Why You Want To Keep Your Teen Driver On YOUR Policy

One of the options that parents consider in order to save money on their auto insurance, is placing the young driver on a separate policy. They think if they buy a separate policy for their teen driver, the rates for their other cars won’t go up.

Actually, that part may be true. But the flipside is that on a separate policy, the rate for the teen driver’s car goes way up for two reasons:

First, there won’t be a multi-policy discount for the single car on the teen’s policy
Second, you will have to buy a policy from a “high-risk” insurer. “High-risk” insurance companies charge rates that are more than double of a standard company.

Not only that. Placing your teen on a separate policy can cost you much more than higher rates. The most dangerous problem when insuring your teen with a high-risk insurance company is that you can’t buy high enough limits for a teen driver. The liability limits offered by these companies are usually no higher than 100/300/50, that means $100,000 per person, $300,000 per accident and $50,000 for property damage.

Some parents think that’s fine – that in case of a big claim, the other party will only sue their child’s insurance company if there’s a big claim. That’s wrong! Any good attorney will go after the parents too, as long as the child is living in the parent’s home or is a dependent. The smartest way to insure your young driver is to keep them on your own auto insurance policy, with the highest liability limits you can get.

Tips for Prom Night – Part II

Prom night is probably one of the most anticipated nights of the year for teens, and perhaps one of the most anticipated yet dreaded nights for their parents.

Prom night makes teens look and feel more grown-up, but it doesn’t necessarily make them behave more maturely. Most teens heading off to their prom will tell their parents that they know everything they need to know about drinking and driving, and any other concerns their parents may have.

Unfortunately, too often, prom night is linked with drunk-driving injuries, deaths, date rapes, and pregnancies. It has become the night where teens often demonstrate poor judgment and make dangerous choices. The following tips may ease prom anxieties:

- Know and discuss the school code of conduct before the prom with your child.

- Find out whether the school code of conduct applies to off-site functions that have been approved by the school.

- Know who your child is attending the prom with and obtain their cell phone numbers.

- Discuss the events for pre and post prom parties with other parents. Find out where they are located and who is responsible for maintaining good behavior.

- Talk with your child about the dangers of club drugs, warning signs and who to notify for assistance. Pre-plan and role-play answers that your child can use to get out of uncomfortable situations. (e.g., offered alcohol, getting a ride from an intoxicated driver, unwanted sexual advances,etc.)

- Discuss guidelines and a curfew. Discuss the consequences of violating these rules. Discuss travel plans, and if you use a limousine service, use a reputable one that will not allow alcohol in the vehicle.

- Know who is driving to the prom and who will be a passenger. Limit the number of passengers to increase safety and reduce driver distractions.

- Talk to your teenager about the serious dangers and consequences of underage drinking and driving. If your child’s plans change, confirm the change with the parents of other children.

- Remind your child that you are there for them, if they need a ride home, or to an after prom affair.