Insurance companies' guidelines differ so you will need to contact your insurance agent to find out if your insurance carrier will require your son to be put on your policy. In general most insurance providers do require you to place your child on your auto insurance policy, either after they have received their permit / provisional license or full license. When they need to be put on as a driver varies from one company to another.

As you are likely aware when you signed the parental consent form for your minor (under the age of 18) son to obtain his license you agreed to assume full financial responsibility for him until his 18th birthday. The Alaska Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) minor consent form states where the parent or guardian signs that "the person who authorizes issuance of the license or permit is liable for damages caused by the minor when driving a motor vehicle."

Since liability is placed upon you as the parent that signed the consent form for your child you will want to make certain that he is properly covered by your car insurance carrier. Most always this requires your child to be placed on the policy as a driver.

The AK mandatory insurance law requires the operator or owner of a motor vehicle subject to registration to have motor vehicle liability insurance in effect when the vehicle is driven on a highway, vehicular way or area, or other public property in the state.

The owner's or driver's motor vehicle liability insurance policy must meet the minimum coverage amounts required by law. The minimum coverage amounts are $50,000.00 for injuries or death to any one person, $100,000.00 for total injuries or death per collision, and $25,000.00 for property damages.

Adding a teenage driver to your insurance policy usually raises your rates by quite a bit since this class of driver is inexperienced and prone to be in more accidents. So when adding your son to your policy check with your insurer about any possible discounts you can receive. For example the AK Division of Insurance notes that many insurance companies have found that students who earn a B average or better tend to have fewer accidents. For this reason, many companies offer a good student discount.

You may also see if your insurance company offers discounts if you son takes a driver education course. Discounts for driver education courses are targeted primarily at younger and older drivers. Some drivers may be able to lower their auto insurance rates by voluntarily participating in a state-approved course.