How do you lower car insurance costs for young people?

My 18-year-old son's car insurance is going through the roof. It just jumped from $270 to $321/ month. He's a college student living in Tampa, FL (40 miles from home address in Largo, fL), makes good grades, took driver's ed in high school, has been driving 2 years and never had a ticket. It's a new car (Mazda 3) that's titled to my husband, but all 3 of us are on the policy. My husband and I are on a separate policy for our cars. Anyone have any suggestions on how to bring this number down?

My husband had 2 back-to-back accidents last year that were found to be the other driver's fault and was paid 100% by the other driver's insurance (including our deductible). Also, we had a claim on my son's old car when someone hit it while it was legally parked on the street, and then ran. I had a quote of $261 from Traveler's until they questioned these claims, then they bumped it to $331/ month. I guess they count against us, even though they weren't our fault?

wes c

the best bet is to ask your insurance company - different companies offer differnt reductions. some offer discount for students based on grades or gpa , and others may dicsount if he takes a defensive driving course again. those should offer some smaller discounts.

however since his rate is so high - i would recomend shopping around for new insurance and getting free qotes. but be sure to tell them your full driving history when they quote you as the rate will change once they look up your driving record and see anything you didnt mention.

Tony

A defensive driving course might help depending on the insurance company. Other than that there isn't much you can do. A newer car means more costly repairs so that can have a negative impact on your insurance. Where the car is stored and how it is used can also affect the cost. The fact that he's unmarried, male and under 25 really works against him. Honestly, thinking back to what I used to pay at his age, that's not really unusual.

Check out Progressive insurance if you haven't already. I've had them for years because they're consistently the cheapest around, their service is really good and they seem to be less likely to jack your rates for every little collision or ticket you get.

ilvfrhcky

take defensive driving courses

yes_its_me

Until teen age drivers learn to be responsible and drive sanely, the insurance company actuaries are going to continue to level heavy prices for these drivers. They have nothing against you or your son, the overall rate of accidents and death and subsequent, payouts,is hugely higher for this age group. Thus the higher costs related to having accidents whether it is your fault or not. Risk factors say you are way above average in your number of claims.

LuvThosePurpleShoes

hae him take the self defense driving course... that takes 10% off our your premium for up to 3 years

Also try increasing his deductible the higher the deductible the lower the premium

Also, encourage him to be a responsible and save driver and refrain from having any accidents

Another Way to See it

Have him turn 25.

Mandz

Progressive.com and Geico can be pretty low. Its gonna be bad till he's 25. Its an old double standard for young males.

Nikki

You said he makes good grades. A lot of insurance agencies take 10% off for being a good student. There's really not much that you can do. Male's car insurance are always expensive. It will go down a little once he's been driving for five years with no accidents (no matter who's at fault, accidents show up on the record and do affect cost). Then it will drop lower once he reaches age 25. It will continue to drop as he gets older. Sorry. You may want to shop around for insurance.

Save the Sears Tower!

You should go with a different insurance company like allstate. I really don't think it's fair that a company would raise your rates when an accident isn't your fault. Other then that Insurance rates are gonna be bad for a male under 25.

murphw123

I think that your son needs to be on your policy.

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