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As summer winds down and the school year begins, many parents find themselves navigating a new milestone: teen driving. Whether your teen is driving to school for the first time or returning as a more experienced driver, this season brings unique insurance considerations that every parent should understand. At East Street Insurance, we're committed to helping families make informed decisions about protecting their young drivers.
Understanding the impact of teen drivers on your insurance
Adding a teen driver to your auto insurance policy can increases premiums. This reflects statistical realities: teen drivers are more likely to be involved in accidents due to inexperience behind the wheel. However, there are several ways to manage these costs while maintaining appropriate coverage.
Key coverage considerations
- Liability coverage: While it may be tempting to select minimum liability limits to save money, this approach can be risky. Teens are more likely to be involved in accidents, and adequate liability protection is crucial to protect your family's assets.
- Collision and comprehensive coverage: For newer vehicles, these coverages are essential. However, if your teen is driving an older vehicle with lower replacement value, you might consider whether full coverage makes financial sense.
- Uninsured/Underinsured motorist protection: This coverage becomes even more valuable when protecting inexperienced drivers who might not have the skills to avoid accidents caused by others.
East Street Insurance discounts for teen drivers
At East Street Insurance, we understand the financial impact of adding teen drivers to your policy. That's why we offer several specialized discounts to help make protection more affordable:
- Driver Education Discount: East Street offers a 15% discount for drivers up to age 21 who complete a state-approved driver education course. When your teen successfully finishes the course, simply provide signed evidence of course completion to qualify for this valuable discount on most policy coverages.
- Top Scholar Discount: Academic achievement pays off with East Street's Top Scholar Discount. Teen drivers who maintain at least a 2.95 cumulative GPA on a 4.0 scale (or equivalent) may qualify for this discount. Encouraging good grades not only helps with insurance costs but also promotes responsible habits.
- Youthful Driver Discount: East Street offers discounts for young drivers aged 16-24 to reward safe driving practices. To be considered for eligibility, both the parent and youthful driver will need to complete and sign the Youthful Driver Discount Enrollment form.
- DriveTrend Discount®: Tech-savvy teens can help the family save with East Street's telematics program. By participating in DriveTrend®, you can receive up to a 10% discount on qualifying auto insurance policies. The mobile app provides feedback on driving habits, helping teens improve their skills while saving money.
- Accident Free Discount: Maintaining a clean driving record pays off with East Street's Accident Free Discount. Depending on how many years your policy has been continuously insured with East Street, you may qualify for a discount of up to 30%. This discount also enables you to earn accident forgiveness protection.
- Multi-Car Discounts: If your family has multiple vehicles, you can save by insuring them all with East Street Insurance. The discount increases even more when you insure three or more cars, making it ideal for families with teen drivers.
Setting your teen up for success
Beyond insurance considerations, here are some practical tips to help your teen become a safe, responsible driver:
- Create a driving contract outlining rules, responsibilities and consequences for driving privileges
- Practice regularly in various conditions and settings as the school year begins
- Limit passengers during the first year of driving to reduce distractions
- Enforce a strict no-phone policy while driving
- Consider a defensive driving course beyond the basic driver's education requirements
Supporting our community beyond insurance
At East Street Insurance, our commitment to the community extends beyond protecting drivers. Through our "We Give Back" initiative, we've proudly donated over $750 to Crayons to Classrooms, a charity supporting teachers in the greater Dayton, Ohio area by providing free school supplies. We believe in supporting education at every level—from ensuring safe transportation to school to helping make sure students have the supplies they need to succeed once they arrive.
Talk to us about your teen driver
Adding a teen driver to your policy is a significant transition. Our team is here to help you navigate insurance coverages with personalized advice and competitive rates. Contact us today to review your coverage options and available discounts as your teen heads back to school. You can also get in touch with us to receive a quote online or call us at (833) 327-8787.
Remember, the right insurance coverage provides more than financial protection. It also offers peace of mind as your teen gains independence on the road.