Car insurance rate news - Parents’ driving habits reflected in offspring

Car insurance news - Rate of bad driving affected by parents' driving habits

The high car insurance rate for young drivers could largely be caused by the ways in which parents conduct themselves behind the wheel, according to new research

A study run by AXA insurance has revealed that drivers aged between 18 and 30 years old are three times more likely to receive penalty points on their driving licence or a driving ban if their parents have received them.

Similarly, the research showed that drivers who have watched their parents drinking alcohol before driving a vehicle are seven times more likely to repeat the same behaviour themselves.

Drivers who claimed their parents drive with an aggressive attitude are 50% more likely to convey the same traits themselves. These behaviours include, sounding the horn, swearing at other motorists and flashing headlights.

Chief Claims Officer at AXA Car Insurance, Robin Reames, said, "I'm sure most parents would hate to think that the lessons they are teaching their children while they sit in the back of the car could end up in behaviour on the road that leads to a tragic road accident."

Parents who set a good example of safe driving are likely to transfer similar skills to their offspring, potentially improving the chance for drivers searching first time car insurance of finding a good car insurance rate in the future.