Table of Contents
- Why Is Insurance More Expensive for New Drivers?
- Your Guide to Pennsylvania Coverage Requirements
- 3 Ways to Lower Your Insurance Costs
Figuring out insurance is just as important as getting your driver’s license. Companies often view new drivers as high risk because they rely on driving history to protect themselves. While the costs might be higher, the right coverage will help you comply with local laws, protect you from high accident costs and allow you to build a safe driving history.
If you’re a new driver hoping to maximize your coverage and are concerned about being underinsured, an advisor can provide the education and support you need to get the best policy for your needs.
Why Is Insurance More Expensive for New Drivers?
Insurance companies set their rates based on risks. Since new drivers lack a track record to gauge their habits, companies rely on statistics indicating that they are at higher risk of accidents. These rates may apply to anyone newly licensed, whether they are teen drivers or adults.
Building a clean record over time will lead to lower premiums. How long car insurance considers you a new driver can range from three to five years after you get your license, depending on the insurance company.
Your Guide to Pennsylvania Coverage Requirements
Auto insurance is a requirement to legally drive in Pennsylvania. Even if you are driving with a learner’s permit, the car you drive must have at least the minimum state-required coverage.
The state requires all registered vehicle owners to carry minimum coverage limits. These terms reference who or what the policy pays for after an accident:
- Bodily injury liability: Insurance must cover damages in case you injure someone in an auto accident. The minimum limit is $15,000 per person and $30,000 per accident for injuries or death caused to others.
- Property damage liability: Coverage should provide $5,000 per accident if you damage someone’s property in an accident and you are at fault.
- First-party benefits: Policies must pay medical bills for you and others covered by your policy with a minimum of $5,000.
There are also many types of optional coverage that a driver may choose to discuss with their advisor, such as collision coverage, comprehensive coverage (for non-collison damage such as theft and vandalism), roadside assistance and uninsured motorist coverage.
3 Ways to Lower Your Insurance Costs
While new driver insurance has higher rates, there are options to lower your insurance costs. Smart choices make a big difference:
- Ask about discounts: You may qualify for various discounts, some of which require maintaining strong school grades, passing an approved driver education or defensive driving course or having certain safe vehicle features.
- Choose the right vehicle: Pick a safe, reliable car. Older, ordinary cars with small engines are usually less expensive to insure than sports models.
- Bundle your policies: Multi-car and multi-policy deals can lower your rates. You can also join an existing insurance policy, like a family or household plan.
Get Your First Policy Right With a Local Advisor
Partnering with a local advisor makes the insurance process easier. Strock Insurance has extensive experience finding the best car insurance for new drivers. We’ve been serving Central PA communities, including Harrisburg and Mechanicsburg, for over 40 years. We know the roads you drive on.
We offer tailored solutions through our partners at Erie Insurance and Progressive Insurance. To get an insurance quote, all you need to do is provide your name, contact information, address, license number, and any other details you want us to know, and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible. Contact our team online and let our agents simplify the insurance process for you.
