The California Department of Insurance has issued a press release. This time they are tackling something useful: high school students and auto insurance.
One day per semester, including summer school, I go to one of the local high schools and talk to the driver’s education students about insurance. Why? Because its not something you can learn in school. Now, the Department of Insurance press release covers a lot of my talk.
Some good examples of what you can learn:
- So, why do you need auto insurance anyway? Well, the first answer is simple: it’s the law.
- Did you know drivers between the ages of 15-20 account for 14 percent of all fatal vehicle crashes? In fact, for the same age group, 30 percent of the drivers who were killed in auto crashes were under the influence of alcohol.
- Q – I am going to college in another state, do I have to make changes to my policy?
A – You will have to give the insurance company your new mailing address and the principal address where your car will be garaged. If your insurance company does not operate in the state where you will be attending college, you will have to get new insurance in that state. - Q – Is it true if I’m a full time student with a B average that I won’t pay as much for auto insurance?
A – Some insurance companies offer special “good student” discounts. The idea behind the discount is that students who are busy studying and getting good grades are less likely to have the time to drive around partying and getting into accidents. Not all insurance companies offer good student discounts. Contact your insurance company or company representative and ask.
This is one of the most useful things to come out of the Department of Insurance. Read it, and then pass it on to any high school student you may know!