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Back to School: Essential Insurance Tips for Students and Parents
Jason Tully
As summer winds down and the back-to-school season kicks into gear, families across the country are preparing for significant transitions. Whether your child is getting ready to drive for the first time or heading off to college, understanding the right insurance options is crucial for ensuring their safety and your peace of mind. Here at Tully Insurance Agency, we’ve gathered some essential tips to help you navigate this exciting yet challenging time with confidence.

Preparing for Teen Drivers

We've had numerous conversations with parents about their teen drivers, especially when and how to add them to an insurance policy. If you're in a similar place this year, contact us to discuss what to expect when adding a youthful driver to your policy.

Here are a few tips we've gathered over the years from working with parents of new drivers:

Encourage Driving Practice
Let your teen drive as much as possible. Although it may be nerve-wracking, practice is crucial for improving their skills. Say yes when they ask to drive, as experience is the best teacher.

Set Clear Rules
Establish clear guidelines about where your teen can drive, whether they can have passengers, and your expectations for speed limits and phone usage. Consider creating a formal parent-teen driving agreement, which you can find through resources like AAA and the CDC.

Expect Mishaps
Even with guidelines in place, mistakes are bound to happen. When they do, stay calm and respond thoughtfully. The natural consequences of their actions will often serve as valuable lessons.

Use Safety Apps
Apps like Life360 offer location sharing and advanced driving safety features. These can provide peace of mind and help you monitor your teen's driving habits.

Stay Positive
Encourage and support your teen. The calmer you remain, the more their confidence will grow. Remember, you too were once a teen driver!

Inform Your Insurance Provider
When adding a newly licensed driver to your policy, notify us before they get behind the wheel. This step is crucial to avoid denied claims or potential legal issues.

Good Student Discounts for Auto Insurance

Did you know that many insurance providers offer good student discounts? If your student maintains a high GPA, they might qualify for lower premiums on their auto insurance. This discount rewards their hard work and encourages continued academic excellence.

How to Qualify
To qualify for a good student discount, typically, your student needs to:
  • Maintain a B average or higher.
  • Be enrolled full-time in high school or college.
  • Provide proof of their academic achievements, such as report cards or a transcript.
Benefits of Good Student Discounts
These discounts can result in substantial savings on your auto insurance policy, making it a great incentive for students to keep their grades up.

Renter’s Insurance for College Students

As summer ends and a new school year approaches, many families are preparing to send their children off to college. We've been receiving questions about renter’s insurance for students living in dorms.

Coverage Under Homeowners Insurance
While your homeowners policy may cover your student’s possessions, the deductible is often higher than the value of damaged or stolen items, and there are significant coverage limits.

The Benefits of Dorm Renter’s Insurance
Dorm renter’s insurance specifically covers your student’s belongings, such as laptops, bicycles, smartphones, and musical instruments. Though the chance of a burglary is relatively small, the risk varies by region and school. This insurance is affordable and provides significant peace of mind.

Consider dorm renter’s insurance before the school year begins to weigh its pros and cons. Much like other insurance policies, the true value often lies in the peace of mind it offers.

Contact Tully Insurance Agency

Navigating insurance options for your children, whether they're new drivers or college-bound, can be overwhelming. We're here to help you make informed decisions and ensure your family is adequately protected.

Contact Tully Insurance Agency today to discuss your insurance needs and explore the best options for your family. Whether you need advice on adding a new driver to your policy, exploring dorm renter’s insurance, or securing a good student discount, we're here to assist you every step of the way.
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