With back-to-school season upon us, it won’t be long before your teenager asks to borrow the car. But, before they get behind the wheel, a conversation about your teen insurance needs to occur. So many questions come up when it comes to adding a teenager to your insurance policy. Should they be a casual driver? Should they get their own policy? When should you add them to your policy?
Driving is a pretty big step for teenagers as it gives them newfound freedom they did not previously have. However, with the new privilege comes new responsibilities. So today, we’re going to help you, parents, with some of the most common questions that come up and, hopefully, make your life a little bit easier.
Start with Teen Insurance Quotes
You should first contact us to get an auto insurance quote on adding your teenager to your policy. You should also get a quote for their own teen insurance policy separate from yours. While it is less expensive to add another driver to your policy, it’s good to have the individual quote as well. If you want them on their own policy with their own car, there are certain things you can do to reduce the cost. For example, having them drive one of the safest cars on the road and providing them with the opportunity to go to driving school will certainly save you money. In addition, if they have been driving well, you could look into our telematics insurance policies, which reward great driving.
When to Add Your Teen
When your teen first gets their G1 (learner’s permit), you should contact your insurance company to let them know. In some cases, you can add them to your policy as an occasional driver for free because they will not be driving alone or often. However, once they acquire their G2 and maybe driving alone, they absolutely need to be added to the insurance policy. The sticker shock of adding a teen to your insurance may be tough, but the reality is they NEED to be covered. So please do not take a risk when it comes to auto insurance and your teenager.
Use Parental Powers
One of the best gifts you can give your teen driver is to teach them how to be safe drivers. This means both leading by example and providing them with the opportunity to go to driving school. Driving is not a right but a privilege. As a parent, this gives you significant power and influence on your teenager. In exchange for this new freedom, you can set specific requirements. For example, setting a proper curfew (no driving at night, for example) or to keep a certain grade point average. Considering their driving directly impacts your insurance policy, you want to be sure that they take that responsibility seriously. It would help if you also had your teenager pay for a portion (or all) of the increase in cost. This not only will ensure they are responsible but teach them the value of cash as well.
If your teenager is ready to drive, you should immediately insure them. While your premiums will certainly go up (teen drivers are the most expensive to insure), having the peace of mind that they are covered will help you sleep better at night. Consider getting a safe car to save a bit of money on insurance. Additionally, have an ongoing dialogue with your teen about their driving, their responsibilities, and the cost of insuring them. It’s an important step in their development, and also yours as a parent.
If you have more questions about setting up a new driver on your policy or driving school discounts, make sure to contact a member of our team.
