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Although in Florida, all drivers are required to have minimum levels of insurance which are $10,000 personal injury protection (PIP) and $10,000 for property damage, this is not enough insurance. Teen driver insurance levels should be at the same level as their parents/guardians.   

Young drivers, aged 15-19 according to 2011 Florida Traffic Statistics , were involved in 28,176 crashes in2011(most current data). 

• Teen drivers killed - 91

• Teen drivers injured - 8,842

• Teen passengers killed - 63

• Teen passengers injured - 6,968

Statistics like these are tragic. There are some tips parents/guardians and teens can take to reduce the chances of being in vehicle accidents and thus, reduce insurance rates, while having the best possible insurance protection.

Tips for Parents/Guardians:

• Giving teens a "sensible" vehicle - one that may not be the showiest but has high safety ratings and low repair bills.

• Encourage teens to drive responsibility with few distractions in the vehicle, including other people.

• Have a "pact" with teens on what are acceptable driving behaviors and techniques.

• Be role models to teens. Even though teens may be independent, they are watching and will mimic what they see.

Tips for Teens:

• Drive carefully and without distractions.

• Flashy vehicles may be interesting and look good in the movies, but they can be incentives to fast and reckless driving.  Teens shouldn't push for flashy vehicles.

• Make, and keep, "pacts" with parents/guardians regarding acceptable driving behaviors and techniques.

• Getting good grades (usually B average) can result in teen driver credits on insurance premiums.

• Enroll in driver's education.

• If driver's education is already completed, further courses could lower insurance premiums.

   

"Keeping teens safe when driving and having the right insurance are important.  We, at Spivey Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.A. have seen the devastating and heartbreaking results of accidents involving teens, and encourage teen drivers and their parents/guardians to always think safety when getting behind the wheel," says Attorney Spivey.  

Fort Myers Personal Injury Attorney,  Randall L. Spivey is a Board Certified Trial Attorney – the highest recognition for competence bestowed by the Florida Bar and a distinction earned by just one (1%) percent of Florida attorneys.  He has handled over 2,000 personal injury and wrongful death cases throughout Florida.  For a free and confidential consultation to discuss your legal rights, contact the Spivey Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.A., in Lee County at 239.337.7483 or toll free at 1.888.477.4839,or by email to Randall@SpiveyLaw.com.  Visit SpiveyLaw.com for more information.  You can contact Spivey Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.A.in Charlotte County at 941.764.7748 and in Collier County 239.793.7748.