Expensive Cars

Also, another fact for you to chew on is that it will cost you more in the long run if you drive an expensive car, and decide to insure your child on that car. It might be cheaper for you to buy them an economy car that is not too expensive for their first car, just for a few years if nothing else. If this is not plausible for you, then disregard the suggestion, but it might be something worth looking into. Here are some suggestions for good cars to insure for new drivers:

* Chrysler PT Cruiser 4dr Wagon
* GMC Safari SLE AWD 3dr Minivan
* Dodge Caravan SE 4dr Minivan
* Saturn ION 1 4dr Sedan
* Pontiac Sunfire 2dr Coupe
* Jeep Liberty Sport 4WD 4dr SUV
* Saturn L300 1 4dr Sedan
* Volvo S40 4dr Sedan
* Saab 38600 Linear 2.3t 4dr SportWagon
* Buick Century Special Edition 4dr Sedan
* Buick LeSabre
* Oldsmobile Silhouette
* Honda Odyssey
* Buick Park Avenue
* Pontiac Montana
* Mercury Grand Marquis
* Buick Century
* Chevrolet Venture
* GMC Safari
* Oldsmobile Bravada


Granted, this list is not exciting cars to drive, but they're cheap to insure (and fix if the need arises), so it's not a bad idea to look into it!!!!

Insuring a Teenager *gasp*

Ok, the time has come for your baby (or adult if you ask them), to drive, and you're scared to death, right? Right. It has been said that a teenager is 4 times more likely to be involved in a car accident than adults (cell phones are the main cause), and with that being said, this can EASILY cause their insurance premiums to skyrocket. Hopefully these articles will give you some good advice on how to get around that a little bit.

Some Tips...

1.) Teach your child the laws of the land, and make sure they follow them to exact orders. If you catch them doing something unsafe, don't let them drive. Better safe than sorry, right?

2.) Monkey See, Monkey Do. Enough said.

3.) As aforementioned, there is a good grade incentive for young drivers. Another way you can "bribe" your kids into driving well is to pass the savings from their good grades that you receive onto them. Now obviously, don't give them the full amount you save, but even 100.00 or so every payment period will be more than worth it to you.

4.) No sports cars, no red cars, no yellow cars. Is it true that red cars up your insurance? Sometimes yes, sometimes no. But it is 100% true that they catch the eye easier than a dark blue, green, brown, or black car driving at the same speed. Something teenager's don't need is a car that attracts the wrong attention (just ask me about it).

5.) RIDE with your child. The first few months are the most important in developing safe driving habits for your child. But be forewarned, they will want to be alone, and on their own, and they will HATE you riding with them, but it will pay off. And when the time comes for you to let them be "free" (in their minds anyways), all those bickering matches about "10 and 2" will hopefully have payed their dues.

Now what can I do?

When looking at plans A, B, and C (hypothetically), they are all going to be high, especially if your "baby" is cursed with being a boy (like myself). With that being said, the best thing you can do is list them under YOUR policy, and even list yourself as the primary driver for their vehicle, and put them on a cheaper car (if applicable). Some insurance companies allow this, other's do not, you'll just have to call and ask your agent.

Also, there are some steps that your kids can take to try and keep the prices to "reasonable" levels. It is strongly encouraged that your kids do well in high-school and college, and if they retain a greater-than 3.0 GPA. This is very doable, as it is only a B average. Another idea you can look into is raising your deductible to an obscene level and just hope your child doesn't get into a wreck, altercation, ticket, etc, as that will be a VERY high price to pay. It is a gamble, don't get me wrong, but it may be worth it in the end. And the last suggestion for the night is to be sure to get insurance in which your house, and any other vehicles and items are insured on. Most companies will give you a worthwhile discount for insuring multiple items on one policy.