Irrespective of age, drivers are mandated to have the minimum coverage under auto insurance as stipulated by the law of the state they reside in. Adding your child to your car insurance is one of the most important steps to take once your child starts driving.
As soon as your child obtains their driver’s license, you can reach out to your insurance provider and request for them to be listed as a driver on your car insurance policy.
Adding your child to your car insurance ensures they have the right amount of protection if they get into an accident while driving your car or someone else’s car within your household. The process of adding them to your policy involves contacting your insurance company and providing information about your child.
Does My Child Need to Own a Car to Have Insurance?
Not necessarily! Your child does not need to own a car before enjoying coverage under standard auto insurance. You can add your child to your car insurance policy, provided he/she drives your vehicle or someone else’s own within your family. This option is especially for teen drivers who are under the age of 18 and are unable to purchase car insurance of their own.
Do You Have To Add Your Child To Your Car Insurance?
Since children under the age of 18 are considered minors and the process of getting insurance for them is often difficult, adding your child to your policy is a wise option. Even if your child finds an insurance company that offers car insurance for minors, they still need your presence to sign the insurance contracts.
On the other hand, if your child already has a learner’s permit, your car insurance policy can offer coverage for your child. It is important to note that you will not find the same coverage for permitted drivers in all auto insurance companies.
Is It Possible to Get Insurance If I’m Below 18?
You can find insurance companies that offer car insurance policies for those below 18 years of age, but it would be difficult because not so many insurers issue auto insurance policies to minors. If you eventually find an insurance company that sells insurance for minors, note that the policy will be approved under the supervision of your parent or guardian.
It is also noteworthy that the premium of insurance for minors is usually pricey, so expect to pay higher insurance rates than others. The best way to save money is by adding a teen driver to the parent’s insurance policy.
Pros of Adding a Child to Your Car Insurance Policy
There are several benefits attached to adding a child to your auto insurance policy, some of which include:
- Steady coverage.
- Cost effective.
- Multi-car bonus and other discounts, such as good student.
In addition, adding your child to your car insurance policy allows he/she to build up their driving history under your policy.
Cons of Adding a Child to Your Car Insurance Policy
While we consider the advantages of adding a child to a car insurance policy, let us also look at some of its drawbacks:
- Premiums can potentially increase.
- Bigger claim possibilities.
- The child’s driving record and claims can affect the parent’s policy and rates.
How to Add Your Child to Your Car Insurance Policy
Understanding the right steps to take when adding your child to your auto insurance policy is crucial. There is no exact right age or time to add your child to your policy, but once they start driving your car or someone else’s, follow the steps highlighted below:
• Reach out to your insurance company
Call your insurer and inform them of your plan to add your child to your insurance policy so he can be covered if an unforeseen event occurs. Your insurance company will request certain information from you, including personal information about your child. If you need clarification about coverage options and discounts available for your child, ask your insurer.
• Get a quote
After informing your insurance company about your intention, the next step is to ask for a quote. Getting a quote will give you an idea of how much it costs to add your child to your insurance policy. By doing so, you would be able to prepare ahead, so you won’t be faced with difficulty when asked to pay the premiums.
• Shop around
This is the best way to find an insurance company that offers a lower rate for adding your child to your auto insurance policy. By shopping around, you would be able to narrow down your options and select the one that best aligns with your preference, budget, and the needs of your child.
• Add your child to your policy
As soon as your child completes the stage of driving test, the next step is to add them to your car insurance policy. Don’t forget to utilize discounts that your child may qualify for in order to reduce the cost of your premiums.
Once it’s time to renew your policy the following year, you can also be on the lookout for better options by shopping around and comparing quotes from several insurance companies.
FAQs
Are children covered under the parent’s car insurance?
Sure, as long as the child lives under the same roof with the parents, he/she can stay under their insurance policy.
Car insurance does not have an age limit, so it covers children, provided they are added to your policy. All you have to do is contact your insurance company and let them know your intentions of adding your child to your policy.
What information do I need to add my child to my car insurance policy?
In the process of adding your child to your policy, there are certain questions you will be asked to provide by your insurance company.
Usually, it encompasses the personal information of your child, such as name, sex, date of birth, social security number, etc. The information needed also depends on the insurance company you are working with.
If your child qualifies for any type of discount, such as a good student, you will be asked to provide a copy of his or her recent grades to confirm his or her eligibility for the discount.
When should my child get his own car insurance policy?
The answer to this question depends on a variety of factors, but usually the exact right age for a child to get his/her insurance policy depends on their location and unique needs.
If your child lives at the same address as you, keeping them on your policy is an ideal option. But if they move to another house and now own a car, they can now purchase an auto insurance policy of their own.
