Central Insurance Blog

If you’re a parent of a new driver, you’re probably feeling a mix of emotions: pride, excitement, and—if we’re being honest—a whole lot of worry.

Will they drive safely? What if they get distracted? And how much is this going to raise our insurance premiums?

These are completely valid concerns, especially during the first year your teen is on the road—statistically the most dangerous time for new drivers. Fortunately, there are proven tools available to ease your stress, lower your risk, and even help reduce your premium. One of the most effective? A program called teenSMART®.

Why Teen Drivers Raise Rates

Let’s start with the question most parents are asking:

Why does adding a teen to my policy cost so much?

The short answer is risk. Teen drivers are:

• 3x more likely to be in a fatal crash than drivers over 20

• More prone to distracted driving, especially from phones or passengers

• Still developing key judgment skills like hazard perception and space management

Because of this, insurance companies adjust rates to reflect the higher chance of a claim. But that doesn’t mean you’re powerless. You can lower your teen’s risk—and possibly your premium—by investing in the right kind of driver training.

If your teen does expereince an issue on the road, ensure they’ve got 24/7 protection with programs like Central’s Roadside Assistance.

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What Is teenSMART?

teenSMART® is a nationally recognized, computer-based driver safety course designed to help teens build the skills they need to stay safe behind the wheel. It goes far beyond what traditional driver’s ed offers—teaching decision-making, awareness, and risk avoidance in a way that sticks.

The program includes:

• Interactive modules (about 6–8 hours total)

• Real-life driving simulations

• Parent-teen driving activities to practice safe habits

• A final assessment to certify course completion

Best of all, it’s self-paced, can be completed at home, and is proven to work.

How teenSMART Helps You Save

Here’s where teenSMART really pays off—literally.

Studies from ADEPT Driver show that completing teenSMART can:

• Reduce collisions by up to 49%

• Lower bodily injury claims by 51%

• Decrease traffic violations by over 50%

That kind of performance doesn’t go unnoticed by insurance companies. In fact, many—including Central—offer policy discounts for teens who complete the program. In some cases, those savings can extend through age 21.

Some policyholders may even qualify for discounted access to the course—check with your agent to learn more.

teenSMART at a Glance

Here’s what you need to know:

Peace of Mind for You. Safety for Them.

When your teen completes teenSMART, you’re not just checking a box—you’re giving them skills that could save a life. And you’re giving yourself the kind of peace of mind that’s hard to come by when your child pulls out of the driveway.

At Central, we’ve seen firsthand how education changes outcomes. That’s why we encourage programs like teenSMART in many of our resources for families—including:

• teenSMART: A Smart Solution to the 100 Deadliest Days of Summer
• Distracted Driving: Why We Do It & How to Stop
• How Often Should I Update My Insurance Coverage?
• Deer in the Headlights: 5 Tips to Avoid a Collision
• What to Do When You Get in a Car Accident

These articles echo what we hear from parents across the country: the right training builds confidence, saves money, and helps teens become safer, more thoughtful drivers.