Teenager life is probably the happiest in many respects. A reason why teenagers are found to be jubilant at all times is because they know they are soon to enter the life of an adult. Driving a car is amongst those on the top of the list of things they legally get to indulge in. Before sitting behind the wheels, they must get a driving license. Citizens of Illinois are permitted to apply for a driving privilege only after they have reached the age of 20. It should be kept in mind that age is only one of the many factors.
Teen Auto Insurance Requirements
To start with, teenagers should apply for a graduate license program. While it is not mandatory, it sure is advised keeping in mind the fact that a majority of accidents across the world involve teenagers. Statistics show that drivers aged 15 – 20 account for over 450,000 car accidents every year in the United States of America alone.
The program is meant to impart road sense to the going-to-be drivers and safety tips to remain responsible while behind the wheels. A trained driver is better than an untrained driver on any given day. This can be easily demonstrated by statistics showing a decrease in the number of accidents by up to 40%. This state achieved this rare feat only, all thanks to the graduate licensing program.
Getting a driver’s license in Illinois is divided into three sub-parts and starts at the early age of 15. Applicants aged 15 – 17 have to sit for the initial licensing phase. The age group of 18 – 20 is known as the full licensing phase, after which the applicants can get their own license but only after the consent of their parents or guardians. During these phases, they must undergo driving training from any institution and pass the tests conducted by the license issuing authority.
With all these measures in place, the number of accidents has undoubtedly reduced, but they have not been eliminated. People in Illinois still meet with accidents, so car insurance has become a must. Teenagers do not have the required amount of actual driving experience and are still at risk. Keeping this factor in mind, teen drivers, just like seasoned drivers, must carry at least a minimum auto insurance cover, i.e., of values $20,000/$40,000/$15,000 against bodily injury per person/ bodily injury per accident/ damage to property, respectively.
Parents have the option of including the name of these young drivers onto their own policy. This may cause a significant increase in the premium costs payable. However, there are possibilities of obtaining discounts on ways such as enrolling the young driver in a defensive driving course.
Tips for Shopping for Teen Auto Insurance
It’s nerve-wracking and exciting: Your teenager is getting his or her driver’s license. Shopping for auto insurance can be a tricky task in itself and often more stressful than those first few rides with your newly-wheeled son or daughter. Teen auto insurance rates are often twice that of drivers over 25. Fortunately, there are a few things you can do to lessen the complex process of finding affordable car insurance for your child.
Make a Teen Driving Contract
Traders Insurance company have a driving contract for your teen that will not only veil outstanding and responsible driving but can sometimes lower insurance rates. Be obvious to ask about this and any other discounts related to it.
Keeping Straight As
Frequently, insurance companies will also give your student drivers a discount on insurance rates for maintaining superb grades. Responsibility in school carries over into the rest of their lives, so it is obvious to exercise that to your teens’ advantage when searching for auto insurance.
Driving A Suited Vehicle
If you are looking for cheap car insurance online, and sometimes when looking in person, you will be asked about vehicle features such as airbags, anti-lock brakes, and anti-theft devices. Each of these helps lower your rate and hold your son or daughter and their passengers profitable.
Make Certain Your Teen Understand Their Rates
It is notable that your son or daughter knows their insurance rate and how things like tickets and accidents can affect it. Not only will they be, in their belief, paying for their acquired insurance in a few years, but they need to know what will change their rates and how.