Yeah, I feel you on that. My daughter went through one of those safety courses too—supposedly top-notch stuff. Didn't stop her from scraping the curb backing out of Starbucks the very next day... sigh. Honestly, I think it's just a matter of time and mileage. Discounts are nice, but there's no substitute for real-world driving experience. Maybe these programs help a bit, but they're definitely not magic bullets.
Had a similar experience with my son—he aced the safety course, got the discount, then promptly backed into our mailbox a week later... so much for "top-notch" training. Honestly, I've found local insurance agents can sometimes be more flexible with younger drivers, especially if you build a relationship. Big names might offer tempting initial discounts, but when it comes to handling claims or adjusting rates after minor incidents, local providers often have a bit more wiggle room. Either way, you're right—no substitute for miles under the belt. Just gotta buckle up and ride out those early years (and keep some touch-up paint handy).
Funny you mention local agents—I get the appeal, but honestly, I've had better luck with bigger companies when it comes to classic cars. Had a minor fender-bender in my '68 Mustang (don't ask... rookie mistake), and the big-name insurer handled it surprisingly smoothly. Local guys were friendly, sure, but didn't quite grasp the nuances of vintage car values. Guess it depends on what you're insuring—modern daily driver vs. weekend cruiser makes a difference. Either way, teenage drivers are gonna keep us all on our toes... and at the body shop.
Interesting point about classics, but do you think bigger insurers handle teen drivers better too? I've always wondered if local agents might cut younger drivers more slack... or is that just wishful thinking on my part?
From my experience, bigger insurers usually have structured discounts for teens (like good grades or driving courses), but local agents might have a bit more wiggle room on rates... though probably not as much as we'd hope, haha. Either way, teen drivers = wallet pain.
