kappeler - The Spectrum Magazine - Redwood City's Monthly ...

Insurance Tips: Cheap Car Insurance for Teens
By Hector Flamenco, Special to The Spectrum
Prom dresses. Football camp. School uniforms. Cell phone bills. Birthdays.
Specifically, 16th birthdays. The upkeep of teenagers’ expenses can be financially
disheartening. Fortunately, quality auto insurance is one purchase that parents
can find in the bargain bin. Yes, it is possible to find cheap car insurance if
the shopper is looking in the right places. Today’s consumer has many online
options to find whatever he or she is looking for, including auto insurance,
and can comparison shop with the click of a button.
“But my son just turned 16. He’s still learning the rules of the road. Is it
possible to find cheap insurance for my young, inexperienced driver?”
Because young drivers are considered “at risk” drivers, you might think
cheap insurance isn’t an option. If you know where to shop, however, you
may find a perfectly reasonable price for auto insurance. There are several
insurance comparison websites that allow you to quickly get an insurance
quote — whether you’re looking for health, life, homeowners or auto
coverage. In this case, there are a few things you might consider while
shopping for auto insurance at a reduced rate:
1
While you’re on the lookout for your perfect policy, keep in mind that
you can probably add your teenager to your auto insurance policy. This
will be much cheaper than having your child purchase his or her own policy.
3
average, makes honor roll or is on the dean’s list, the student will be
eligible for a discount. Companies base this reduction on the idea that
good students are better drivers.
Most importantly, let your teenager observe your good driving habits —
they learn by example. If your teenager sees your seatbelt dangling next
to the car door, you are giving him or her a reason to ignore it when he or
she gets behind the wheel.
While you are bargain hunting for auto insurance, remember to think about
the price and the package. Do not strictly base your purchase on the price
tag alone. You want your young driver covered in the event of an accident.
It is important to know what you are paying for, and you want to be sure the
policy contains all the coverage you want or need. Consider the amount of
coverage you’re paying for. You will be financially responsible for your young
driver’s wreck if the policy limit is too low — meaning you will have to pay
for damages out of pocket.
Regardless of where you purchase your insurance, keep in mind that there are
licensed professionals to assist you in your search for reasonable insurance.
You have endless opportunities to find cheap car insurance for your teenager
if you take advantage of them. Happy hunting!
2
Encourage your child to do well in school. Many insurance companies
will offer a good-student discount on auto insurance. Whether the student
is in college or high school, often if he or she is making at least a B
Editor’s note: This article is for general information only and is not a professional
consultation. Always seek specific information from a licensed insurance professional. Hector
Flamenco is an agent with State Farm Insurance. Visit his website at www.hectorflamenco.com.
Senior Activities
The following activities are open to the public at the Veterans
Memorial Senior Center, 1455 Madison Ave., Redwood City.
Friday Movies for Everyone
Every Friday, 1:15 p.m. (unless otherwise announced)
Come to the Veterans Memorial Senior Center in February for a free feature
movie in our state-of-the-art movie theater!
Feb. 4: “The American”
Feb. 11: “Salt”
Feb. 18: “The Town”
Feb. 25: “Wall Street: Money Never Sleeps”
to just have fun the old-fashioned way — let’s dance the night away! For more
info or to make reservations, please call Christina Coronado at 650-780-7343.
To learn more about the Veterans Memorial Senior Center, call 650-780-
7270. Redwood City Parks, Recreation and Community Services Department
provides recreational facilities and activities for all ages and interests, and
supplies building and custodial services for city buildings. Redwood City
Parks also operates the Veterans Memorial Senior Center and the Fair Oaks
Community Center, providing social, educational and cultural activities, as
well as information, referral and counseling services to persons living in
Redwood City and neighboring communities. Redwood City Parks is more
than you think! Its website is located at www.redwoodcity.org/parks.
Tax Preparation Appointments (Sponsored by AARP)
AARP is providing free tax preparation at the VMSC by appointment only.
Appointments will be held Wednesdays, Feb. 9 through April 13, from 9 a.m.
to 3 p.m. Call 650-489-6023 to make your appointment. Appointments can
be made only by calling this number.
2nd Annual Hot Rod Bunko Event
Feb. 12, 11 a.m.–5 p.m.
Event includes Bunko, luncheon, a silent auction and raffle drawings. Kick
back and spend the afternoon with great people having a great time for a
great cause. This fun event will benefit the Redwood City Special Needs
program (formerly the San Carlos Special Needs Program). Please contact
Chuck or Anne at acamil1462@sbcglobal.net or call 650-568-0565 for tickets
and information. Event will be held at 975 Industrial Road, Suite 1, San Carlos.
Redwood City Special Needs Program Valentine’s Dance
Feb. 18, 7–9 p.m.
The Special Needs Program, a program designed for those with differing abilities,
is holding a Valentine’s Day dance to celebrate friendships old and new, and
The Spectrum 29