Cheap auto insurance for teenagers in South Carolina

Since South Carolina does have the minimum mandatory auto liability insurance law, parents of teenagers are responsible for the mandatory minimum insurance on teen age drivers via an individual policy for their teen or the addition of the teen to their own auto policy. Considering the statistics regarding the accident rate of teens, the insurance companies in South Carolina will strongly suggest you provide more than the minimum liability coverage for your teen driver. The minimum liability automobile insurance amounts are $25,000.00 for each individual injured or killed in an accident, $50,000.00 for all the people involved in the accident, and $25,000.00 to cover all property damages. Because statistics show that the first year behind the wheel of a car is the prime time for teenage automobile accidents, your insurance company may recommend that you carry uninsured and underinsured as well as comprehensive and collision on your teen.

As the parent, you are required by the state of South Carolina to take financial responsibility for your teenage driver. If the teen gets in an accident you will be responsible for all damages and injuries that may result from that accident. The teen’s license will be suspended indefinitely if you do not provide proof of coverage within 15 days. The proof of insurance should be kept in the car at all times. This proof needs to include the name of the insurance company, the policy holder’s name and the names of all persons covered by the insurance policy. It also needs to have the make, model, and year of the vehicle being covered on it. The vehicle’s VIN number and the dates of coverage are also required to assure the law enforcement officer that the insurance is current. This proof can be in the form of an insurance declaration page, an insurance identification card, or a copy of the policy. If the car has been purchases in the last 30 days a bill of sale and proof of prior insurance as well as a receipt showing purchase of current insurance may be used until the proper documents are received. This proof needs to available in the case of a traffic stop or an accident even if your teenager is not at fault.

Adding your teen to your policy will generally be less expensive than putting them on their own auto insurance policy. Even then, the cost of adding your teen to your insurance policy will raise your premiums from $1,200.00 to $4,900.00 per year. On average, the premium will raise approximately $2,171.00 per year. Currently, South Carolina has a text messaging bill in place which prohibits the sending or receiving of any type of text message while operating a moving vehicle or while occupying the travel portion of a highway. Other forms of this bill are being considered for legislation in regard to cell phones or any other wireless communication device.

For each successive year that your teen maintains a good driving record, the premiums will most likely go down. To maintain a good driving record, your teen cannot have any traffic violations or accidents on their driving record. They need to avoid the accumulation of points on their driving record. They cannot be picked up for a DWI. Even being involved in an accident that was not their fault can be a mark against their record just as it is for an adult.

In addition to a clean driving record, teens who maintain a “B” grade point average will also receive a discount on insurance premiums. Another discount available for teens will be given when the teen has successfully completed a state approved safe driving course. The type of car your teen drives will also affect your insurance premiums. Don’t put your teen in a luxury car or sports car. It may also help lower your premiums if you avoid the top 10 stolen cars in the state of South Carolina. These cars include:

1. 1995 Honda Accord
2. 1989 Chevrolet Caprice
3. 1997 Ford Explorer
4. 1997 Ford F150
5. 1988n Chevrolet C/K 1500 Pickup (full size)
6. 1994 Jeep Cherokee/Grand Cherokee
7. 1999 Ford Taurus
8. 1994 Toyota Camry
9. 1986 Oldsmobile Cutlass
10. 1994 Ford Ranger

Following these guidelines will save you between 10 to 15% on your auto insurance premiums for your teenage driver.