DR. WALLACE: I graduated from high school in June, and I'm working for a bakery owned by my grandfather. I was not a good student and did not like to study, so I will not be attending college.
My grandparents purchased a used car for me so I can get to work. I really like having my own car. I was tired of asking my mom if I could borrow hers. I am responsible for everything concerning the car - gas, upkeep, tires and insurance. I understand why gas prices are high, but I don't understand why my insurance is unbelievably high. I don't drive recklessly, even though I do speed once in a while.
Why do insurance companies sock it to teens when it comes to car insurance premiums? I think they know we will pay them because we are so excited to get our own cars. This isn't fair. We are getting ripped off! — Driver, San Diego, Ca.
DRIVER: Insurance companies make money by paying out less then they take in. That's a simple statement, but it's very true. One of the factors in determining premiums is the number of accidents for various age groups. Teens have excellent motor skills and could be superb drivers, but youthful exuberance often overpowers caution. Young adults have the highest accident rate of any age group, so that's why your premium seems excessive. You are paying for the youthful exuberance, and inexperience, of many generations of teen drivers that have come before you.
As an example of why insurance companies add a surcharge to young drivers, the National Highway Safety Administration reported that last year's drivers between ages of 16 and 24 were involved in more than 16% of fatal alcohol-related accidents - the highest percentage of any age group.
No matter what you pay, the price is relatively low for the protection you have. Like they say, you don't need insurance until you are involved in an accident. My advice to you is to find the best, most "relatively affordable" insurance you can and then drive wisely within the rules of the road. Watch your speed so that stay within the posted speed limits and if you maintain a clean driving record over several years, your premiums will drop over time as you age.
IT'S TIME FOR THE FACTS OF LIFE
DR. WALLACE: I'm 13 and would like to find out some information on the "facts of life." I asked my mother several times to talk to me about things I want to know, but she always says, "In due time. You are too young for all that sex talk." I can't talk to anyone at my school since we don't have any sex education classes because I attend a Christian school and discussing sex is not permitted. We are told that sex discussions should be held with parents.
My mom's younger sister is 19 and has had a few steady boyfriends, so she should know how to answer my questions. If my mother continues her "You're too young" response when I want sexual questions answered, would you suggest that I take my questions to my aunt? We are pretty close. — Anonymous, via email
ANONYMOUS: Don't go to your aunt for answers. Your mother still is your best source of information. One day, when mom is in a good frame of mind, tell her that you are well aware of the facts, but have a few personal questions. Ask her to please answer them. If she still refuses, ask her to please allow you to talk with your doctor. Don't get mom upset, but continue politely "pestering" her until you get your answers. Calmly tell her you want to understand the facts correctly from someone you trust rather than hearing unverified things from kids at school. Then mention that the person you trust the most in the whole world is her.
Dr. Robert Wallace welcomes questions from readers. Although he is unable to reply to all of them individually, he will answer as many as possible in this column. E-mail him at rwallace@thegreatestgift.com. To find out more about Dr. Robert Wallace and read features by other Creators Syndicate writers and cartoonists, visit the Creators Syndicate website at www.creators.com.
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