FAQ's/Additional Information

Teen Driver Monitoring Services

Q: Will I be able to speak directly to the motorist who reported the incident?
A: No. It is important to maintain the confidentiality of the caller. However, the customer can request additional information of the TeensOnBoard representative, who will attempt to get additional information from the motorist who reported the incident.

Q: What if the motorist did not see the license plate or TOB code number?
A: Our TOB decals are bright, bold and legible. But should this occur, parents can still feel confident that by simply displaying the bumper sticker, your teen will most likely be on his or her best driving behavior.

Q: How long will it take to receive my report once it is called in by a motorist?
A: Once a call is placed, an e-mail report is generated by our customer service representative taking the call. We then forward a report to you via e-mail or phone within hours of the incident. It is recommended that you furnish TOB with an e-mail address that is not accessible to your children.

Q: How do I know this service will work?
A: While this is a new concept to consumers, it has been very successful in the trucking and fleet industries for many years. In fact, many companies have reported a 20-25% reduction in accidents and police intervention. Some companies have actually been able to get discounted rates from their insurance carriers. And if you never receive a report, chances are it is because your teen is driving more carefully as a TOB customer.

Q: Will I get a discount on my auto insurance policy?
A: Because the program is new, we know of no auto insurance company offering discounts as of yet. However, TOB is working to make inroads with insurance companies. Through advertising and awareness programs, the big insurance companies like Allstate and State Farm have shown great interest in teen driver safety.

Q: When is my teen’s driving incident a matter for the authorities (police) vs. TOB?
A: The first thing we say when a motorist calls is: “if this is an emergency, hang-up and dial 911.” TOB is here to support you as the concerned parent or guardian of a teen driver. It is not intended to interfere or be in place of law enforcement, to who we defer in all instances.              

Q: My son/daughter will resist having TOB information on his/her car. It may appear “un-cool” to his/her friends. How do I get past this resistance?        
A: The short answer is that given the frightening statistics concerning teenager drivers, you as responsible parents want the assurance that until the teen is an experienced driver, this is a comfort for us. It needs to be stated that just as driving is a “rite of passage” for a teen, the TOB service is viewed by the parents as a “rite of passage” for gaining access to the family car! We know this is a difficult issue, so we have included in our website a feature entitled “Tips for Overcoming Resistance to the Program.”

Q: Teens being teens, how will you know if a motorist’s call is a crank call made by another teen?
A: The questions on the call go into great detail, which a “crank caller” would have difficulty answering. A suspicious report will also be forwarded to the parent as such.

Q: What if my teen tries to remove the bumper sticker?
A: The bumper stickers we use are permanent, in that they cannot be removed by the teen. Contact us at info@teensonboard.com for further information.

Q: What happens if during the time I am a customer, we change automobiles?
A: If you buy or switch cars, TOB will sell you a new bumper sticker and decal at a nominal charge. Your subscription and service will not change as a result of the switch in cars. Please notify us as soon as you change cars at info@teensonboard.com.

Q. After I subscribe, when will the service begin?
A: Once you have enrolled in the program, TOB will send your welcome packet within 7-10 business days. Your welcome letter will include the start date of your program and other important information.

Q: Why should I consider enrolling for 1 vs. 2 years?
A: Although teens will become more experienced drivers, statistics show a significant percentage of accidents and moving violations into the 2nd and 3rd year of driving. We recommend the 2-year program because it takes several years to develop experience in different driving situations and to mature as adults. Teens also continue to physically and cognitively mature into their mid-twenties.

Q: What if I want to enroll for more than 2 years or for more than 2 cars?
A: Currently our program is discounted for 1-2 year programs. In the event a customer wants to enroll for more than the two year program, the third or fourth year will incur the additional fees currently available in our 4 options.

Q: What if I have more than 1 teen driver in my household?
A: We set up our options per car, so if another teen in your household is using the same car, they are covered. You will need to keep track of who is using the car at any given time in the event an incident is called in for the driver of the car at that time. If the second teen is using his/her own car, you will need to enroll the second car too.

Q: Can I split up my payments?
A: In order to contain our costs so we can offer you reasonable rates, we need to receive the full payment for the plan option you selected.

Q: Can I pay by check or money order?
A: Yes, just fill out and mail us your enrollment form along with your check or money order to the address on our Contact page. Or, send us an email at info@teensonboard.com

Q: This sounds like a good idea for a fundraiser or community program in my town. Do you have such programs?
A: We are currently in the process of finalizing fundraising and community programs. Please contact us at info@teensonboard.com  for further information.

Q: I’ve read about an electronic device, like a navigation system, that can be installed in the teen’s car. Why is your program better?
A: The electronic device costs several hundred dollars to purchase and install, and in order to be effective must continually be monitored by the parent. Our program is designed to be more modest in price, practical and unobtrusive.

Q: How do you suggest we share the incident report with our child?
A: While you are in the best position to know how to communicate with your teenager, we would suggest sharing the report with your teen and letting the teen explain his/her side of the story. Since we are dealing with new drivers, often their mistakes are a result of their inexperience. Continue to work proactively with your teen to help him/her continue developing and practicing safe driving skills. Walk away from your discussion with a short list of items you have committed to doing to take corrective action.

Q: What are the most common incidents reported?
A: Speeding, driving while on a cell phone, talking to other passengers and not paying attention, running a stop sign or red/yellow light, blaring music, tailgating, weaving, and not using directionals are the most common incident reports.

Q: What else can I do to improve my teen’s driver safety?
A: Limit their driving to daytime, limit the number of passengers they can drive with, and limit their driving during hazardous rain and snow conditions. Keep strict rules about wearing seat belts and not using cell phones. Keep driving with them from time to time to help them improve their skills. Set a good example by driving safely yourself.