How to get the most affordable car insurance for your teen driver
There's a reason car insurance rates are notoriously high for teen drivers. Teens aged 16 to 19 are almost three times more likely to be in a fatal car accident, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Insurance carriers know this, which is why it typically costs more to insure a young driver.
As your child gains more experience behind the wheel, their insurance costs should come down. If they maintain a good driving record, that should start happening at around 18 or 19.
Here are some simple steps you can take to help you get the most affordable car insurance for your teen driver.
You can expect your premium to go up when adding a teen driver to your car insurance policy, but having a low rate to begin with can help prevent sticker shock. Parents, consider the following strategies to bring down your car insurance rate before adding a teen to your policy:
Look for discounts. Many insurers allow you to save by bundling your home and auto policies, being a safe driver, keeping your mileage low, and much more. Check with your insurer to see all the car insurance discounts that might be available to you.
Improve your credit. In some states, insurers can consider your credit-based insurance score when calculating your rate. That means a higher credit score could lead to lower car insurance premiums.
Evaluate your coverage. When it comes time to add a teen driver to your policy, be sure that you have the proper coverage to protect them and the vehicle they're driving. At the same time, consult with a licensed insurance agent to make sure you're not paying for any coverage you don't need.
Consider a new insurance carrier. Gathering insurance quotes and comparing offers from different insurers is never a bad idea. You might find a comparable policy for a cheaper price. Just be sure to maintain a level of coverage that feels appropriate for your risk tolerance and meets your state's minimum car insurance requirements.
Increase your deductible. A higher car insurance deductible usually results in a lower premium. The opposite also tends to be true. But be aware that if you need to file an insurance claim, you'll have to cover the higher deductible before your insurance kicks in.
Can a teenager get their own car insurance policy? Yes, teen drivers who are at least 18 can either take out a new policy on their own or be added to their parents' policy. The latter is usually the most cost-effective way to insure a teenage driver, but be prepared for your premium to go up.
How much it increases will depend on where you live, whether you're adding a new vehicle for your teen, your teen's gender, and your level of coverage, among other factors. On average, adding a 16-year-old driver increases car insurance costs by 158%, according to ValuePenguin's analysis of Quadrant data.
As long as they continue to live with you, your child can stay on your car insurance policy for as long as you like. Even college students who are away at school can remain on your policy if your home address is still listed as their primary residence. If your child grows into a young adult who's still living with you, you can decide as a family when it's the right time for them to get their own car insurance policy.
Check to see if your insurance carrier offers any discounts for teen drivers. Your child may be eligible for one of the following:
While this might sound counterintuitive from a price perspective since increasing your coverage will likely result in a higher premium, having more robust coverage could save you money in the long run if your teen is in an accident and needs to file a claim.
Most states require drivers to carry a minimum amount of liability coverage, which protects you if your teen driver causes injuries or property damage. Some states also require uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage, which could come in handy if your teen is involved in an accident with a driver who doesn't have adequate insurance. Your auto loan lender may also require some degree of collision and comprehensive insurance.
Beyond that, you could customize your car insurance by adding coverage that's in line with your risk tolerance – especially if you've got a teen driver in the house. You might choose to add:
Personal injury protection. Also called no-fault insurance, this coverage protects your teen and their passengers if they're injured in an accident, no matter who's at fault.
Roadside assistance. This can provide 24/7 coverage from a network of local mechanics and tow trucks for services such as towing, flat tire repair, fuel delivery, battery replacement, and locksmiths.
Accident forgiveness. Some insurers offer this as a reward for maintaining a good driving record; others offer it as an add-on. Either way, this coverage keeps your insurance rates from going up after a first at-fault accident, which can be valuable when covering an inexperienced teen driver.
Insurance companies typically view young male drivers as a higher risk than their female counterparts – and there's data from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) to support that. The IIHS indicates that males are twice as likely to die in fatal crashes than females. As a result, car insurance tends to be more expensive for teenage boys than girls.
Now, let's talk about car insurance for new drivers. New drivers of any age typically pay higher premiums, thanks to their lack of experience – but the cost tends to be steeper for teens. According to Insurance.com, most insurers won't consider lowering a new driver's rate until they gain at least three years of driving experience and maintain continuous car insurance coverage.
The Zebra analyzed Quadrant data for car insurance premiums for new drivers of all ages. Here's how the numbers shook out:
Insurance companies view new drivers as risky to insure because of their lack of experience on the road. As a result, they pay higher insurance premiums (or their parents do).
Insurance rates typically start to decrease when they turn 18 or 19. If you're shopping around for coverage for your teen, the average cost will likely be high to start but should gradually come down with good driving behavior.
A teenager may be able to get their own car insurance policy, but it depends on their age. Insurance companies generally require that individuals be at least 18 years old to obtain their own policy. If your teen is younger, they'll likely need to be added to your policy.
Whether your teen is attending an in-state or out-of-state college, they'll likely be able to stay on your car insurance policy if your home remains their primary residence. Depending on your insurer, it's possible you could also qualify for an away-at-school discount to lower your premiums.
The cost of car insurance for teens varies widely by location, the parent's driving record, type of vehicle, and other factors. That means the cheapest car insurance for a 16-year-old driver will vary depending on your family's situation.
To find the best car insurance for your teen, comparing policies from multiple insurance providers is the first place to start. You can gather quotes and compare premiums, deductible amounts, and coverage limits to find the most affordable option.
This article was edited by Tim Manni
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Yahoo
CDC: Bird flu virus that infected Michigan dairy farmer capable of airborne transmission
The strain of bird flu that infected a Michigan dairy farmworker is capable of airborne transmission, amping up concerns about its potential to spark a new pandemic, according to a research letter published in June. In recent years, the H5N1 avian influenza virus has spilled over from birds to a growing number of mammals, including cats, skunks, raccoons, oppossums, rodents and bears. It was first identified in dairy cows in 2024, and then leaped from cows to humans. In May 2024, two Michigan dairy farmworkers contracted the virus. The first reported conjuctivitis, also known as pink eye, as the only symptom. The second Michigan farmworker's symptoms were a little bit different. That person reported upper respiratory tract symptoms, including cough without fever, and eye discomfort with watery discharge. Both recovered. Researchers isolated the virus from a swab used to collect a sample from the eye of one of the infected workers. That virus — clade 2.3.4.4b, genotype B3.13 — was studied to determine how transmissible it is, and the ways it spreads. "Because avian H5N1 viruses cross the species barrier and adapt to dairy cattle, each associated human infection presents further opportunity for mammal adaption," the study authors wrote in "Emerging Diseases," a peer-reviewed journal of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. "This potential poses an ongoing threat to public health and requires continual surveillance and risk assessment ... to improve our ability to predict and prepare for the next influenza pandemic." Scientists infected ferrets with that type of virus. Six of the infected ferrets were put in the same living space as six healthy ferrets, and within a week, all of them had bird flu, showing that direct contact spreads the disease. Six other healthy ferrets had no direct contact with the infected animals, but were breathing the same air as ferrets with H5N1 bird flu, and inhaled respiratory droplets. Three of those six previously healthy ferrets became infected, the study found, suggesting an airborne infection rate of 50%. Researchers also collected aerosol samples daily from three infected ferrets, and found evidence of airborne virus particles in samples from all three animals. More: Michigan farmers call for H5N1 bird flu vaccines to protect flocks, dairy cows from virus Ferrets have been used for decades in medical research studies, especially those involving flu viruses, because their lung physiology is similar to humans. They also have similar receptors in the respiratory tract that influenza viruses bind to. All of the infected ferrets survived the 21-day study, researchers said, recovering from moderate disease. On average, ferrets infected with H5N1 bird flu lost nearly 10% of their body weight and had fevers. They were lethargic, and had nasal and ocular discharge along with sneezing. Since 2022, there have been 70 confirmed and probable human cases of bird flu in the U.S. One person in Louisiana, who was exposed to wild birds and a backyard flock, died. To date, there have been no reports of human-to-human transmission, according to the CDC. More: Michigan geese, angry owner change protocol for killing flock exposed to bird flu The CDC says the risk to the average American from bird flu remains low, but it's higher for people who work with animals on farms, at zoos and other animal facilities. Contact Kristen Shamus at kshamus@ Subscribe to the Detroit Free Press. This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Virus that infected Michigan dairy farmer capable of airborne spread
Yahoo
30-05-2025
- Yahoo
Humphrey Yang: These 15 Micro-Habits Made Me Rich
If you're looking to get rich, you might feel you're out of luck unless you have a big inheritance or another windfall to look forward to. However, the Northwestern Mutual 2024 Planning & Progress Study found that nearly 80% of millionaires made their own wealth. Read Next: Find Out: According to financial influencer Humphrey Yang, becoming wealthy on your own is possible without the need to work extreme hours or take a high-risk approach to investing. In a recent video, he recommended adopting these 15 small habits that helped him get rich. Also see five habits that are guaranteed to build wealth, according to Rachel Cruze. 'If you're able to make baby steps every single day, you can become 37.78 times better in 365 days by improving 1% every day, according to James Clear,' Yang said. For example, you could aim to save a little more, spend a little less or make more money each day. Even small differences will add up and help you achieve your goals. Learn More: Like many others, you might tend to spend your whole paycheck and not actually put anything aside for the future. So you can avoid this, Yang suggested using automated transfers from your checking account to your investment and savings accounts and using 10% of your pay as a starting point. According to Business Insider, automating savings makes it easier to build wealth, as it can help you meet savings goals, avoid the temptation to spend and take advantage of interest. Yang discussed how regularly writing down what you want to achieve increases your chances of success and leaves proof of past achievements. He advised being specific with goals, which might have timelines from a week to many years. An example goal is saving $500 per month to have a $6,000 emergency fund in a year. According to Yang, it's worth spending money to gain or improve skills that can help you boost your career options and income potential. According to McKinsey, employees who are interested in upskilling could prove to be valuable for employers. The same applies to expenses that improve your mental or physical health. To better understand your spending habits, use an app or spreadsheet to record every day's expenses. This spending log can help you make a more precise budget for your income, and Yang said your basic money management skills may also improve. 'Entrepreneurs will often bet on themselves and have full belief that they'll be able to figure out whatever it is that they are working on,' Yang said. Whether you're thinking of starting a side business or tackling a smaller challenge like networking or pitching an idea, try going for it rather than waiting for the time to be perfect. Just make sure the risk is reasonable and you're prepared to handle the challenge. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, regular exercise helps you feel better about yourself, improves your physical health and even reduces costly medical expenses. Yang said working out also allows him to be more productive, stay disciplined and think clearly. Yang suggested setting reminders to periodically check in with your service providers, like the cable company, to see if better deals are available. He also recommended comparison shopping for insurance policies, which he said might save you $100 to $150 per month. Your scheduled work hours may not be close to your actual productive time, which might be just a few hours each day. Yang recommended paying attention to those focused hours so you can boost your productivity at your main job and any side hustle you tackle. Having someone who holds you accountable is a life hack for reaching money goals, regularly exercising, stopping bad habits and more. Yang recommended finding a friend who is working toward a similar goal so you can help each other get better and progress faster. Avoid judgment and regularly set up checkups with that person for the most success. If you often feel overwhelmed with tasks or struggle to stay focused, time blocking can help you be better organized and use your time more productively, which could boost your earnings. For example, you might set aside a few hours per day for a major work assignment with smaller individual blocks for things like email, proposals, meetings and prep work. 'By writing down one to three simple things that brought you joy that day or that you were grateful for, you're subconsciously teaching your brain to focus on the positive things going on in your life,' Yang said. Besides making you feel happier, this habit can improve your health, which could come with financial benefits. Yang said this habit means taking small steps toward new things you're interested in, like a side gig or passion project, while you have your main job. He did this to create a budgeting app when he was younger and interested in entrepreneurship. Eventually, your project might become your main income source. If you're focused on others' opinions, you might get discouraged from making a big financial move or taking steps toward a happier life. Plus, you might spend too much to impress them. Yang explained that others are usually mostly worried about themselves anyway, so just do your thing. While you might feel the need to always be productive, downtime that lets you take things slowly and think about your goals and progress is important. Yang discussed how Bill Gates gets away each year to engage in this practice, which could last anywhere from a day to a week depending on your situation. More From GOBankingRates How Far $750K Plus Social Security Goes in Retirement in Every US Region This article originally appeared on Humphrey Yang: These 15 Micro-Habits Made Me Rich Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Yahoo
27-05-2025
- Yahoo
The Major Cheese Recall That Led To Deaths And The Company Closing
Food recalls happen all the time, for various reasons. Unfortunately, the underlying problems are not always caught before they can cause lasting damage. One of the worst incidents the United States has ever experienced happened in 1985. It was a far-reaching event involving recalled cheeses that were linked to dozens of deaths. The company behind it was Jalisco Mexican Products, Inc., a small business in California that sold soft cheeses, such as queso fresco and cotija. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention states that soft cheeses are more likely to be contaminated because they have a higher moisture content. A listeria outbreak was traced back to Jalisco's products, and by the time it was over, there had been 142 cases of listeriosis across California (Los Angeles and Orange counties). However, the company could have sent tainted cheese to 16 or more states. At least 48 outbreak-related deaths occurred between January 1 and August 15, 1985. The contamination hit vulnerable populations hardest, primarily the HIspanic community. It impacted pregnant women, infants, and the elderly. The deaths included 20 fetuses, 10 infants, and 18 adults who weren't pregnant. Once the link to Jalisco's cheese was confirmed, the company issued a massive recall. Jalisco faced well over 100 lawsuits and ultimately ceased operations. The recall and surrounding tragedies would provide a hard and painful lesson in how serious foodborne illnesses can be. Read more: Bologna Brands That Use The Highest Quality Ingredients And The Ones You Should Avoid The bacteria responsible for the outbreak was Listeria monocytogenes, which is known for being especially dangerous to pregnant people, newborns, and those with weakened immune systems. It thrives in soft cheeses and refrigerated foods, especially when products are made without strict hygiene controls. In Jalisco's case, investigators found serious lapses in cleanliness at its facility. It was suggested that contaminated equipment and poor handling practices helped the bacteria spread. During the investigation of the 1985 listeriosis outbreak, Jalisco tried to shift the blame to its primary milk supplier, Alta-Dena Certified Dairy. The company argued that the raw milk provided by Alta-Dena was the source of the contamination. However, public health officials found no conclusive evidence of Listeria in the dairy herds supplying the milk, and investigations pointed to the conditions at Jalisco's own plant as the likely cause. Among the issues raised was the fact that the facility let unlicensed employees pasteurize the milk. It would also come to light that Jalisco had received more milk than it was equipped to pasteurize, raising the possibility that not all of the dairy was adequately treated. In the aftermath of the recall, Jalisco's principal owner Gary McPherson and company cheese maker Jose Luis Medina would spend time behind bars (30 and 60 days respectively) after entering "no contest" please for misdemeanor offenses. They also paid nearly $50,000 in fines. The outbreak showed how dangerous raw-milk products could be when not handled properly. Moreover, it highlighted flaws in the legal safeguards that existed at the time. Regulators took steps to improve pasteurization standards, and the government began advising at-risk populations to avoid certain unpasteurized dairy products altogether. The event also raised awareness about how outbreaks are tracked. At the time, investigators weren't well-equipped to trace the source of the contamination or determine exactly how infections occurred. Health agencies and researchers have since worked to develop faster response systems for foodborne illnesses. What happened with Jalisco forced a reckoning and set a precedent for how seriously food recalls should be taken. For more food and drink goodness, join The Takeout's newsletter. Get taste tests, food & drink news, deals from your favorite chains, recipes, cooking tips, and more! Read the original article on The Takeout.
