A teenager getting their license is a stressful time for parents. Making sure your young driver is properly insured doesn’t have to be. Parents are going to have a number of questions about properly insuring their children. At American Family Agency, we are here to answer any questions you may have about insuring your teen driver in Florida.
One of the first questions many parents ask will be, does my teenager need to be added to my policy if they have their learners permit? In most cases, your auto insurance policy will automatically provide coverage for a driver on a learners permit as you should be in the car with them at all times during this learning phase. It is always best to contact us as soon as your son or daughter begins driving. Even if they do not need to be formally added to your policy right away, this can help make the transition smoother when that time comes. We will let you know all of the steps you will need to take so that you are well prepared.
Once your teenager becomes a licensed driver, he or she will need to be properly insured. You will be wondering whether it is best to add them to your existing auto insurance policy or to get them their own separate policy. This is entirely up to you, but remember, the moment they start driving on their own, they will need to be fully insured.
If you choose to add your teenager to your existing auto insurance policy, you need to be prepared for your rates to go up. Teenagers are much more likely to be involved in accidents than experienced drivers. While there are no additional coverages are required by law for teen drivers, because of the increased number claims insurance companies pay on them, their insurance rates directly reflect this.
While the rates on your policy may go up, in most cases, this option will still be less expensive than getting them their own policy. Keep in mind that any accidents or traffic violations they are responsible for will affect your rates.
You may also be able to take advantage of discounts by adding your teenager to your auto policy. Adding an additional car to your policy can save you money through a multi- car discount. You could be eligible for a discount if your son or daughter goes to school relatively far away and rarely drives. If they get good grades while in school, the discounts can be even greater.
The car your teenager drives will also affect your rates. Stay away from sportier cars with high horsepower which can tempt young drivers to test their limits. Larger, safer vehicles tend to be less expensive to insure and your teen will be less likely to drive them carelessly.
You will probably have more questions based on your individual circumstances. We urge you to contact us so that we can answer these questions and help guide you through the process of insuring your young driver. Whether you are located in Crystal Beach, Palm Harbor, Ozona, or Clearwater, American Family Agency can help you with all of your car insurance needs.