Read Jeffrey R. Wyrsch's March article “Insure high net worth clients.”

Many of us can remember the apprehension we first had when we got behind the wheel, wondering if we could really drive. We heard lectures in drivers' ed about the dangers on the road, including accidents, speeding and drinking and driving, just to name the most publicized perils of driving. But when the lessons were over, there you were behind the wheel with the driving instructor beside you, probably fearing for his life.

Most of us made it through the classes and behind-the-wheel training, but the biggest test was still to come–driving with Mom and Dad. Once again, we all eventually overcame this hurdle as well and moved on to getting our license and our first car.

I can't imagine that any of us at that age knew much about comprehensive, collision, liability, PIP and other confusing things. Nobody ever told me about the ins and outs of auto insurance.

This gets us back to drivers' ed insurance, and by that I mean lessons about insurance in high school drivers' ed classes. What better way to educate our teenagers and drivers of the future about not only the necessity of car insurance, but the cost of it and how that cost is arrived at, and the long-term ramifications even a single poor decision behind the wheel can have on their future?

Our agency approached the local high schools several years ago about including a section on car insurance as part of their drivers' education classes. Just recently we had two of our personal lines producers conduct an entire day of the drivers' ed classes at Southern Regional High School in Manahawkin, N.J. (along the shore near Long Beach Island). Our producers, Eva Corliss and Nilda Schiemen, explained the importance of safe driving and the lifelong consequences when students are involved in accidents, getting speeding tickets, reckless driving tickets and DUIs.

The class went over very well, both with the teachers and the students. The teachers were surprised at how attentive the students were, and how actively they asked questions and interacted with
our producers.

In the classroom environment, it is important to keep it simple so teenagers can understand what you're saying and will not lose interest and stop paying attention. Keeping the comments on a level they can associate with is important. They already know the physical dangers of driving, so emphasizing the added cost for even a speeding ticket on their record can go a long way. We know at that age it is cool and fun to have a flashy car and drive fast to impress your friends; but making sure teenagers know the consequences of their actions can have a big impact on their futures.

Often insurance agents think that parents will handle their teenagers' insurance and advise their children accordingly. But how many of our customers know the ins and outs of a complex personal auto policy? Think of all the times you assisted customers in understanding a coverage selection form, and still they don't always understand it all.

What better time to start the consumer's car insurance education than when they first start driving?

Some of these students will not be going to college, so the real world is right around the corner for them. Leaving high school to enter the work force is hard enough. Having a better understanding of at least one of the many issues they will face will make that life adjustment easier for them.

This program can have a positive effect for any agency. We have created lifelong customers by providing such valuable services. Having your agency's name out there, along with the faces to go with it, keeps people coming in the door and looking to you for advice when they need it. Offering education for drivers of all ages on a regular basis can only lead to more sales. Keeping your agency in the public eye for fun community events in conjunction with these educational services will go even further. With the economy and competition the way it is, there no such thing as too much community involvement for any independent agency.