Reader’s Question:

I am from Idaho. My insurance premiums have increased ridiculously because I added my teenage son to my policy. What can I do to lower my premiums? If I get free auto insurance quotes, will I have a bigger chance of getting lower rates?

Johnny

Boise, ID

Most auto insurance providers in Idaho bill higher premiums to drivers that have teenage drivers listed in their policies. This is chiefly because of the higher risk a teenager poses when operating a vehicle. Statistics have shown that inexperienced drivers, especially teenagers, end up getting into road accidents more often than older and more seasoned drivers. When including a teenage son in the policy, rates could go up to as much as 100%.

So, it would be best to take advantage of auto insurance discounts to lower your premiums. If your son is still looking to buy his own vehicle, advise him to get one that has safety features in it. Buy one that also has an anti-theft device, so that discounts on the Comprehensive Insurance may be availed. You can also have your son take the defensive driving course approved by the Idaho Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). This can be taken through local community high schools. There are also community colleges that offer the class for a minimal fee. Or your son may opt to take the course online. Teenage drivers who get to finish the course are given automatic discounts on their auto insurance. If your son is still attending high school, then you should encourage him more to get higher grades.

Ask for discounts, you never know what you might be able to get and how much you can save by asking.  Some popular discounts can be given for:

1. Military personnel

2. Good grade students

3. Union membership and bank member affiliations

4. Safe drivers with no claims in last 7 years

5. Defensive driving school attendance

6. Clean credit history – used by many carriers to determine payment risk

Those with grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 or higher get as much as $300 annual discount on their premiums depending on the rating system of the auto insurance company. And, of course, you can always shop around for lower rates. Getting free auto insurance quotes is one way of assuring that you get to check for the most reasonable rates on auto insurance. Almost all insurance carriers in Idaho offer free auto insurance quotes without any obligation to prospective clients.

 

 

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