One of the biggest inconveniences for both parents of teens and teens who are just starting to drive are insurance rates. It’s no secret that rates are higher for new teen drivers because there are more risks. If you are a teen driver, or the parent of a teen driver and want to pay the lowest premium possible on auto insurance there are a few things you can do.

The first thing to consider is the type of car you pick. You don’t want to get a flashy car that goes fast. If you do this, you’ll be paying a high price for auto insurance. Your best bet is to get something like a Chrysler PT Cruiser or a minivan. The GMC Safari is known to be pretty cheap to insure. These vehicles may not be the sleekest, best looking rides out there, but you can take satisfaction in knowing that you’re paying less on insurance. The money you save on insurance could be used to go toward a nicer car down the road, or help to pay for college. Teens who consistently have good grades and take driver education classes will also have lower insurance rates than teens who did not do these things.

If you’re lucky enough to live in North Dakota, South Dakota, or Iowa you’ll likely be paying less than anyone else for auto insurance anyway. These states have the cheapest auto premium rates in the country. The Northeast has the most expensive rates, due mainly to the fact there is more traffic and congestion in this area than anywhere else in the country.