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My daughter or son just got their drivers permit. Do I need to add him/her to my Maine Car Insurance policy?

APRIL 16, 2021

What do I need to know?

When the time comes for your son or daughter to get their driver’s permit, it is important to understand the facts before they hit the road. Once your child has his/her permit the first thing you should do is to call your Maine car insurance agent and discuss your policy requirements.  Some carriers require you to list the permitted driver immediately while others wait until he/she is officially licensed.

Maine Car Insurance – Looking to the future when you have a permitted driver in the household?

This is one of the best advantages of working with a Maine Independent Insurance Agent.  When your circumstances change, your insurance may need to change too.  As a Maine Independent Insurance Agent, we have the ability to remarket your car insurance and find you the best product for the best price.  When it comes to youthful drivers there are many things to consider so we’ll help you work through the complex maze of options and help you make well informed decisions about what’s right for you.  CLICK HERE for a quote on auto insurance.

Will it cost a lot to add my son or daughter to my car insurance policy?

We won’t sugarcoat it, it won’t be cheap. And there is some justification to it. When you think about it, new drivers have zero experience. When they get behind the wheel, your car insurance policy goes with them. If something goes wrong, your car insurance company is on the hook up to your limit of liability. That could be hundreds of thousands of dollars, or more. And with all the distractions, accident frequency with new drivers is higher than ever. Cell phones, music, passengers, eating or drinking, and more. CLICK HERE for new driver safety tips.

Do I have my son/daughter get their own Car Insurance policy?

If your child is under the age of 18 it is usually in your best interest financially to add them to your current car insurance policy. By adding them to your policy they are getting the benefit of your preferred rates, including whatever discounts you may be receiving (bundle, multi-car, good driving experience, etc).

Does practice make perfect or improve driving habits?

Maybe not perfect but practice sure helps. During the permit phase of your child’s driving experience, it is really important to be a good role model.  Teach your child good driving habits to keep your car insurance premiums lower in the long run.  The more driving time they can get in before being licensed the more knowledge and experience they will have before you let them out on their own as a licensed driver.

What are some of the ways I can lower my rates when adding my daughter or son to my car insurance policy?

Many carriers offer a variety of discounts. The most obvious one is bundling your car insurance with your house insurance. Others include your child being on the honor roll at school, increasing your deductibles, having an older car they drive that only needs liability coverage and not collision, to name a few. CLICK HERE for a more complete list of ways to save money on car insurance.

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