Teen driving: Insights for insurance agents

When parents call to add a teen driver to an auto policy, the conversation often starts with one question: How much will this cost?

But premiums should only be part of the discussion. Many families are also concerned about safety, distracted driving and whether their teen is truly prepared for the responsibilities of being behind the wheel.

These concerns are reflected in Nationwide’s Driving Behaviors 2026 Survey Findings, which reveal widespread anxiety about teen driving among both parents and everyday passenger car drivers (we’ll refer to as “consumers”). The findings also present an opportunity for independent agents to serve as trusted advisors, helping families navigate coverage decisions while encouraging safer driving habits.

The reality of teen driving today: Teen driver statistics

Confidence in driving ability varies dramatically depending on who is behind the wheel. Teen drivers have crash rates nearly 4 times those of drivers that are 20 and older per mile driven¹.

The survey findings show that while 71% of consumers rate their own driving as “very good” or “excellent,” only 12% say the same about teens overall. Even parents of teen drivers express only moderate confidence, with 46% giving their teen those top ratings.

Not surprisingly, anxiety levels are high. In fact, 91% of parents say they are at least somewhat anxious about their teen driving. Their biggest concerns include other dangerous drivers on the road, poor weather conditions, and distracted driving.

Parents’ concerns about teen driving are also shaping how some view autonomous vehicles. The survey found that 40% of parents believe an autonomous vehicle could be safer than letting their teen drive in certain situations. Additionally, 43% say they would trust an autonomous vehicle more than their teen on prom night.

For agents, these concerns create opportunities for more meaningful conversations. Adding a teen driver is often a significant milestone for a family, and many parents are looking for guidance that extends beyond policy pricing.

Distracted driving remains a top concern

Distracted driving continues to be one of the biggest worries for parents.

According to the survey, 85% of parents and 84% of consumers believe teens are more distracted behind the wheel than other age groups. Additionally, 73% of parents say teens are less safe drivers than previous generations.

Many parents report seeing teens engage in unsafe behaviors behind the wheel:

• Eating or drinking while driving (48%)
• Texting (24%)
• Accessing social media (21%)
• Getting ready while driving, such as styling hair or applying makeup (21%)

However, distraction is not limited to smartphones. Parents also report that many teens struggle with multitasking, navigating unfamiliar roads and managing stress while driving. Nearly half say their teen experiences anxiety behind the wheel, often tied to heavy traffic, unfamiliar situations or the actions of other motorists.

These findings can help agents facilitate productive conversations about risk reduction. Encouraging parents to establish phone-free driving expectations, limit passengers for new drivers and reinforce defensive driving habits can complement insurance discussions and strengthen client relationships.

The role of drivers education classes for teens

Do teens need more behind-the-wheel training? Consumers and parents overwhelmingly believe the answer is yes. Nearly 9 in 10 consumers (89%) and parents (88%) agree teens should complete more behind-the-wheel training before becoming licensed. At the same time, approximately 70% of both groups say parents could be doing more to help ensure their teens are safe on the road.

For agents, these findings reinforce the value of discussing:

• State-specific graduated driving licensing (GDL) requirements:
  • GDL programs help teens gain experience in stages, beginning with supervised driving, then moving to an intermediate period with limits on higher-risk situations like nighttime driving and carrying teen passengers
• Driver education and defensive driving programs:
  • Agents can encourage families to view driver education and defensive driving programs to add structure to practice time and reinforce habits like staying alert, managing distractions and watching for other drivers. This message may resonate especially well given how many parents say teens struggle with distraction, unfamiliar roads, and stress behind the wheel.
• Household driving expectations and restrictions:
  • A written family agreement can help parents set clear expectations around curfews, passengers, phone use, and restricted areas, while also spelling out consequences if those rules are broken. Putting those expectations in writing can make it easier for families to increase privileges gradually as teens gain experience and demonstrate safe decision-making.
• Nationwide’s family driving agreement:
  • Nationwide’s family driving agreement gives agents a practical tool to share with families because it covers teen commitments, parent expectations, privilege limits, and consequences in one place. It can help turn a general safety conversation into a specific plan that encourages accountability and reinforces that safe driving is a shared responsibility.
• Coverage considerations as teens begin driving independently:
  • As teens move toward more independent driving, agents can use the moment to review policy updates, discuss which coverages matter most for the household and highlight available programs that support safer driving habits. Safety-focused tools such as SmartRide can also help connect the coverage conversation to real-time driving feedback and potential premium savings for safe behaviors.

Although 89% of parents say they understand their state’s teen driving laws, confidence does not always translate into preparedness. Reinforcing safe-driving conversations early can help families reduce risk before an accident occurs.

Technology can promote safe driving for teenage drivers

Independent agents are well-positioned to help families learn about telematics tools not just to monitor, but to actively support safer driving habits. Nationwide programs like SmartRide® and Focused Driving Rewards® are great tools to help parents encourage their teen driver with real-time feedback and incentives.

“Parents want to feel confident that their teens are making smart choices behind the wheel,” says Casey Kempton, President of P&C Personal Lines at Nationwide. “These tools help make that possible—not just by monitoring behavior, but by encouraging better habits through positive reinforcement.”

• SmartRide® tracks behaviors like hard braking, speeding, and phone use. It provides real-time feedback and can lead to insurance premium discounts for safe habits. The goal is to help teens learn from their driving experiences and build safer habits over time. Also, JD Power ranks Nationwide best in customer satisfaction among usage-based auto insurers for third straight year.
• Focused Driving Rewards®, a newer initiative, is open to all drivers—not just Nationwide customers. It’s designed to help reduce phone-related distractions and reward safe driving with e-gift cards from popular retailers.

By introducing these tools during conversations about teen drivers, agents can provide practical solutions that align with families’ safety goals.

Turning concern into opportunity with teen driver education

For independent agents, conversations about teen drivers are about more than adding a vehicle or adjusting a premium. They are opportunities to build trust, provide guidance and help families make informed decisions about safety.

By understanding the concerns parents have about teen driving and by introducing tools, resources and coverage options that can help address those concerns, agents can position themselves as valuable advisors during one of a family’s most important driving milestones.

Before quoting or modifying policies, agents should review carrier-specific underwriting guidelines, eligibility requirements and program availability.