What You Need to Know About the teenSMART Driver Program and How to Participate

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.

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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.

• Allstate

• Central Insurance Companies

• Commonwealth Casualty Company

• CSAA Insurance Group

• Erie

• Farmers

• Liberty Mutual

• MAPFRE Insurance

• Mutual of Enumclaw

• The Hanover

• 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:

• 

  Good student

  Students can earn up to 25% off their coverage costs with good grades. Students can utilize these savings until they turn 25.

• 

  Student away at school

  College students who attend school 100 miles away from home and use the vehicle only when at home may qualify for discounted rates.

• 

  Safe driver

  Teen drivers may qualify for a discount as high as 20% when they use a safe driving app. Some companies offer additional discounts once a driver completes a year in the safe driving program.

• 

  Vehicle safety features

  Many insurers offer discounts for drivers who choose vehicles with high safety ratings and additional safety features, like rear cameras.

ADEPT Driver’s teenSMART program FAQs