Do you have to add your child to your insurance policy?
You should add your child to your insurance policy if they live at home. Adding a teenager to your auto insurance policy will increase your rates. Learn about what happens if you don't add your child to your auto insurance and how to save money if you do.
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Daniel Walker
Licensed Auto Insurance Agent
Daniel Walker graduated with a BS in Administrative Management in 2005 and has run his family’s insurance agency, FCI Agency, for over 15 years (BBB A+). He is licensed as an insurance agent to write property and casualty insurance, including home, life, auto, umbrella, and dwelling fire insurance. He’s also been featured on sites like Reviews.com and Safeco. To ensure our content is accura...
Licensed Auto Insurance Agent
UPDATED: Jun 26, 2023
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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: Jun 26, 2023
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.
On This Page
- If your teenager is a licensed driver and living in your home, you will need to add them to your policy
- Adding your child to your car insurance can increase your premium up to 161%, so make sure to shop around and look at our tips for reducing your rates
- Adding your child to your policy is still more affordable than getting them their own insurance
Do you have to add your child to your insurance policy? If your teenager is starting to use the family car, you are probably asking if you have to add your child to a family auto insurance policy. The rules will vary depending on the state you live in and your insurance company, and you might need to add your child to your policy even if they don’t use your vehicle.
In this article, we’ll explain whether adding a child to auto insurance is necessary, as well as what to expect in terms of an insurance rate increase.
When You Have to Add Your Child to Your Car Insurance
If have children who are licensed drivers living in your household, you will need to add your children to your auto insurance policy within the legally required time period in your state.
What happens if you don’t add your child to your auto insurance? If you fail to inform your insurance company that your teenager drives your car, you risk having your policy canceled (and a claim denied, if there is one).
Driving without auto insurance is not only illegal but can also have significant financial consequences if your teenager gets into a driving accident. That’s why it’s worth checking your local laws and advising your insurance company before you let your teenager behind the wheel.
Here are some important points to keep in mind:
- Your child won’t be able to get their own insurance policy as long as they’re a minor.
- Depending on the state and your insurance provider, your child may be able to stay on your policy even when they move out or go to college.
- If they own a car in their name, they’ll have to obtain their own policy.
If you’re considering auto insurance for a child of divorced parents, both parents might need to add your child to your policies. This will depend on the child’s living arrangements and access to your cars.
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The Cost of Adding Your Child to Your Auto Insurance
Adding your child to your auto insurance policy will most likely make your insurance rates go up significantly. The amount of increase will vary depending on the factors your insurance company uses to assess risk and determine rates.
Adding a driver under 25 years old to your insurance policy can increase your rate up to 161%.
It’s worth noting that adding your child to your policy is usually more cost-effective than getting them their own policy.
Do you need to add your child to your car insurance with a permit? Yes, but most companies won’t charge you a higher premium as long as your child has a learner’s permit.
Adding Your Child to Your Auto Insurance After They’ve Been in an Accident
Your premium could increase even more if they receive a traffic ticket or are involved in an accident.
Also, male drivers are more costly to insure since the number of male driver fatalities is more than double the number of female driver fatalities on a yearly basis.
If this is your situation, we suggest you request and compare offers from several different insurance companies. There are still options for cheaper auto insurance for drivers with accidents.
How to Save Money When You Add a Child to Your Auto Policy
You should always begin your search for affordable car insurance by shopping around for a better deal. Some insurance companies can offer discounts if your child has no access to your vehicle for a part of the year (for example, while they’re away at college).
There are many other types of auto insurance discounts available, such as:
- Good student auto insurance discount.This type of discount is available for students having a 3.0 GPA or higher.
- Low-mileage auto insurance discount. You’ll need to allow your insurance company to place a telematics device on your vehicle so that they can track your child’s driving habits.
- Discount for bundling insurance policies. Your insurance company might offer you a better rate if you insure both your car and your home within one package.
The type of car your child drives will also affect your rates, so getting them a cheaper, used model will reduce your premium. You could also add your teenager as an additional driver to your own car instead of purchasing another vehicle.
Finally, your child can attend a safe driving course to reduce their rates. You can contact the National Safety Council or AAA to obtain the list of driving schools in your state. No matter which discount you receive, adding a child to your car insurance will provide you with peace of mind.
What You Need to Remember About Adding Your Child to Your Car Insurance Policy
As soon as your teenager is eligible to drive, you should ensure that they are properly insured to avoid legal and financial ramifications. Adding your child to your car insurance policy is usually the most cost-effective way, even though it will most likely increase your premium.
Finally, don’t hesitate to shop around and compare auto insurance rates from different companies’ offers to get the best deal for your specific circumstances.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Do you have to add your child to your insurance policy?
In most cases, if your child has a driver’s license and will be driving your vehicle, it is recommended to add them to your insurance policy. Insurance companies generally require all licensed drivers in the household to be listed on the policy to ensure proper coverage in the event of an accident.
At what age should I consider adding my child to my insurance policy?
The age at which you should consider adding your child to your insurance policy can vary by jurisdiction and insurance company. In many cases, once your child obtains their driver’s license, they should be added to the policy. However, it’s advisable to check with your insurance provider for their specific guidelines and requirements.
Are there any exceptions where you don’t have to add your child to your insurance policy?
There may be exceptions where you don’t have to add your child to your insurance policy. Some common situations include:
- Permissive use: If your child only occasionally drives your vehicle with your permission and is not a regular or primary driver, they may be covered under your existing policy without being added as a listed driver. However, the terms and conditions of permissive use can vary by insurance company, so it’s important to verify this with your specific provider.
- Living away from home: If your child is away at college or living independently and does not have regular access to your vehicle, they may not need to be listed on your insurance policy. However, it’s crucial to inform your insurance provider about the change in circumstances to ensure accurate coverage.
Will adding my child to my insurance policy increase my premiums?
Adding your child to your insurance policy is likely to increase your premiums. Young and inexperienced drivers, such as teenagers, are considered higher risk by insurance companies due to their relative lack of driving experience. As a result, adding them to your policy may lead to higher premiums. However, the exact increase will depend on various factors, including your insurance company’s rating practices, your child’s driving history , and the overall coverage and limits of the policy.
Are there any discounts or ways to reduce the cost of adding a child to my insurance policy?
Yes, there may be discounts or ways to reduce the cost of adding a child to your insurance policy. Some common options include:
- Good student discount: Many insurance companies offer discounts for students who maintain good grades. If your child is a full-time student and meets the eligibility criteria, they may be eligible for a good student discount.
- Driver training programs: Completing an approved driver training program or defensive driving course can sometimes result in a discount on insurance premiums. Check with your insurance provider to see if they offer any such discounts and if your child is eligible.
- Comparison shopping: It’s always a good idea to shop around and compare quotes from multiple insurance providers. Different companies have varying approaches to rating and pricing, so you may find more competitive rates by exploring different options.
What happens if I don’t add my child to my auto insurance policy?
What happens if you don’t add your child to your auto insurance when they are a licensed driver and regularly drive your vehicle is that you may face significant consequences. In the event of an accident, your insurance company may deny coverage or refuse to pay for damages if they discover an undisclosed driver. It’s important to accurately disclose all licensed drivers in your household to ensure proper coverage and avoid potential complications.
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Enter your ZIP code below to view companies that have cheap auto insurance rates.
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Daniel Walker
Licensed Auto Insurance Agent
Daniel Walker graduated with a BS in Administrative Management in 2005 and has run his family’s insurance agency, FCI Agency, for over 15 years (BBB A+). He is licensed as an insurance agent to write property and casualty insurance, including home, life, auto, umbrella, and dwelling fire insurance. He’s also been featured on sites like Reviews.com and Safeco. To ensure our content is accura...
Licensed Auto Insurance Agent
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.