Car Insurance Companies - How Do They View a New Driver?

As a new driver, you will have some new responsibilities. If you are reading this article, you could be a teenager that just got their license or someone older who never had a license before. Which ever your case, there are some things you need to know about care insurance and how you can become a safer driver on the road. Almost everyone gets a driver’s license at some point in their life, but not everyone always knows the risk involved every time you step foot into a vehicle.

What the Insurance Company Sees

Being that you are a new driver, you will have to get insurance. If you are a teenager that just acquired your license, it is best to stay on your parent’s policy until you have a few “safe driver” years under your belt. At this point, the insurance company, no matter which one you choose, will see you as a higher risk. Statistics show that teenager pose a higher risk while driving because of a few common facts. These facts are:

1. Distraction: It is common for a teenager to have many distractions. Distractions to a teenager are heightened because they typically do not distinguish importance of responsibilities. Example, if a song they like is playing on the radio, and they are not in the best position to let go of the wheel or take their eyes off the road, they will still reach for that knob to turn the radio up. It is not they feel the song is more important that a wreck, but they just do not think of that wreck happening by turning up the radio. Another form of distraction can be in the form of other teenage friends in the car. Typically, when teenagers get around each other there is horseplay or conversation that could lead to not paying close attention to the road.

2. Cell Phones: Teenagers are super glued to that cell phone. As if talking on a cell phone while driving was not dangerous enough, teenagers will actually text on their cell phones while driving. Texting requires, for the most part, looking at the keys to type a message and then send. How long are their eyes off the road before they end up rear-ending a car?

3. Calculated Risk does not exist. Teenagers often times feel they are invincible. This leads them to take greater risks while driving. Teenagers are known for speeding, cutting people off, racing other cars, and driving recklessly in general. Not every teen does this, but then again, there are instances to back this up, and that is what the insurance company looks at.

If you are not a teenager, and you are getting your license, they are going to see you as an inexperienced driver. Inexperience equals higher risk. When getting insurance, age does play an important factor, so in that respect, you would have that going for you.

Not matter if you are a teen getting your license or past that age, you will see and pay a higher premium until you can establish a good driving record. This can take as long as 3-5 years.