As the back-to-school season kicks into high gear in Ohio, families are balancing hectic schedules, school supply lists, and adjusting to new routines. With so much going on, it can be easy to overlook something critical: making sure your home, auto, and especially your teenage drivers are properly protected.
At Preferred, our purpose is clear—to protect and improve lives so you can peacefully focus on what really matters. And that purpose is never more important than when families are navigating big transitions like the start of a new school year.
Prepare for the Unexpected
The school year brings a surge in activity: kids walking or biking to school, buses back on the roads, and parents rushing to drop off or pick up. These added risks call for a fresh look at your insurance coverage and safety plans.
Prepare for a Safer School Year at Home
The school year brings structure—but it also brings chaos, especially during those early mornings and after-school rushes. Now is a smart time to:
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Double-check smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.
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Review your home insurance policy to make sure your liability coverage is up to date (especially if your home becomes the neighborhood hangout after school).
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Store electronics and expensive gear safely—most policies cover them, but only if you can prove value.
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Consider a personal articles policy if your child is taking a laptop, musical instrument, or expensive equipment to school.
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Consider adding a personal umbrella policy for additional liability coverage.
Make Sure Your Teen Driver Is Properly Insured
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Update Auto Insurance Policies: If you have a teen who’s recently started driving or just got their license, don’t delay. Adding them to your policy or getting them their own policy is not only required, it ensures that they’re covered in case of an accident. Teens are statistically more likely to be in a crash, so make sure coverage includes adequate liability limits, adding collision coverage, and consider adding accident forgiveness.
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Look Into Good Student Discounts: Many Ohio insurance carriers offer discounts if your teen maintains a B average or better. Let us shop multiple carriers to help you find the best value.
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Consider Roadside Assistance: Especially important for young or new drivers. It’s peace of mind for you, and a safety net for them.
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Review Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage: This protects your family if they’re hit by someone with little or no insurance—a vital coverage in today’s world.
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Talk Safety With Your Teen: Seat belts, no phones while driving, and following speed limits aren’t just rules—they’re life-saving habits. Take the time to sit down and talk about it.
Know What to Do After an Accident
Every driver—especially a new one—should know these steps:
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Stay safe. Move to a safe area if possible.
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Call 911 if anyone is hurt or the situation is dangerous.
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Exchange information—driver’s license, insurance, license plate, and contact info.
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Take photos of all vehicles, damage, and the scene.
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Call your agent as soon as possible—don’t wait to file.
Update Emergency Contact & Insurance Info
Back-to-school is also a good time to:
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Add emergency contacts to your insurance files.
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Make sure your kids (especially teens) know where to find your insurance ID cards.
Review your roadside assistance coverage. -
Store insurance agent contact info in your phone.
Ready for a Confident Start to the School Year?
Now’s the time to double-check your coverage and make sure your teen drivers are ready, responsible, and protected. Don’t wait until something happens—because by then, it’s too late to prepare.
🛡️ Let’s make this school year your safest and most secure yet.
👉 Get a Personalized Insurance Quote
