Car Insurance for Teen Drivers

Most states will allow a 15-year-old to obtain a learner’s permit. With a learner’s permit, your teen can drive only if accompanied by a certified driving instructor, parent or guardian who has a valid driver’s license and rides in the front.

At the age of 16, your teen can apply for a “probationary” driver’s license. Be aware that many states enforce night curfew hours and graduated drivers’ licensing laws (GDL).

The GDL system is designed to ease young drivers into becoming experienced by gradually giving them more difficult driving situations. Over 40 states have three-stage graduated licensing systems. Several other states have portions of GDL programs in place. These programs aim to reduce fatal crashes among 16-year-old drivers.

For more information on the graduated driver licensing laws (GDL), visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration website.

Contact your local Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) or visit www.dmv.org to learn how your teen can receive a learner’s permit. In most states, your teen will need to complete a driver’s education course – which is highly recommended, even if it’s not required by your state.

In some instances, additional discounts for teenage drivers can apply upon completion of a driver’s education course.

Make sure your teen understands that driving is a privilege that can be taken away. As the parent, you set the rules and guidelines. Make an agreement with your teen and have your teen sign a contract.

Four things to remind your teen:

  1. Remember to buckle up! It’s against the law to drive without wearing your seat belt. If you’re pulled over and not wearing a seat belt, the police officer will issue a ticket with a heavy fine to pay. You could lose your license.

  2. Speeding, tailgating, joking around, talking on the phone and eating are risky driving practices that can lead to accidents.

  3. Playing loud music is a distraction and may make it impossible to hear an oncoming emergency vehicle.

  4. As always, drinking and driving is completely out of the question!

The National Safety Council offers a family guide to teen driver safety.

Yes. Once your teen starts to drive, you’ll have to begin insuring your teen driver separately. To make it easier on your wallet, make sure to inquire about any good grade discounts. If your teen has a good report card, you could be eligible for a discount on your auto insurance.

You should contact your insurance agent about learners permit auto insurance when your teen is about to get behind the wheel. Your agent will explain the costs for insuring a teen driver.