Summer break means freedom—especially for teen drivers. With school out, teens are hitting the road more often for jobs, trips with friends, and late-night fast food runs. But with that increased freedom comes a greater risk of accidents, distractions, and insurance claims.
If you’re a parent of a teen driver, now’s the perfect time to review your auto insurance and safety plan. Here’s what you need to know to protect your teen—and your wallet—this summer.
More Driving = More Risk 
Statistically, teens are more likely to get into accidents—and those risks increase during the summer months. In fact, the time between Memorial Day and Labor Day is often called the “100 Deadliest Days” for teen drivers due to a spike in crashes.
What causes summer driving risks?
- Increased nighttime driving
- Driving with friends (distraction risk)
- Inexperience in unfamiliar or high-traffic areas
- More time behind the wheel = more exposure to risk
Review and Update Your Auto Insurance Policy
Make sure your insurance policy accounts for your teen’s summer driving habits.
Key coverage to check:
- Liability Coverage: Covers bodily injury or property damage your teen causes. Consider limits higher than the state minimum—teens are high-risk drivers.
- Collision Coverage: Pays for damage to your teen’s vehicle after an accident, regardless of fault.
- Comprehensive Coverage: Covers non-collision incidents like theft, vandalism, and weather damage.
- Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage: Protects your teen if they’re hit by someone with little or no insurance.
💡 Pro Tip:
Ask your agent about accident forgiveness, which may help protect your premium if your teen has a fender bender.
Explore Discounts for Teen Drivers
Yes, insuring a teen can be expensive—but many carriers offer discounts that can help.
Ask about:
- Good Student Discounts: Available for maintaining a B average or higher
- Driver Training Discounts: Completing a certified driving course can reduce premiums
- Telematics Programs: Apps or devices that track driving behavior—safe driving can lead to big savings
- Student Away at School: If your teen is away at college and not driving regularly
Liability Considerations: Protecting Your Assets
If your teen causes a serious accident that injures someone or damages property, you as the parent could be held financially responsible.
That’s why it’s critical to:
- Ensure your liability coverage is adequate (consider at least $250,000 per person / $500,000 per accident)
- Add a personal umbrella policy for an extra layer of protection—often $1 million in coverage for just a few hundred dollars a year
Reinforce Safe Driving Habits
Insurance is critical—but prevention is just as important. Talk to your teen about safe summer driving and set boundaries and expectations for the privilege of driving.
Set expectations around:
- No texting or phone use while driving
- No speeding or aggressive driving
- Limiting passengers (fewer distractions = fewer risks)
- Always wearing seatbelts
- Never driving under the influence or when drowsy
- Being aware of and obeying local curfews
Final Checklist for Parents of Teen Drivers
- Review auto policy coverage limits
- Ask about discounts and savings
- Consider adding an umbrella policy
- Schedule a driver safety refresher
- Talk openly about risks and expectations
Your teen may be eager to hit the road—but it’s your job to make sure they’re protected while they do. The right mix of insurance, safety education, and clear communication can help make this a safe, fun summer for everyone.
Have questions about your teen’s auto coverage? Contact us at 847-640-8000.
