There is no milestone quite like your child getting their driver’s license. For them, it represents freedom and growing up. For you, it likely represents a mix of pride, anxiety, and—once you see the insurance quote—sticker shock.
Adding a teen driver to your auto policy is one of the most significant cost increases a household can face. However, for Washington families, there are strategic ways to manage this expense without sacrificing coverage. Here is what you can expect and how to keep your premiums under control.
The Reality: What to Expect
Let’s be transparent: insuring a new driver is expensive. In Washington State, adding a 16-year-old to a parent’s policy can typically increase your annual premium by 50% to 100%.
Why the dramatic jump? It comes down to data. Insurance rates are based on risk, and statistically, teen drivers are the riskiest operators on the road. They lack experience, are less likely to recognize hazards, and are more prone to distracted driving. Because the risk of a claim is higher, the cost to insure them reflects that.
Note on “Permissive Use”: Many parents ask, “Do I really have to add them?” The answer is yes. In Washington, all licensed household members generally must be listed on your policy. Relying on “permissive use” coverage for a teen living in your home can lead to denied claims or policy cancellation.
How to Save: Proven Strategies
While the base rate for teens is high, you don’t have to pay full price. There are several levers we can pull to lower that premium.
1. The “Good Student” Discount
This is the most common and effective discount available. Insurance carriers have found a correlation between responsible students and responsible drivers. If your teen maintains a 3.0 GPA (B average) or better, most carriers will offer a significant discount, often ranging from 10% to 25%. You will typically need to provide a copy of their report card or transcript at each renewal.
2. Strategic Vehicle Assignment
Not every car on your policy costs the same to insure. If you have a brand-new SUV and a 10-year-old sedan, the insurance cost for a teen will be drastically different depending on which car they drive.
- The Strategy: We can often “assign” your teen driver to the oldest, safest, and least valuable vehicle on your policy. While they may legally drive any car, rating them on the cheaper vehicle can save you hundreds of dollars a year.
3. Driver Training Credits
Washington State requires driver education for teens under 18, but it’s also a money-saver. ensuring your insurer knows your teen has passed an accredited driver safety course can trigger a discount.
4. Telematics and Usage-Based Insurance
If your teen is a truly safe driver, let them prove it. Many of our carriers, such as Progressive and Travelers, offer telematics programs (like a mobile app or plug-in device) that monitor driving habits. If your teen avoids hard braking, speeding, and late-night driving, you can earn substantial discounts.
5. The “Student Away at School” Discount
If your teen heads off to college more than 100 miles from home and leaves the car behind, let us know! You can qualify for a “Student Away at School” discount, which keeps them covered when they visit home on breaks but drastically reduces the daily premium.
Let Boyd Insurance Find the “Teen-Friendly” Carrier
Not all insurance companies treat teen drivers the same. One carrier might charge $2,000 to add a 16-year-old, while another might charge $1,200 for the same coverage.
At Boyd Insurance Brokerage Inc., we know which carriers are the most competitive for young drivers in the Spokane area. We can shop your policy across multiple top-rated providers to find the sweet spot between affordable rates and high-quality protection.
Is your teen ready to hit the road? Call us today at (509) 340-2693 for a free policy review and quote.
