Driving can be a daunting task, especially when you have just passed your test. Not only are you in charge of a large, mobile piece of equipment, you could also be spending hundreds of dollars per month just to stay on the road. A lot of this money will be going towards car insurance, which can be very costly for a first-time driver.
But thankfully, there are ways that you can lower the insurance rates when you begin driving. Some of these methods will be more time-consuming than others, but there are all worth trying if you save money in the long-run. To learn more about these methods, keep reading this post.
Add to an Existing Policy
One of the best ways to reduce the insurance rates is to add the first-time driver, if below 25 years of age, to an existing policy. Most of the time, this will be the policy of a parent or guardian. Although this will likely cause the existing policy’s rates to rise, it is often the most cost-effective solution.
However, if those already on the existing policy have multiple violations or serious driving offenses, this could affect the overall cost. In this case, it might be cheaper for the first-time driver to take out their own car insurance policy. You could check these beforehand by getting quotes for the new driver as well as one adding to the existing policy. As you will likely be getting quotes from multiple providers when shopping around, this can be a simple addition to your options.
Select a Higher Deductible
Another way to lower the insurance rate of a first-time driver is to choose higher collision and comprehensive coverage deductibles. This deductible is the amount that you pay out of your own pocket before the coverage starts in the event of an incident. Most of the time, this deductible amount will be subtracted from the payout you will receive after making a claim.
If you decide to do this, you should double-check the deductible is not raised above the amount that you can comfortably pay out yourself, as you will need to pay this amount if a collision occurs.
Participate in a Defensive Driving Course
Additionally, you can reduce the insurance rates before taking part in a defensive driving course. Defensive driving can take someone’s driving ability and improve it multiple times over; it enables new drivers to learn skills and techniques that can be used to stay safe of the road. Its main goal is to prevent accidents by anticipating and avoiding risky situations.
Many insurance providers will offer discounts to drivers who complete a defensive driving course successfully. You can check this will insurers before finalizing your selection. If you find an insurance provider who does offer a discount for driver who take this course, you should try to find a reputable driving school. For example, Ferrari Driving School Queens NY offers one of the most popular defensive driving courses.
Drive Safely
Although this is a long-term method, driving safely is one of the best ways to lower insurance rates for all drivers. Not only does this protect you and other drivers while on the road, it will show insurance companies that you are a cautious and sensible driver. Over the years, as you continue to drive safely, your insurance rates will likely fall steadily.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, nine people in the US are killed each day in crashes that reportedly involve a distracted driver. This is one of the main causes of accidents involving teenagers and young drivers. It is important to avoid doing anything while driving that could cause you to become distracted, including using a cellphone and eating or drinking at the wheel. You must ensure 100% of your focus is on the road.
By using the methods discussed in this post, you will be able to achieve a lower insurance rate as a first-time driver.
