Having a child who can drive a car can be a stressful experience for any parent. However, having a child who is driving without proper insurance coverage is much more frightening. Some parents assume that their insurance policy covers their child. That might be true if your teen is still driving with a learner’s permit. Since a permit requires a licensed adult to be with them, your current insurance policy should cover them. 

Once they’re a fully licensed driver who is hitting the road on their own, however, they need their own coverage.  

The question is… 

How Do You Insure a Teenage Driver? 

As a minor, your child cannot purchase their own car insurance. This means that they’ll need to be added to you existing policy. Many parents are surprised to discover this can more than double the cost of their premiums. This is because drivers between the age of 16 and 24 are more likely to not wear a seatbelt, drive under the influence, and/or be involved in an accident.  

Whether you make your child pay for a portion of this insurance cost is ultimately up to you. Either way, the policy is under your name. The good news is, just like adults, teens benefit from safe driving records. Each year that they drive without an incident, their insurance goes down. Some companies even offer discounts for getting good grades. 

Once your child reaches a point where they can get their own car insurance, it can be beneficial to leave them under your policy. Unlike health insurance, there isn’t a cutoff for when your child can no longer be on your car insurance policy. As long as they’re living with you, they can be on your policy. 

The choice is yours. 

Insuring Your Teen for An Affordable Price 

Though insuring your child for driving can be pricey, you don’t really have a choice in the matter. If they’re going to drive, they need insurance. If they’re a minor, that insurance needs to in your name. However, you can still find affordable car insurance that covers your needs. 

The best way to do this is by using an insurance agent. 

At Link-Hellmuth, we work with all major insurance providers. We shop your policy around to get you the best coverage at the best price. For quality affordable auto insurance in Springfield, Ohio and the surrounding communities, contact Link-Hellmuth today!