For many parents, the day their 16 year old child finally gets their first drivers license, and possibly their very first vehicle, is nerve wracking.

Naturally, a 16 year old driver is considered by insurance companies as being of higher risk for accidents, speeding tickets or other infractions.  This can lead to very high insurance premiums.

However, parents of 16 year olds in Arizona need not worry.  We at Insurance Professionals of Arizona will help you navigate the insurance buying process, and get your child fully covered at the lowest possible rate.  Here are a few steps to get started.

Understand Arizona insurance requirements before you purchase a policy

In Arizona, drivers must have liability coverage that includes at least $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident for bodily injury, as well as $15,000 for property damage. Knowing the minimum legal requirements allows you to know the basics you need to cover your child, and what the lowest possible rates are that are available.

Consider Adding Your 16-Year-Old to Your Policy

In most cases, it’s more cost-effective to add your 16-year-old to your existing car insurance policy rather than purchasing a separate policy for your child. The professionals at Insurance Pros of Arizona can help you determine how much you could potentially save, and the amount of coverage your teenager would still receive, should you decide to explore this route.

Increase the deductible

If you choose comprehensive and collision coverage, consider raising the deductible. A higher deductible typically leads to lower premiums, but be prepared to pay more out-of-pocket if you need to file a claim.

Speak with an expert

Even if you don’t choose to call Insurance Pros of Arizona, trying to navigate all the insurance policies on your own could be a very expensive mistake.  An insurance professional can help you compare different rates and coverage options across Arizona, at no cost to you.

An expert can also find some discounts that may have not been publicized by insurance carriers, to help reduce the premium.  Discounts for young drivers could include good student discounts, driver’s education discounts, safe driving discounts and more.

Above all else, an insurance professional can help you understand what exactly you and your new driver needs as far as coverage.  Sometimes going with the absolute cheapest option can cost far more money in the long run, because coverage isn’t close to what the driver required.  Knowing about additional coverage options, like comprehensive insurance, can also be beneficial.

Encourage safe driving habits

Insurance companies often offer discounts for drivers who have completed defensive driving courses or have a clean driving record. So encourage your teenage driver to be safe on the road and understand traffic laws. You can even incentivize them by sharing the savings on their premiums with them should they receive safe driving discounts.

Above all else, talk with your child about driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Not only could doing so result in their death, or the death or serious injury to others, but they will be arrested and have it reflected on their driving record for several years. Suffice it to say, should your teenager be caught driving under the influence the cost to insure him or her would skyrocket – if the insurance carrier even chooses to cover them at all.

Monitor your teenager’s progress

Keep an eye on your 16-year-old’s driving habits and periodically review the insurance policy. As they gain more experience and demonstrate responsible driving behavior, you may be able to find better rates in the future.

Remember, while the cost of car insurance for a young driver is typically higher, don’t panic.  With the help of an expert like the ones at IPA, you can still get the coverage you need at a premium within your budget.