Here are a few tips to help them get off on the right foot!
When your kids get their driver’s licence, you will be gaining a bit of independence, but you will likely spend more time worrying too. ASSURANCES GROUPE VÉZINA has a few friendly tips to help see you through it all, stress-free!
Inform your broker as soon as there is a change in how your vehicle is used
As soon as your youngsters get their learner’s permits and begin driving your car when supervised, contact your broker to add them to your insurance policy as occasional drivers. It’s important, because in the event of an accident (at fault or not), the insurer could impose certain conditions at the time of compensation. Of course, adding new drivers will impact your premium amount, which will then be adjusted based on several factors like your kids’ age and gender.
When they later get their probationary licences and drive alone, you must notify your broker of their new type of license. Also tell your broker how often your youngsters will be driving your car.
Make sure your teenagers develop the right habits, and that they’re responsible drivers!
Here are two great topics of conversation to make your youngsters aware of the mistakes most commonly made by young drivers, and, more importantly, the consequences of those mistakes:
- Never drive after consuming alcohol!
It’s against the law for drivers with a learner’s or probationary licence to have any traces of alcohol in their blood when driving. If they’ve been drinking, they must not drive. They could get a ride from a designated driver who has abstained from alcohol, use a safe ride service, call a taxi or take the bus instead!
If your kids are stopped with a blood-alcohol level above the legal limit:
- Their licence will automatically be suspended, and they will have to notify their broker immediately.
- Their insurance premiums could get much higher.
- It will also cost a pretty penny to retrieve the vehicle, install an alcohol ignition interlock device, pay lawyer fees, etc.
- Don’t think you’re invincible or that accidents only happen to others!
According to the Société de l’assurance automobile du Québec (SAAQ), the main causes of accidents among youngsters are inexperience, recklessness, drugs and speeding.
Make sure your teenagers know about these risk factors! Why? Because most young drivers believe they can’t get into an accident. In fact, 63% of them underestimate the risk of getting into an accident on the road.* Just one more reason to ensure that your youngster gets off on the right foot!
ASSURANCES GROUPE VÉZINA is there to help you prevent losses. Feel free to contact us!
*According to a 2013 survey from the Insurance Bureau of Canada (IBC) and the Groupement des assureurs automobiles (GAA).
