be driving a vehicle for more than thirty days in a row. The cost of your auto insurance coverage will usually increase by a large percentage when a new driver is added, and there isn't really a way to completely avoid this increase. However, by understanding why insurance companies charge more for new drivers, it is possible to somewhat mitigate the increase in your auto insurance rates without making any changes to the coverage limits or deductibles that you're paying for.
The first thing that you'll need to keep in mind when buying your auto insurance coverage is that new drivers are by nature more dangerous than older drivers, since they haven't had the time to build up experience on the road. New driver insurance rates are set high as a default, particularly for younger drivers, and men will have higher costs than women. This is all based on insurance company statistics, so you can't argue the case with your insurer. Your family auto insurance policy will likely increase by a significant percentage, but simply by purchasing a family policy, you'll be lowering the overall cost that the family will pay. Buying individual car insurance policies would cost much more than a single family policy, even if a new, inexperienced driver is being added.
If you're worried about the effect that a new driver will have on your family auto insurance policy, you can lessen the impact somewhat by having the new driver take an additional driving safety course. Driving safety courses are supported by most insurance companies and have been shown as an effective way to decrease the risks of an accident. After a driver completes this type of course and receives proof of course completion, he or she will benefit from lower car insurance rates. However, it's important to check that your insurance provider offers this type of discount and which local programs will be accepted.
A new driver should also choose a relatively safe vehicle, as vehicle make and model can certainly affect the cost of an auto insurance policy. Minivans, SUVs, and sedans with high safety ratings will help to keep a new driver's auto insurance premiums in check. By choosing a safe vehicle and getting some additional training for the new driver, you'll be able to help him or her avoid an accident and your entire family auto insurance coverage will benefit from lower rates.
