Insurance Options For A Family That Has A New Driver
Your teen may be anxious to begin driving, especially if many of their friends are already being afforded the opportunity to get behind the wheel. Before your child takes the permit test at a local DMV branch, check out insurance options that will provide adequate coverage.
Sooner Rather Than Later
Rules vary, depending upon insurance agencies, and this includes the timeframe in which you should acquire automobile insurance for your teen. Most new drivers are added onto a parent or a guardian's existing account and the type of insurance, as well as the vehicle's make, model, and other details about the car will have a bearing on how much your insurance rate will go up. Some agencies request that a driver is added as soon as they acquire their learner's permit, in order to receive the lowest rate that is being offered.
Check with your insurance agent, to acquire details about the manner in which your child should be added to an existing policy. If you will receive the same rate, whether you add your loved one earlier or later on, you have some leeway, which will allow you to determine how the new payment will be handled.
Asking your child to chip in is not unreasonable and if their school schedule is not too difficult for them to keep up with, they can get an afterschool job. Even a weekend job will be sufficient and will allow your kid to learn a bit about responsibility and the importance of earning one's keep, in exchange for driving privileges.
An Increase In Protection
If you are currently carrying basic liability coverage, it may be time to 'beef up' your insurance policy. A new driver is more likely to be involved in some time of accident, in comparison to a more experienced driver. This includes minor fender benders and more serious accidents that result in moderate damage.
Even if your teenager is mindful while spending time on the roadway, it is best to be armed with more coverage, since anything can happen at any moment, even when you or your spouse are driving. It would be unfortunate to rely upon a basic insurance policy and then deal with the aftermath of an accident, including being charged a lot of money for repairs or damages to another person's vehicle. The increase in protection will ultimately protect everything that you have worked so hard for, plus will give you peace of mind when your child is driving solo.
For more information on auto insurance, reach out to a local insurance provider.