Did you know that 16-year-old drivers have the highest accident rate over all other groups? According to The California DMV, the leading cause of death for teenagers of all age groups is car accidents, which amount to more than a third of deaths in this age group.

These statistics justify why automobile insurance for teenagers have the highest premiums compared to all other groups. However, saving money on car insurance even for risky teen drivers is possible. Parents and teenagers can take a step towards safety and savings by following these simple tips for staying safe on the road.

#1 – Take a driver’s education course

Teenagers in most states must complete a driver’s education course to be licensed at the age of 16. When supplemented by defensive driving instruction, teens and parents can see significant savings on their insurance premiums—up to 15 percent reduction in rates.

When teens begin to show responsible driving, and no accidents or tickets are issued, insurance rates can also decrease significantly over time. Most importantly, teens who take a defensive driving course are taught good driving habits which keep teens safer on the road.

#2 – Encourage teens to earn good grades

Automobile insurance companies are keen on students who do well in school and maintain a solid GPA. Discounts are range between 10 to 20 percent for students who are eligible for a “good student discount.”

Insurance companies look favorably upon students who do well in school since these teens are less likely to engage in risky driving behaviors, such as driving under the influence or speeding. As teens keep up their good driving record, insurance companies consistently lower automobile insurance rates every year the student continues to show responsible driving habits.

#3 – Don’t be afraid to set rules for your teen driver

Parents often have the greatest influence over a teen’s driving record. When parents and guardians institute rules such as limiting night driving, freeway driving, or driving with friends, studies show that teen car accidents are greatly reduced. This is due in part to the reduction of distractions at the wheel, whether it is from friends, cell phones, or stressful driving situations.

Parents can also enforce a curfew that limits driving on the weekends and evenings, times when auto accidents are most likely to occur.

If your teen has been involved in a car accident, contact our San Diego personal injury attorneys for a free and private evaluation of your case.