Student (New) Driver?

How to Lower Your Car Insurance as a New Driver

Getting your driver’s license is exciting—but the price of car insurance? Not so much. Insurance companies see new drivers as higher risk, which means higher rates. But don’t worry—there are smart ways to bring down your costs. Here’s how:

1. Complete a Driver’s Education Course

Many states, including New York, require driver’s education to get a junior license, but even if it’s not required, taking an approved driver’s ed course can earn you a discount. Insurance companies view these courses as proof that you’re learning safe driving habits, which means less risk for them—and lower rates for you.

2. Take a Defensive Driving Course

Even if you’ve completed driver’s ed, a separate defensive driving course can provide additional savings. Many insurers offer discounts if you complete one, and in New York, it can even help reduce points on your license if you get a ticket.

3. Get Good Grades

If you’re a student, maintaining a B (GPA of 3.0+) average or higher can earn you a Good Student Discount with most insurance companies. They figure responsible students make responsible drivers, and they reward that with lower rates.

4. Stay on Your Parents’ Policy (If Possible)

Instead of getting your own policy, see if you can stay on your parents’ plan. It’s almost always cheaper than buying a separate policy as a young driver.

5. Choose a Safe, Affordable Car

A high-performance sports car might be fun, but it’ll send your insurance costs through the roof. Look for a vehicle with good safety ratings, lower repair costs, and solid crash test results—these factors lower insurance premiums. At first it might make sense to buy a cheaper car (without taking out a loan or lease) and just carry liability coverage, instead of getting full coverage.

6. Consider Usage-Based Insurance

If you’re not driving much, you may qualify for a pay-per-mile or telematics insurance program. These plans track your driving habits—like how far you drive and how safely you brake—and can lead to discounts for good behavior.

7. Increase Your Deductible

If you can afford to pay a little more out-of-pocket in case of an accident, raising your deductible (the amount you pay before insurance kicks in) can lower your monthly premium.

8. Use all the discounts available

Insurance companies offer all kinds of discounts, from safe driver rewards to bundling auto with renter’s insurance. Never leave money on the table! It's also important to know that not all insurance companies offer new drivers the same benefits, so make sure you're working with an agent who knows which carriers offer the best options for new drivers!

9. Drive Safely (Seriously!)

The fastest way to make insurance more expensive? Getting tickets or causing accidents. Keep a clean driving record, and over time, your rates will naturally go down. You'll see a dramatic improvement in your insurance premium after you have been licensed for 3 years!

Our team is ready to help you find the right insurance coverage for you at the best rate. Call us today or start a quote right now.