- Contact your insurer once your teen gets a learner’s permit.
- Each state sets its own rules for how long teens must hold a permit, supervision requirements and when they can progress to a full license.
- Common discounts for teens include good student discounts, safe driver programs, telematics (usage-based insurance) and driver’s education courses.
Many insurance companies don’t require that parents add a 15-year-old to the car insurance policy. That means you won’t have to pay a higher premium for listing your teen on your coverage yet.
However, once they start to drive on their own, you’ll need to add them to your car insurance policy.
Inform your insurer about a teen driver in the house
A driver with a learner’s permit should be supervised at all times. Some companies will want to add a driver with a learner’s permit to the policy, so check with your insurer about its requirements.
Once the teen advances to the next step of a state’s graduated driver’s licensing (GDL) program and starts driving on her own, you will have to add her to your policy. At that time, your premium will increase.
States where 15-year-olds can get a learner’s permitFifteen-year-olds are eligible for a learner’s permit in several states, including:
- Alabama
- Alaska
- Arkansas
- Iowa
- Kansas
- Montana
- North Dakota
- South Dakota
Each state sets its own rules for how long teens must hold a permit, supervision requirements and when they can progress to a full license. Always check with your state DMV for the most up-to-date details.
How to save money on car insurance for teens
Since insurance premiums will increase when you put your teenager on your auto policy, you will want to seek ways to save money. Shopping around for the best auto insurance rates is important, but you can also look for discounts.
Adults can receive discounts for being married, maintaining good driving records, owning multiple cars and carrying homeowners insurance with the same company. For your child, your rates can be discounted if your teen gets good grades or establishes a good driving record, but that takes time. Most companies offer discounts to students with good grades — typically a B average or higher.
Find out more about car insurance for learner’s permit drivers, the best ways to insure a teen driver and the best car insurance for new drivers.
How much is car insurance for a teen driver?
If you must add your teen to your car insurance, you can expect a hefty premium increase. When adding a teen, make sure to shop around for car insurance. You may find a company that offers better rates for teen drivers.
The average annual cost for teen drivers with full coverage car insurance:
- Age 16: $5,753
- Age 17: $4,966
- Age 18: $4,483
- Age 19: $3,556
Find out more about auto insurance for teens at various ages:
Frequently Asked Questions: 15-year-old drivers
Can a 15-year-old get their own car insurance policy?
No, insurers won’t issue a stand-alone policy to a 15-year-old. Teens with learner’s permits are typically added to a parent or guardian’s existing car insurance policy until they are eligible for a full license and can buy coverage on their own.
Do you have to insure a 15-year-old with a learner’s permit?
It depends on the state and the insurance company. Some insurers require that all household drivers, including permit holders, be listed on the policy. Others allow you to wait until the teen is licensed. Always check with your insurer to avoid gaps in coverage.
How much does it cost to insure a 15-year-old driver?
Insurance rates for teens are among the highest because of their inexperience. While a 15-year-old may not yet have a separate premium, families should expect higher costs once the teen is licensed. Adding a teen to a parent’s policy is usually far cheaper than buying a stand-alone policy later.
Which states let 15-year-olds get a learner’s permit?
Several states allow teens to get a permit at age 15, including Alabama, Alaska, Arkansas, Iowa, Kansas, Montana, North Dakota and South Dakota. Rules vary by state, so check your DMV for eligibility and restrictions.
What discounts can help lower the cost of insuring a 15-year-old?
Common savings include good student discounts, safe driver programs, telematics (usage-based insurance) and driver’s education courses. Bundling auto with home or renters insurance may also reduce premiums for families with teen drivers.
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