What You Need to Know About the teenSMART Driver Program and How to Participate
The teenSMART driver program can help teens decrease their risk of an accident and qualify them for car insurance discounts.
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Car accidents are the leading cause of death for teenagers between 15 and 18 years old, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).1 The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) also reports that drivers between the ages of 16 and 19 are at the highest risk for car accidents of any age group.2
ADEPT Driver offers the teenSMART driving education program, which helps teenage drivers practice safe driving habits and reduce their risk of car accidents. The program is available online and may even qualify teen drivers for lower insurance rates.
Here’s what you should know about the teenSMART program to help you decide if it’s a good option for your teen driver.
What is the teenSMART program?
The teenSMART program helps reduce teen drivers’ chance of collision through a series of modules and simulations. Participants learn how to anticipate potentially dangerous driving situations, improve their situational awareness, and prepare to react in unexpected incidents. The program focuses on visual search, hazard detection, speed adjustment, space management, risk perception, and lifestyle issues.
ADEPT Driver states its program uses advanced behavior science, research, and testing to create a system that targets the primary cause of accidents. It claims teens who complete the program reduce their risk of collision by an average of 28% and up to 49% — and have 51% fewer bodily injury claims than teens who don’t complete the program. Additionally, it reports that participants’ chances of receiving a traffic violation decrease by up to 67% for one year after completing the course.3
ADEPT Driver designed the teenSMART program for new drivers, but it doesn’t replace driver’s education courses or local requirements for driver’s permits or licensing.
Who’s eligible for the teenSMART program?
To be eligible for the teenSMART program, you must have:
A permit or driver’s license
A parent or licensed driver older than 25 to work with for parent-teen activities
An up-to-date computer or tablet with an internet connection
Participants can complete the program at a pace that works best for them. While ADEPT Driver has no deadline for completing the course, your insurance company may require you to complete the course within a certain time to qualify for the discount.
Families with multiple qualifying teen drivers must pay for each separate driver. ADEPT offers a $20 discount for additional drivers.
How the teenSMART program works
Parents of teen drivers can buy access to the teenSMART training program. After ordering, parents will receive a link with a licensing key from ADEPT Driver. Drivers and parents can access the program after completing registration. Parents who complete the registration should register their teen as the program user.
ADEPT Driver charges $119.95 for the program, though you may be able to find discounted rates through your insurance company. Participants should expect to spend at least four hours completing the modules. The program consists of 20-minute modules, and participants may work as quickly or as slowly as they need.
ADEPT Driver’s teenSMART program includes computer-based lessons and practices. Teen drivers will complete driving simulations that highlight the common causes of teen driver crashes and help teens practice avoidance skills. The simulations feature live footage and ask drivers to click when they see a hazard or when it’s safe to make a turn.
Additionally, teens and parents will watch videos, participate in discussions, and use the online skills they learn in real life.
Companies that offer teenSMART discounts
Some car insurance companies offer discounts for completing the teenSMART program. It’s important to note that some insurers only offer discounts in some states.
If you don’t see your insurance company below, it’s worth calling your agent to find out if your teen is eligible for a teenSMART discount.
Central Insurance Companies
CSAA Insurance Group
MAPFRE Insurance
Mutual of Enumclaw
West Bend
Benefits of the teenSMART driver program
Investing in the teenSMART driver program and completing the course can help your teen and your finances in the following ways:
Prepares teen drivers to handle the most common causes of accidents
Reduces the likelihood of distracted driving and traffic violations, like speeding tickets
Hands-on learning activities that teach drivers in real time
Potential for insurance discounts
Other car insurance discounts available to teens
Adding a child to your car insurance can increase your rates. But many insurance companies offer opportunities for teen drivers to qualify for cheaper car insurance rates. Some other discounts available to teen drivers include:
ADEPT Driver’s teenSMART program FAQs
Parents of teen drivers can learn more about safe cars to buy their children and explore common auto insurance discounts to lower their car insurance premiums. Here are the answers to common questions about car insurance for teens.
Why is insurance coverage for teen drivers so expensive?
The CDC reports that drivers between the ages of 16 and 19 are at a much higher risk for collisions and fatal accidents. Additionally, younger drivers have less experience behind the wheel, which also increases their risk of loss. This increased risk causes insurance companies to charge more for coverage to offset the potential for filing claims.
How can teenage drivers save on car insurance coverage?
Teens can save money on car insurance by taking advantage of multiple discounts, including discounts for completing the teenSMART program, getting good grades, and attending college away from home. Additionally, teens may save money through a safe driving program and by driving a vehicle with high safety ratings.
Are there any benefits or discounts for completing the teenSMART driver program?
Yes. Completing the teenSMART program has many benefits. ADEPT Driver says that teens who complete the program reduce their chance of a collision by an average of 28% (and up to 49%) and have 51% fewer bodily injury claims than teens who don’t complete the program.
Teens who complete the program can qualify for insurance discounts, and they also learn how to handle the most common causes of car accidents.
How long does it typically take to complete the teenSMART driver program?
It takes about four hours of computer time to complete the teenSMART program, and parents and teens also have in-car exercises to complete. Each module takes about 20 minutes to complete, and teens can complete the program at their own pace.
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