Should I add my teenager to my auto insurance policy? (Expert Advice for 2024)
You might wonder whether you should add your teenager to your auto insurance policy. You must add a teen to your insurance if they live with you and drive your vehicles, but it's 45% cheaper than teen auto insurance alone. Below, we'll overview whether you need to add a child to car insurance with a permit.
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Tracey L. Wells
Licensed Insurance Agent & Agency Owner
Tracey L. Wells is a licensed insurance agent and Farmers insurance agency owner with 23 years of experience. He is proud to be a local Farmers agent serving Grayson, Georgia and surrounding areas. With experience as both an underwriter and agent, he provides his customers with insight that others agents may not have. His agency offers all lines of insurance including home, life, auto, RV, busi...
Licensed Insurance Agent & Agency Owner
UPDATED: Sep 16, 2024
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Advertiser Disclosure: We strive to help you make confident auto insurance decisions. Comparison shopping should be easy. We are not affiliated with any one auto insurance provider and cannot guarantee quotes from any single provider. Our partnerships don’t influence our content. Our opinions are our own. To compare quotes from many different companies please enter your ZIP code on this page to use the free quote tool. The more quotes you compare, the more chances to save.
Editorial Guidelines: We are a free online resource for anyone interested in learning more about auto insurance. Our goal is to be an objective, third-party resource for everything auto insurance related. We update our site regularly, and all content is reviewed by auto insurance experts.
UPDATED: Sep 16, 2024
It’s all about you. We want to help you make the right coverage choices.
Advertiser Disclosure: We strive to help you make confident auto insurance decisions. Comparison shopping should be easy. We are not affiliated with any one auto insurance provider and cannot guarantee quotes from any single provider. Our partnerships don’t influence our content. Our opinions are our own. To compare quotes from many different companies please enter your ZIP code on this page to use the free quote tool. The more quotes you compare, the more chances to save.
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Once your child turns 16, you might wonder, should I add my teenager to my auto insurance policy? While your rates will increase, you’ll get cheap auto insurance if you add a teen to your insurance rather than getting a separate policy.
You may even qualify for a multi-vehicle auto insurance discount for insuring more than one car if you buy your teen a vehicle.
To find the best auto insurance coverage for your teen driver, enter your ZIP code above and to compare quotes from the best auto insurance companies in your area.
- You’ll need to add your child to auto insurance if they can drive and live with you
- Minimum coverage auto insurance for teen drivers starts from $78/mo
- Check for teen discounts when adding them to your policy
Deciding Whether You Should Add Your Teenager to Your Auto Insurance Policy
So, should I add my teen driver to my auto insurance policy?
Yes, it’s usually best to include your teenager on your policy rather than purchase coverage from a different company. The top providers offer significant savings to auto insurance policyholders who bundle multiple policies, and you can see a discount of up to 45% by adding a teen to your auto policy. Read more about how to save money by bundling insurance policies.
Teens have high insurance rates, so adding them to your policy is the best way to maximize savings. In addition, it's easier to manage your policy and pay bills when you add a teen to your insurance rather than get separate coverage.Schimri Yoyo Licensed Agent & Financial Advisor
Some reasons why auto insurance costs more for young drivers is because of their lack of driving experience and higher likelihood of driving distracted.
Take a look at how much you might pay for teen auto insurance coverage by itself:
Minimum Coverage Auto Insurance Monthly Rates for Teen Drivers
Company | 16-Year-Old-Male | 16-Year-Old-Female | 18-Year-Old-Male | 18-Year-Old-Female |
---|---|---|---|---|
$102 | $96 | $88 | $78 | |
$125 | $114 | $107 | $93 | |
$146 | $124 | $125 | $101 | |
$189 | $172 | $162 | $140 | |
$195 | $161 | $167 | $131 | |
$207 | $161 | $178 | $131 | |
$260 | $237 | $223 | $193 | |
$317 | $317 | $271 | $258 | |
$327 | $308 | $281 | $251 | |
$362 | $274 | $310 | $223 |
As you can see, since teen drivers are inexperienced, they have higher rates. So, it’s always best to add teen drivers to a parent’s policy.
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Understanding if You Have to Add Your Child to Car Insurance
While it’s usually best to add a teen to your insurance, you might wonder if you have to add them to your car insurance and what happens if you don’t. Your child must be on your auto insurance policy if they live in the same household and have access to your vehicles.
So, when is the best time to add your teen to your car insurance policy? Generally, you’ll want to add them when they get their permit or driver’s license.
What happens if I don’t add my teenager to my car insurance? Any claims involving your teen could be denied if you don’t add them to your policy or secure coverage elsewhere. Compare rates from the best auto insurance companies for teens to find the lowest cost.
Other Ways to Save on Teen Auto Insurance Rates
If adding a teen to your auto policy isn’t enough to get cheap rates, there are various other factors that affect auto insurance rates, such as discounts. Here are some other ways you can save on car insurance for a teen:
- Add them to your policy. While you don’t have to add your teenager to your own policy, you’d have to get coverage elsewhere, which could be more expensive. Consider adding your child to your auto insurance for the lowest rates.
- Ensure they get good grades. Most top providers offer a good student auto insurance discount to students with a 3.0 GPA (B average) or higher. So, you might save on teen auto insurance if your child has good grades.
- Have them take a driver’s education course. You could also have your teen take a driver’s education course to save on car insurance. Some companies will give teens a driver’s ed auto insurance discount for completion.
- Enroll them in usage-based insurance. Usage-based auto insurance monitors your driving habits and offers a discount based on how well you drive. So, you could get cheap car insurance for a teen if your teen is a safe driver.
- Qualify for discounts. There are various other teen auto insurance discounts to help them save on coverage, such as an anti-theft auto insurance discount or low mileage auto insurance discount.
Don’t feel bound to stay with your insurance company if they won’t give you a good rate to add your teenager to your policy. In most cases, they’ll work with you. They may even offer the same auto insurance discounts you get for bundling insurance policies with them.
However, if your insurance company charges outrageous rates for your coverage because you have a teenage driver, don’t be afraid to shop around for the best auto insurance for teenage drivers.
More About Adding a Teen to Your Auto Policy
If you’re helping a teen driver get their first license, adding a teen to your auto insurance policy is the best route to save on coverage, as you could reduce your rates by up to 45%.
Did you know that adding a teen to their parent's auto insurance policy could cost about 45% less than a teen on their own policy🤯? Thanks to https://t.co/27f1xf131D, you can learn what you need to find better rates🤑. For all the details, check out 👉: https://t.co/H1ClPy9A1k pic.twitter.com/YJzLSm2Tio
— AutoInsurance.org (@AutoInsurance) June 26, 2023
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Frequently Asked Questions
Should I add my teenager to my policy?
Adding your teenager to your auto insurance policy is generally necessary when they start driving. However, it can significantly increase your insurance rates, especially for high-risk drivers like teenagers (Read More: High-Risk Auto Insurance Defined). There are ways to minimize the impact, such as choosing the right car and discussing responsible driving habits with your teenager.
Additionally, comparing quotes from different insurance providers may help you find a more cost-effective option.
What age should I get off my parents’ car insurance?
There is no specific age cutoff for being covered under a parent’s car insurance policy. Unlike health insurance, where coverage generally extends until age 26, car insurance does not have a fixed age limit. You can remain on your parents’ policy as long as you meet their insurer’s requirements and are listed on the policy.
What happens if a driver is not listed on an insurance policy?
If a driver who is not listed on an insurance policy gets into an accident, the insurance company may deny the claim, leaving the policyholder liable for damages and repairs.
How does age affect auto insurance rates for teenagers?
Auto insurance rates by age vary, and teenagers, especially 16-year-olds, are considered high-risk drivers by insurance companies. This is primarily due to their lack of driving experience and higher likelihood of engaging in risky behaviors on the road. As a result, adding a teenager to your auto insurance policy can lead to increased premiums.
Are there any discounts available for insuring a teenager?
Some insurance companies offer the best auto insurance discounts for safety features in the teenager’s car, such as airbags and anti-lock brakes. Additionally, if you bundle your insurance policies with the same company, you may be eligible for discounts. It’s important to shop around and compare rates to find the best coverage at a cost-effective price.
What happens if I don t add my teenager to my car insurance?
If you don’t add your teenager to your car insurance and they drive your vehicle regularly, your insurance may not cover any accidents or claims involving them. This could leave you responsible for significant out-of-pocket costs for damages or injuries.
What can I do to encourage responsible driving for my teenager?
Before your teenager starts driving, have an open and honest conversation with them about the responsibilities and potential consequences of driving. Emphasize the importance of safe driving practices, such as following traffic laws, avoiding distractions, and never driving under the influence (DUI). Make it clear that any increase in insurance rates caused by their actions will be their responsibility.
Read More: DUI Definition and Implications
What age group has the cheapest car insurance?
Experienced drivers in their 30s, 40s, and 50s generally have the cheapest car insurance rates. This age group benefits from lower premiums due to their driving experience and lower risk profile.
What happens if I’m not on my parents’ car insurance?
If you are not listed on your parents’ car insurance policy and you drive their car, any accidents you cause may not be covered by their insurance. This could result in significant out-of-pocket costs for repairs or damages.
Can I switch insurance companies if mine charges high rates for teenage drivers?
Yes, you have the option to switch insurance companies if your current provider charges exorbitant rates for adding a teenage driver to your policy. It’s advisable to explore other insurance providers and obtain quotes from them. Learn how to switch auto insurance companies in our step-by-step guide.
Is it cheaper to be on your parents’ car insurance?
Generally, it is cheaper for younger drivers to stay on their parents’ car insurance policy. Teen drivers face significantly higher premiums when they are insured on their own due to their higher risk profile. Staying on a parents’ policy can provide lower rates.
Can I add someone who doesn’t live with me to my car insurance?
Yes, it is possible to add someone to your car insurance policy who does not live with you, as long as they are an immediate family member or someone who regularly drives your vehicle, depending on the insurance company’s policies
Do my parents have to add me to their car insurance?
Yes, your parents must add you to their car insurance policy. You cannot add yourself; the policyholders need to include you and provide the necessary details to the insurance company to ensure you are covered. Learn more about this in our article “Do you have to add your child to your insurance policy?”
Does age matter when it comes to car insurance?
Yes, age is a critical factor in determining car insurance rates. Younger drivers, particularly those under 25, typically face higher premiums due to their perceived higher risk. Rates often decrease as drivers gain more experience, with middle-aged drivers generally enjoying the lowest rates.
Do I have to live with my parents to be on their car insurance?
No, you do not have to live with your parents to be covered under their car insurance policy. However, if you own your vehicle or if there are specific requirements from the insurer, you might need to have a separate policy.
Can I drive a car under my parents’ name?
Yes, you can drive a car if your name is not on the insurance, as long as your parents have coverage for the vehicle. However, if you frequently drive the car, it’s important to be added to their policy to ensure full coverage. Before you add your teenager to your policy, enter your ZIP code below to compare rates from the top providers near you.
Free Auto Insurance Comparison
Enter your ZIP code below to view companies that have cheap auto insurance rates.
Secured with SHA-256 Encryption
Tracey L. Wells
Licensed Insurance Agent & Agency Owner
Tracey L. Wells is a licensed insurance agent and Farmers insurance agency owner with 23 years of experience. He is proud to be a local Farmers agent serving Grayson, Georgia and surrounding areas. With experience as both an underwriter and agent, he provides his customers with insight that others agents may not have. His agency offers all lines of insurance including home, life, auto, RV, busi...
Licensed Insurance Agent & Agency Owner
Editorial Guidelines: We are a free online resource for anyone interested in learning more about auto insurance. Our goal is to be an objective, third-party resource for everything auto insurance related. We update our site regularly, and all content is reviewed by auto insurance experts.