Is Your Teen Driver Ready for Spring Break Travel? Insurance Tips for Parents 

Many teenagers seem to look at spring break as a time to let loose. Those who actually have a driver’s license and a vehicle might get pegged by their peers to do the driving to this year’s hottest spot. But is your teen driver really ready for spring break travel? 

By the time teens can drive, most parents think they will be safe, especially with the protection of good car insurance for teens. However, it is one thing for a teenager to know how to safely drive around their own city. It is another thing altogether for them to safely navigate a brand-new city during one of the busiest times of the year: spring break. 

This is the annual holiday that brings teens to tourist destinations throughout the country while they try to relax from their academic studies. Unfortunately, there is nothing relaxing about getting into an accident, and spring break poses dangers that most teens and parents are not even aware of before it is too late. 

How can you teach your children proper spring break driving safety? What are some accident prevention tips, and what are some ways to keep your new driver auto insurance costs from skyrocketing? Keep reading to find out. 

Why Spring Break Travel Poses Extra Risks for Teen Drivers 

Why is spring break driving safety such a major concern for parents around the country? Traffic is a major concern, as teenagers must drive over much longer distances than they are accustomed to before they reach their destination. Plus, with so many schools celebrating spring break at once, both the journey and the destination will have heavy traffic that may intimidate inexperienced drivers. 

Experience is the keyword here, as most teens want to travel to beaches or other popular vacation destinations very soon after they first get their driver’s license. Unfortunately, they may not have yet mastered the skills that will keep them safe, especially if they get distracted (usually by another teen) while on the road. 

Busy Roads and Long Distance Driving 

When preparing teen drivers for the road, most parents focus on the basics, like safely getting to school and back. This means your children are driving just a few miles a day, and their school schedule means they will face minimal traffic. 

However, spring break dramatically increases teen driving risks because they will drive a very long distance (possibly 100 miles or more) on busy roads to reach an unfamiliar city with similarly busy roads. Ultimately, extra time behind the wheel in heavier traffic than they are accustomed to makes spring break dangerous (and sometimes even deadly) for teenagers. 

Inexperience and Distraction Risks 

Parents spend plenty of time preparing teen drivers to deal with common hazards like wet roads or local speed traps. But there is only so much anyone can prepare their kids for, and after that, youngsters will have to learn on their own. Unfortunately, the eagerness to join their friends during spring break has many inexperienced drivers navigating unfamiliar roads and dealing with problems they are not ready for, all while their parents are far from home. 

Additionally, it is an open secret that places like the beach are popular destinations for students because they want to hang out with fellow young people and make some new friends. However, this can lead to dangerous distractions, and it is far too easy for young drivers to get into a wreck while turning their head to stare at a pretty face or continue an energetic discussion. 

Insurance Protections Parents Should Review 

Sometimes, these teen driving risks culminate in an unfortunate car accident. When this happens, you need to know exactly what is and is not covered by your teen driver insurance so you are not stuck paying a major repair bill (for either your teen or someone they hit) out of pocket. 

One of the best family auto policy tips is to update your policy before your child drives away for spring break. Remember, you can make changes to your policy or even switch carriers (like switching to InsureOne family insurance) at any time. Below, you will learn more about your standard liability policy and some other options you may want to secure before your child heads off to spring break. 

Liability Limits for Teen Drivers 

Long before spring break, you need to familiarize yourself with your existing teen driver insurance and make adjustments as needed. For example, liability limits for teens should be increased before travel because the driver is far more likely to get into an accident. 

Remember, your policy will only pay out to the limits of your liability coverage; after that, all expenses must be paid out of pocket. Because of this, it is important to find the “sweet spot” with a liability limit that offers sufficient protection but does not transform your monthly premium into a major financial burden (especially given the high cost of insuring teenagers in the first place). 

Roadside Assistance Benefits 

Even if your teenager has mastered spring break driving safety, they may have to deal with an unexpected issue, such as their car breaking down when they are far from home. Because of this, you should strongly consider adding roadside assistance benefits to your existing policy. When teens need help, roadside assistance can help them with everything from getting jumped off to getting gasoline to getting towed. 

As a parent, you cannot always be with your children when they are on the road — fortunately, roadside can. 

Rental Car Coverage for Young Drivers 

Is your child taking a rental vehicle to spring break rather than their own car? If so, consider adding rental coverage. This adds further protections to the rented vehicle, helping you to avoid out-of-pocket costs in the event of an accident. 

Preparing Teens for a Safe Road Trip 

The family auto policy tips above can be a major help, especially if a teenager gets into a wreck when they are far from home. But as every parent knows, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. Therefore, it is important for you to review the most important accident prevention tips to keep your teen driver safe. 

For example, teenage drivers should know how to conduct a proper vehicle checklist before a long drive. They should also know which driving safety rules are most important and how to handle unexpected emergencies. Below, you will learn more about the tips that will keep your child safe during spring break and beyond. 

Vehicle Checklists for Long Drives 

At the bare minimum, teens should check the tires, fluids, wipers, and lights before heading to spring break. They should also test the brakes and battery while making sure their heating and cooling systems are functional. By doing this well before the break, teenagers can ensure they have enough time to get the issue fixed and join their friends for the road trip of a lifetime. 

Safe Driving Rules to Establish 

Make sure your teen memorizes a few simple driving rules: avoid texting, avoid speeding, minimize distractions, and always wear a seatbelt. As long as your child does this (and knows to never drink and drive), they will likely be safe during spring break. 

How To Handle Emergencies on the Road 

If an emergency happens on the road, teenagers should move the vehicle (if possible) to the side of the road, turn on hazard lights, and call for help if needed. If anybody was injured during an accident, they should call the police. Otherwise, they should call their parents and, if possible, roadside assistance to help get back on the road. 

Protect Your Teen This Spring, Review Your Family Auto Policy Today 

Now you know how to ensure your child is ready for spring break. This includes the most important travel safety tips and what to add to your teen driver insurance. However, do you know where to find a carrier who is just as committed to the safety of your family as you are? 

Here at InsureOne, we specialize in protecting families just like your own. When you are ready to get the protection your child needs, along with the white-glove service you deserve, come get a quote online. You can also pick up the phone and give us a quick call at 800-836-2240 to experience the best customer service in the business. Of course, if you want to experience the difference a local agent can make, feel free to come find an InsureOne office near you. 

FAQs 

Does Insurance Cost More If My Teen Drives Out of State? 

Your teen driver insurance may increase depending on a number of factors, including whether they are the primary driver, how far they travel, and whether they are attending a college that is far from home. Be sure to check with your carrier about how to reduce auto insurance costs for teen drivers. 

Should I Add Roadside Assistance for Teen Drivers? 

Roadside Assistance is a very important addition for teen drivers, especially ahead of a big trip. You can always adjust your policy after the fact; for example, you can remove roadside after the trip if you no longer feel it is beneficial. 

Are Teens Covered If They Rent a Car on Spring Break? 

Teens may or may not be covered depending on their status on your policy and the rules of both your carrier and the rental company. Be sure to check with both before your child begins their trip. 

What Liability Limits Do Families with Teen Drivers Need? 

Teens can be expensive to insure. Your new driver auto insurance policy should include $100,000 for bodily injury per person, $300,000 bodily injury per accident, and $100,000 for property damage. 

How Can Parents Reduce Teen Driver Premiums? 

You can reduce premiums by bundling policies, pursuing discounts (like good student discounts and good driving discounts), and switching to a carrier with more competitive rates, like InsureOne family insurance.