As students head back to school, families aren’t the only ones adjusting to new routines. Roads become busier with school buses, teen drivers, parents dropping oƯ children, pedestrians, and cyclists. It’s also a good time to review your auto insurance and make sure your coverage keeps up with your family’s changing needs.
Teen Drivers and Your Auto Insurance
Adding a newly licensed teen to your household can have a significant impact on your auto insurance premium. Before your teen gets behind the wheel, contact your insurance agent to make sure they are properly listed on your policy and that you understand how their driving record, vehicle, and coverage may aƯect your premium.
It’s also a good opportunity to review your liability limits. Teen drivers are less experienced behind the wheel, which can make adequate liability protection especially important if an accident results in injuries or property damage.
Safe Driving Can Help Prevent Claims
Talk with your teens about the importance of safe driving habits, including:
- Put the phone away while driving.
- Always wear a seat belt.
- Follow posted speed limits.
- Avoid distracted or aggressive driving.
- Never drive under the influence.
- Limit passengers when appropriate.
- Stay alert in school zones and residential neighborhoods.
Safe driving doesn’t just help protect your teen and other drivers—it can also help prevent accidents and costly insurance claims.
Watch for School Buses and Pedestrians
School buses make frequent stops, and children may cross the road unexpectedly. Slow down in school zones, follow crossing guards and posted signs, and never pass a stopped school bus when its warning signals are activated.
A few extra seconds of patience could prevent a serious accident.
Review Your Coverage Before the School Year
Back-to-school season is a great reminder to review your auto insurance with your agent. Consider whether you have:
- Adequate bodily injury and property damage liability limits
- Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage
- Comprehensive and collision coverage
- Appropriate coverage for your teen driver and vehicle
- Any available discounts for qualifying students or safe-driving programs
Your insurance needs can change as your children begin driving, starting college, purchasing a vehicle, or moving away from home.
A New School Year Is a Good Time for a Policy Checkup
Safe driving and the right insurance coverage go hand in hand. Before the school year gets busy, take a few minutes to review your family’s driving habits and auto insurance coverage.
Have questions about adding a teen driver or reviewing your family’s auto insurance? The team at ThompsonBaker Agency is here to help make sure you’re prepared for the road ahead.
