Guide to the Cheapest General Auto Insurance for New Drivers

Experience is important in any field, and insurance is not an exception.  New drivers can be hit with astronomical insurance rates because they are assumed to be major risks due to their inexperience.  Use this guide to the cheapest general auto insurance for new drivers to find out how to lessen the impact of not having a driving history.

Obtaining insurance for a new driver can be an expensive endeavor that dampens the excitement that accompanies getting a license.  There is a natural learning curve to driving that can be fraught with tickets and accidents, a fact not missed by insurance underwriters as they are calculating your rates.  While a new driver cannot fake a driving history, there are ways to compensate for this lack of experience.  Use this guide to the cheapest general auto insurance for new drivers to get good coverage at a fair price:

1. Choose a safe vehicle.  A large portion of your car insurance premium will be determined by your car.  Insurance companies attach a safety rating to each vehicle based on the average number of accidents the vehicle is involved in and the safety features it has that reduce the risk of incident.  Bypass the fancy sports car and opt for a vehicle with daytime running lights, an anti-theft system and a reputation for safety.


2. Take a defensive driver course.  Driver training classes are designed to put you behind the wheel while defensive driver courses teach you what driving techniques will prevent accidents.  These classes can usually be completed within five hours or less and offer a substantial discount on your monthly insurance premium.


3. Get good grades.  Most insurance companies offer discounts for new drivers who are enrolled in an eligible school and obtain good grades.  This is not just for high school students, as college and university report cards will get the same discount.  Fax a copy of your latest transcript to your insurance company to get a well deserved discount for your hard work.


4. Be prepared to switch.  Loyalty is an important character trait to have, but not in the insurance industry.  Car insurers are competitors and use enticements of all kinds to lure policyholders away from their companies.  Don't be so attached to your present insurer that you aren't prepared to switch if the deal is right.  Obtain several free quotes via the Internet and bind a policy with the company that offers the best coverage.

Getting car insurance as a new driver doesn't have to break the bank.  Use the guidelines listed above to get the protection you need to enjoy your early years behind the wheel.