New Driver or a Concerned Parent? Read Here!

By Leighann Bentivegna

As a teen, becoming a new driver can be seen as a new and exciting endeavor that you’re now allowed to participate in. Although it seems that the second you have a set of keys in your hand you’re en-route to freedom, there are a few things you must keep in mind before hitting the road. Whether it’s your guardians or yourself that is rewarding you with your first car, auto insurance is not only the first thing you need to obtain, but the most important.

Why Do You Need It?

When you’re a driver, whether new or experienced, auto insurance keeps you covered and protected during almost any incident. Property coverage helps you pay for damage or theft that occurs to your vehicle. Liability coverage helps you with costs that result from the damage to someone else’s car or property and/or bodily injury of another party. Medical coverage helps you, the insured, if you are involved in an auto accident and have medical bills that need to be paid. It’s better to get your insurance coverage right before it is needed.

What Are The Driving Risks For Teens?

Being a new driver, you’re seen as a higher risk than the more experienced drivers that are on the road. Since you only have knowledge of two or less years with driving, there are bad habits that you may practice without realizing it. Some of these include: tailgating, speeding and being unaware of your surroundings.

Parents – What Can You Do To Help?

If you’re a concerned parent with a new driver on the road, there are a few things you can do to minimize your worry and maximize their safety.

1. Talk to your child – Tell them the dangers they can face while driving and what issues they can run into without even realizing it.
2. Driving Courses – Enroll your child in a defensive driving course where they can learn more about driving. Here at Hometown we offer a discount for an online defensive driving course, to learn more click this link: http://www.empiresafetycouncil.com/hometown/
3. Come to an agreement –Some states have laws for youth when it comes to driving at night or even driving during the day. Come to an agreement with your child that shows where the both of you stand. The more you and your child agree on, the less tension is involved in the process
4. Obtain driving security – Many auto manufacturers provide technology to control and monitor your child’s driving. You can control their speed, put a limit on the music’s volume and even get alerts for when they make a driving error.

10 Driving Tips for Teens;

• Choose a safe car for your first car
• Pay Attention to the road
• Stay off your phone
• Obey speed limits
• Don’t be afraid to ask questions
• Plan your trip in advance instead of figuring it out on the go
• DO NOT Drink and Drive
• The amount of people in your car should never exceed the number of seats
• Don’t trust other drivers – you don’t know what they’re planning on doing
• Try not to drive too late at night – there’s a higher chance for accidents when you do

Most insurance companies will charge a higher rate to new drivers when they are looking to obtain insurance. Here at Hometown, we will do our best to find you the most affordable auto insurance program to fit your needs. Call us today! 631-589-0100