Nothing quite prepares you for the feeling you get watching your teen drive off on their own for the first time. Securing car insurance for teen drivers is a step you need to take prior to that first solo experience but how do you insure them? Let’s look at some of the most common questions parents ask when it comes to getting car insurance for teen drivers.
Do I Have to Add My Teenage Driver to My Insurance?
If your teen lives with you, or primarily drives your car, you’ll need have them added to your insurance as a named driver. It’s likely that you’ll need to add them to your insurance as a named driver even if they only have a learner’s permit. This is an important factor to be aware of since your car is most likely the one they’ll be driving as they practice their new skills and gain road hours toward their license. While you always want your teen to be safe, in the case of an accident, it is possible that insurance claims may be denied when the insurance company learns your teenage driver operated your vehicle without being insured. You could run the risk of your entire policy being voided, an auto insurance mistake you don’t want to make!
The option for some teens to obtain their own car insurance policy separately is possible, but only if they have their own car. There are benefits getting car insurance for teen drivers by adding them to your insurance policy. You can avoid higher rates associated with the higher risk of an insurance policy that’s exclusively for a teen driver, often qualifying for multi-driver discounts. There’s even a Good Student Discount that can be beneficial to your wallet.
Keep in mind that each state has unique driver’s insurance laws. Michigan’s current driver insurance rules which apply to drivers of all ages can be found here: http://www.iott.com/reform/. Discussing insurance options with your agent can help you decide what is best for you and your teen.
If I Add a Teen to My Car Insurance, How Does Coverage Work?
It is generally a straightforward process to obtain car insurance for teen drivers. Simply contact your insurance agency to add your teen to your policy. They will update your policy to include your teen as a named driver. Once this happens, your teen will be protected under the same policy as you. The only difference between adding a teen or adding a spouse to your policy is the significant impact teens have on your policy’s cost.
How Much Is Car Insurance for Teens?
Speaking of significant cost, there isn’t an exact figure. Several factors including your teen’s specific age determine how much car insurance for teen drivers will cost. For instance, a 16-year-old driver will cost more to insure than a 19-year-old. There are other factors such as your deductible, the type and age of the vehicle, and the maximum coverage for your vehicle that all play into the policy cost determination.
Should I Modify My Insurance Policy When Adding a Teen?
One of the more frequent questions asked when seeking car insurance for teen drivers is about policy modification. Whenever you make any changes in your life, including preparing car insurance for teen drivers, it’s important to gather all the information available to help you make an informed decision.
If there is a concern about your teen driver’s liability, increasing the liability limits on your policy can ease your worries. There’s also the option of raising your deductible if you are interested in cost savings to help offset adding a teen to your policy. It is important to remember that while you may see a cost reduction in your policy’s premium, you still want to make sure that your deductible fits into your budget should a situation arise where you need to pay it.
Once you have done your research, talked with your insurance agent and secured the right car insurance for your teen driver, the only question you’ll have when you hand over the keys will be, “When will you be home?”
Contact Iott Insurance for a Quote Today
Iott Insurance has been a part of southeast Michigan for over 50 years. We can help you plan your insurance needs and find you the right policies or plans to protect you.
Or you can visit one of our three offices in southeast Michigan:
Blissfield, MI – (517) 628-4574
Lambertville, MI – (734) 807-3825
Petersburg, MI – (734) 215-9884
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