State laws and insurance guidelines differ so you will need to inform your insurance carrier's agent and discuss the licensing of your children and when they will need to be added to the policy.

An insurer is permitted to consider all resident operators of an insured vehicle in rating of an auto insurance policy. This includes your child, even if he or she has only a learner's permit.

Insurance companies in are usually permitted by state insurance laws to use classifications that reflect a possible exposure for liability on the part of the insurer, in the event that bodily injury or property damage occurs due to that child's operation of the vehicle.

With some state laws and some insurance carriers your children would be automatically covered for a time period, however since that it a given you will need to speak to your agent to find out about your specific insurance company's requirements.

Some insurance companies will not require children to be added during the permit stage but will once they receive their provisional, junior or full license. Other insurance providers have internal guidelines that require you to add your children as soon as they start the licensing process.

Most all insurance companies require that you list all licensed drivers living in your household on your insurance policy so that they will be properly covered to drive your cars. If the insurance company is not informed of the licensing status of your teens and they are not added but are in an accident driving your vehicle, it may be possible for the insurance carrier to deny a claim. We have also heard that some will cover the claim but then charge you for the premiums that should have previously been paid for the teenager to be on the policy. 

If you contact your auto insurance agent now, before your children start the licensing process at age 16, you will know what to expect when they do get licensed and what coverages you will need to place on them. If you are wondering about state laws regarding car insurance for teens you can contact your state's insurance regulator.