Auto Insurance for Students in Vermont
Reader’s Question:
I am just 16 years old and I had just finished driving school. Hopefully I will be having my driver’s license soon. My friend in New York tells me if he gets good grades his parents would pay less for car insurance. Is this true in Vermont?
Benny
Montpelier, VT
In general, the answer is yes. Having As or Bs will help because some auto insurance companies want responsible drivers who look at safety as a top priority in driving. Male teens who have low grades have shown to be irresponsible drivers, and auto insurance companies would seek a higher rate for them since they carry a greater risk that the company will pay for their accident.
Not all insurance companies offer discount for a student’s academic record. So, it’s better to make sure and do your research. Different factors are also taken into account. The driving record of your parents ( or all the drivers included in the policy), what type of car you have, whether you live in an area prone to traffic, and many other factors are taken into account in the insurance policy.
Since you will soon be having your driver’s license, let me tell you that there is nothing that would replace a good driving record. If you have finished your driving lessons in a recognized driver education course, that would also be taken into account. Driving etiquette, what to do in certain situations etc. are not included usually if you learned driving informally through your parents or an acquaintance. Usually you tend to pick up the bad habits, or worse the dangerous driving habits that they have.
Let me conclude by saying the greatest insurance against accidents is being a responsible driver. Your grades and driving track record will be a reflection of that.