You’re right to be worried -- your auto-insurance premiums are likely to skyrocket when your teenage son starts driving. But a few key moves can help you cut costs significantly.

Teenagers, by their nature, are inexperienced and make for more risky drivers. Thus car insurance companies charge higher premiums to insure teen drivers. In other words, getting car insurance for your teenage driver is going to be expensive. However, you and your teenager can take steps to control your insurance costs.

Parents are usually most focused on teaching their teens to drive before thinking about insurance. Yet you want to make sure your teen is covered before he or she actually starts driving. Here are some tips to help you get the best insurance value.

1. Get a quote from your current auto insurance company. Then comparison shop with at least two or three other companies.

2. If you buy your child a car, think about the insurance costs as well as safety. A new sporty vehicle will cost considerably more to insure than an older, safer used auto. However, you want to make sure that whatever your teen is driving is safe.

3. If you have multiple vehicles ask your insurance company to list your teenager as the driver on only one of your vehicles -- preferably the oldest and least expensive one. Insurers will expect that your teen will only be driving the car he or she is listed on.

4. Good grades can count in the form of good student discounts. Let your teenager know about this.

Even though it may save you money, you probably should not reduce the limits of liability on your teenage driver. Since they are among the highest risk drivers on the road, you want to make sure you are financially protected. If they cause an accident, you'll be responsible for the difference between the limits on the policy and the actual damages.

The best way to save money on car insurance for teenagers is to help them keep a clean, accident-free driving record. Be a good role model. Talk to them about the dangers of driving while speeding, drinking, talking on a cell phone and more.