How Can Young People Pay Less for Car Insurance?

Young drivers can take control of the wheel and their insurance rates.

As a young driver, you worry about getting the right car insurance coverage and not overpaying for it. When shopping for insurance quotes, consider factors that make your rate high, and implement ways to offset them.

Significance

Age is a significant factor in calculating a driver's risk. People under 25 will pay more, with 16- to 18-year-olds paying the highest rates, says Car Insurance Rates. According to MSN Money, car crashes are the leading cause of death among 15- to 20-year-olds in the United States.

Types

Seek discounts for factors you can control, such as grades, driving record and credit. Many insurers offer 10 to 25 percent discounts to students with a B average or better, says MSN Money. A few companies offer good driver discounts up to 20 percent for those with no traffic violations or accidents. Maintaining excellent credit can also lower your rate.

Considerations

Consider driving a less expensive and safer vehicle over the flashy sports car--a magnet for speeding tickets--or large sports utility vehicle that could inflict significant damage on other vehicles in an accident. Expensive cars present higher risk because repair costs run high. Choosing a car with an anti-theft device or anti-lock brakes can help, according to carinsurancerates.com.

References

• Car Insurance Rates: Factors That Affect Your Car Insurance Rates
• MSN Money: Cut the Cost of Insuring Your Teen Driver
• PR News Wire: Consumer Reports Survey: More Than 28,000 Claim Filers Rate 22 Popular Car Insurance Companies