If you’re a teen driver or a parent of a teen driver you may already be aware that the insurance rates for these youngest of drivers are quite high. If you live in the Matthews, NC area, you may be wondering why adding your teen to your insurance costs so much.

Why the rates are higher

According to the Centers for Disease Control, the accident rate for drivers between the ages of 16 and 19 is higher than in any other age group. Driving is a complicated skill that takes time to develop. The problem is that the only way to get experience driving is to do it, and driving itself can sometimes be dangerous. Insurance companies know that teen drivers are at a higher risk for a claim, not because they’re necessarily more reckless, but because they don’t have the experience and mature judgment that older drivers have developed over time. Insurance companies aren’t "out to get" teen drivers. However, all drivers in higher risk categories, such as those with several tickets or accidents and, yes, teen drivers too, will pay higher insurance premiums.

What teens can do to keep rates as low as possible

While teens can’t do anything about their ages, they can keep their insurance rates as low as possible by doing a few things. First, teens should drive safely to keep a clean driving record. Things like traffic tickets and accidents can make insurance rates go even higher. Second, teens can ask the insurance agents at JC Demo Insurance Group about discounts for things like good grades or taking drivers’ education classes at school. Third, teens should consider carefully which cars are driven. Different cars have different insurance costs, so it may pay to shop around.

If you have questions about teen automobile insurance or any other insurance questions, contact the folks at JC Demo Insurance Group, serving the Matthews, NC area.