Picturing your teen behind the wheel of a car is enough to cause most parents a few sleepless nights. The last thing you need is the added worry of finding cheap car insurance for teenagers.

Finding good car insurance for your teenage driver isn't really a nightmare (if you're made of money). But trying to find inexpensive teen auto insurance? Well, that's pretty much guaranteed to boil your blood.

Trying to Find Cheap Car Insurance for Teenagers?

You're probably more than a little anxious about putting your precious darling on the road alone. So is your insurance company. The hardest part of finding inexpensive car insurance for your teen is that companies share your anxiety. They worry about putting an inexperienced young driver on the road, and with good reason.

According to the Institute for Highway Safety, teen drivers are four times more likely to be involved in a car crash than older drivers. So it's no surprise that adding a teen driver to your auto policy will inevitably bump up your premium--significantly. But following a few simple tips can help keep it from breaking the bank.

Choose the Right Car

Whether you're buying a car especially for your teen driver or you're shopping for a new family car, picking the right ride is critical to getting the cheap car insurance for teenagers.

• Your kid may lust after some cool wheels, but if you're buying a car just for your teenager, avoid getting a sports car. It will be way more expensive to insure than a more sensible model.
• Forgo a hot new car. Instead, opt for a ride that is five to ten years old. An older car is going to be cheaper to insure than a newer vehicle. And we're not talking pennies. It could save you a real bundle.
• Hitting up the used car lot is a sure way to save on teen insurance premiums. A vehicle's depreciated value gives an insurer less monetary risk compared to a newer car. Plus, covering an older car doesn't force you to carry as much collision and comprehensive coverage as you would on a new car.

Regardless of which way you go, make sure your teen driver's wheels are loaded with safety features. Not only will you sleep better at night, you'll also save money. According to a survey of insurance agents by the I Promise program, the more safety features the car has, the more discounts you will get.

Other Ways to Save

• Good grades can bring down the cost of teen auto insurance. If your kid maintains at least a "B" average or a 3.0 GPA, you could save up to 20% on premiums.
• Making the grade in an approved Driver's Ed course is another way to save on teen insurance coverage. Even a straight high school Driver's Ed class will get you a discount with many companies. Be sure to check with your insurer before paying for a pricey private class. Driving courses can save you 15% on teen insurance premiums, according to the Independent Insurance Institute.
• Ask your insurer about additional discounts offered for teens who complete a defensive driving course. Not only will the investment drive down your premium; it will also give your teen driver a bit more experience behind the wheel and make an accident less likely.
• Add to your deductible. Getting a higher deductible will make your teen's coverage more affordable. Going from a $250 to $500 or $1,000 deductible can save you 10 to 20 percent, according to the IIABA. Just be sure you'll be able to cover that deductible should the unthinkable (but statistically probable) first accident happen.
• Have your teen listed on your auto insurance policy as an "occasional" or "pleasure-use only" driver on the car rather than a "primary" driver.

Avoiding that first fender bender, traffic ticket or moving violation is key to keeping auto insurance premiums down in the long run, so be sure you spend plenty of time bringing your teen driver up to speed on the importance of following all those rules of the road.

Involve your teenager in the process, too. Letting him or her see exactly what is involved in finding cheap car insurance for teenagers, letting them see the challenges along the way (and the high costs) will make them more likely to commit to keeping their driving record clean. And that will bring you both lower insurance premiums and priceless peace of mind.