If you are the parent of a teen, you may have begun to teach them to drive, and you may have dealt first hand with the difficulties of a young driver’s inexperience. Because teens are statistically more likely to cause automobile accidents when they begin driving, their insurance is generally more expensive. Because of the added cost it can be tempting to cut corners and not cover your teen driver with full coverage.
Last month a Maryland teen cut off a driver in Parkville on Harford Road, this led to a major road rage incident that caused several people injuries which could potentially not be covered by insurance. Not only would you as a parent be responsible for paying hospital and damages the exceed your teen drivers insurance package, but you may also have to deal with the rising insurance rates that will follow that driver for years to come.
Teen Driving statistics
- Each day approximately 6 teens aged 16-19 die in motor vehicles nationwide
- Young People and Teens (ages 15-24) make up 14% of the U.S. population and are responsible for 30% and $19 billion in total injury costs of motor vehicle accidents
- Male teens are two times more likely to die in a motor vehicle accident than their female counterparts
- Teens are more likely to underestimate the danger involved in a motor vehicle accident
- 35% of male teens are chronic speeders
- 51% of teen deaths from motor vehicle crashes took place between 3 p.m. and midnight and on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday
Maryland law requires the minimum bodily injury coverage each driver must have is $30,000 per person per accident and $60,000 total per accident. Because teens are so prone to motor vehicle accidents and are a greater liability, that might not be enough to cover damages they may incur. If you have a teen driver that you are adding to your insurance, we encourage you to contact us and discuss with your agent if your teen has enough coverage.
