If your teenager is about to be added to your family's car insurance policy, your premiums can double in cost.  This is often because new drivers do not have a proven track record that shows them to be responsible drivers to the insurance companies. Although that may seem like a lot of money, it is still cheaper to add your teenager to your existing policy than to invest in another policy.

However, there are several ways to lower car insurance costs for teen drivers. One way is to put a lot of careful thought into the type of car your teenager drives. A flashy sports car may seem more fun to drive, but it will also cost more to insure. An insurance friendly car will be one that is less expensive to purchase, safe, easy and inexpensive to repair, and less likely to be targeted for theft – think Honda sedan rather than Mustang convertible. Additionally, adding extra features such as side air bags, anti-lock breaks, traction control, and seat belts will also lower the insurance premium.

Teens start off with a perfectly clean driving record and one other sure way to keep insurance premiums low is to maintain that impeccable record. Speeding tickets, fender benders, or any other sort of traffic violation will immediately increase insurance rates for your teen. Most car insurance companies will lower rates each year that the teenager does not have an accident or receive a speeding ticket.

Some states require a driver's education course before teenagers are allowed to drive, but even if your state does not, many insurance companies will offer a premium discount to students who do well in a driver's education program. A quick Internet search will tell you where these certified programs are offered in your state.

Another way to help your teenage driver keep his or her car insurance affordable is for him or her to maintain good school grades. Many states offer "good student discounts" to young drivers because they feel that a high academic standing is a good indication that the student will be just as successful and responsible behind the wheel as in the classroom.

Similarly, being involved in community service, volunteer work, or community groups, such as Boy Scouts or Girl Scouts, also shows insurance companies that your teen driver is not as big of a risk to insure as a teen who does not participate in any community activities.

The most important thing to remember is: insurance companies do not want to take risks on their drivers. Make sure your teen knows the importance of being responsible behind the wheel, as well as out of the car, and insurance rates for your newest driver will decrease with each passing year.