Putting Young Drivers Behind The Wheel: Car Insurance and Road Safety Tips

By Kevin Quinn and the Mercury Team

Teens spend countless hours dreaming about the day they can finally hit the road. For them, driving represents freedom. For parents, it’s a mix of excitement and stress. Sure, it might mean fewer carpools and late-night pickup runs, but it also brings new safety concerns — and new insurance needs.

Preparing for this big milestone starts with understanding how coverage works. Knowing when to add your teen to a policy, what influences rates, and which discounts may be available helps families balance protection and cost as their new driver gains experience.

When Should You Add a Teen to Your Policy?

In most states, you should add your teen to the family auto policy as soon as they receive a learner’s permit. In some states, this isn’t mandatory until they’re fully licensed, but adding them early avoids any coverage gaps. That way, your teen is protected the first time they get behind the wheel. If you’re unsure of your state’s requirements, your local DMV or a Mercury agent can walk you through the details.

How Much Does It Cost to Insure a Teen Driver?

While rates can vary by state, vehicle, and driving history, car insurance for teens almost always costs more than coverage for seasoned drivers. Insurance companies view young drivers as higher risk, as their lack of experience raises the odds of errors and collisions.

However, there’s good news: premiums typically decline as teens develop safe driving habits and accumulate years without accidents.

Does the Type of Car Impact Teen Insurance Rates?

Your teen might have their heart set on a sporty coupe or a shiny new SUV, but the type of car they drive can indeed impact what you’ll pay for insurance. Car safety ratings, vehicle age, and whether it’s leased or owned all factor into your final insurance premium. Before you hand over the keys, keep these points in mind:

• Safety Ratings. Reliable, mid-sized sedans with strong crash-test scores often cost less to insure and provide better protection in an accident. You can compare models at the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration website.
• Performance Counts. Cars with turbochargers or high horsepower might be fun to drive, but they also increase the risk of speeding. Speeding is a factor in 34% of fatal crashes for drivers ages 15 to 18. Choosing a vehicle with a four-cylinder engine and moderate horsepower can help lower insurance premiums — and give your teen a safer start on the road.
• Age of the Vehicle. Newer cars often come equipped with advanced features like automatic emergency braking and lane departure warnings, which can reduce the risk of accidents and help qualify drivers for insurance discounts. Much older cars may be cheaper to replace, but they may lack these technologies and may be ineligible for the same savings.
• Lease vs. Own. Leasing companies typically require more coverage, which can raise the overall cost compared to owning.

What Discounts Are Available for Teen Drivers?

Adding a teen to your policy can raise your premium, but there are practical ways to keep costs manageable. Look for discounts such as:

• Good Student Discounts. Teens can turn those strong grades into insurance rate breaks.
• Driver Training Savings. Has your teen taken a driver’s education course or an approved safety course? That specialized instruction may reduce premiums while giving your teen more confidence.
• Multi-Car and Multi-Policy Discounts. Bundling coverage, such as homeowners insurance with auto insurance or insuring multiple vehicles, can help lower overall costs.

What Safety Tips Should Teens Follow on the Road?

While keeping insurance rates reasonable is important, nothing matters more than getting your teen home safely. Share these teen driving safety tips with your new motorist:

• Buckle Up Every Time. Seat belt use saves thousands of lives every year. Make sure everyone is buckled before moving.
• Put Away the Phone. Operating a vehicle while texting, calling, or scrolling on a phone is a leading cause of crashes. Avoid distracted driving. Never text while driving, and queue music or directions before starting the car.
• Watch Your Speed. Stick to posted limits and slow down in bad weather.
• Stay Sober. Alcohol and drugs greatly impair judgment and reaction times. Even one drink is too many when you’re behind the wheel, and many states enforce zero-tolerance laws for underage drinking and driving.
• Limit Passengers. Extra riders can mean extra distractions. Many states have laws restricting passengers during a teen’s first year of driving.
• Keep a Safe Following Distance. Rear-end collisions are common among new drivers. Leave plenty of room to brake or change lanes safely.
• Get to Know the Vehicle. From adjusting mirrors to checking tire pressure, understanding how a car works builds confidence and prevents problems on the road.
• Stay Calm Under Stress. Whether it’s traffic, road rage, or arguments, remind your teen to take a breath, focus on the road, or pull over if needed.

How Can Parents Help Teens Become Safer Drivers?

Parents are often the first and best teachers when it comes to driving. Long before a teen gets their license, they’ve been watching your driving habits. Use that influence to help them build safe skills. Here are some ideas:

• Continue to Be the Role Model. Teens notice when you speed, check your phone, or skip a turn signal. Being an attentive, defensive driver yourself is one of the most powerful lessons you can give them.
• Provide Plenty of Practice. Don’t just stick to quiet neighborhood streets. Give your teen supervised driving time in a variety of conditions — highways, nighttime driving, and even rainy days — so they’re better prepared for real-road situations.
• Set Family Driving Rules. Talk openly about your expectations, from curfews to passenger limits. Clear rules, along with agreed-upon consequences for breaking them, help set boundaries and build trust.

“A teen’s first time behind the wheel is a learning moment for the whole family,” says Kevin Quinn, VP, Auto Claims. “Parents set the tone for safe habits long before their child gets a license.”

Why Mercury Is a Smart Choice for Families with Teen Drivers

Watching your teen go from passenger to policyholder is a rite of passage for the whole family. Safe habits, the right car, and proper coverage can help manage both risks and costs. Learn more about teen driving and then reach out to Mercury. An agent can walk you through rates, discuss potential discounts, and make sure your teen is protected with a policy that fits your budget.