Before you get your driver’s license, you must learn to drive on a learner’s permit. But even teens with a learner’s permit must have car insurance.
In most cases, a driver with a learner’s permit will be covered by the insurance policy associated with their driving car. But sometimes, a driver with a learner’s permit may want independent coverage. So, can you get car insurance with a permit? The answer is yes.
Keep reading for everything you need about car insurance as a driver with a learner’s permit.
- As soon as you get your driver’s license and purchase a car, you must insure it.
- Joining a parent’s policy is the cheapest way to get car insurance as a teen with a learner’s permit.
- Your options will be limited if you need car insurance with a learner’s permit.
- What is a learner’s permit or driver’s permit?
- How does a learner’s permit work?
- Can you get car insurance with a learner’s permit?
- How do you get car insurance with a learner’s permit?
- What are the requirements for learner drivers and car insurance?
- What types of car insurance are offered to learner drivers?
- How can you save money on car insurance with a learner’s permit?
- Can you buy and register a car with a learner’s permit?
- Final thoughts: Car insurance for drivers with a learner’s permit
- FAQ: Car insurance for drivers with learner’s permits
- Resources & Methodology
What is a learner’s permit or driver’s permit?
A learner’s permit is a restricted license that allows first-time drivers to get behind the wheel and practice before earning an official driver’s license. You must obtain a driver’s permit before legally driving a car. Such permits go by many names, including driver’s permits, learner’s licenses, provisional licenses or minor permits.
With a permit, you can drive under restricted circumstances as long as a fully licensed adult driver accompanies you. Eventually, you will graduate with a full driver’s license. In most states, you can apply for a learner’s permit once you are 15, although this varies from state to state.
How does a learner’s permit work?
Student drivers can earn a driver’s permit once they fulfill their state’s requirements. Drivers with a learner’s permit are only allowed to drive with a licensed driver who is 21 or older in the front seat. There are strict requirements for moving violations and renewals in each state.
Can you get car insurance with a learner’s permit?
Yes, you need to be covered by an auto insurance policy if you are driving with a learner’s permit.
“Most young drivers with a learner’s permit are likely covered under their parent’s policy, and premiums shouldn’t increase until they are legally licensed,” says Carole Walker, executive director of the Rocky Mountain Insurance Information Association.
If you’re younger than 18, you can’t buy car insurance with a learner’s permit.
If you are a newly licensed minor and your parents already have a policy, they should add you to their car insurance policy — you can’t purchase car insurance on your own until you’re the age of majority in your state.
Learn about the average car insurance rates for 16-year-olds
How do you get car insurance with a learner’s permit?
Drivers who want car insurance with a learner’s permit can shop for car insurance like any other driver. If you’re driving with a licensed adult in a family member’s car, the family member’s insurance policy should cover you.
The most important thing to do when shopping for car insurance is to get several quotes to ensure you get the best price.
However, it gets tricky – and expensive – if you own a vehicle. Auto insurance companies won’t insure teens younger than the age of majority in your state because an auto policy is a legally binding contract, which you can’t enter until you’re an adult. And if you get your own policy, you’ll be paying high rates – the average price for a 16-year-old driver with a full-coverage policy is $7,625 per year.
| Driver | Teen policy | Parent’s policy with a teen |
|---|---|---|
| 16-year-old female | $6,782 | $4,144 |
| 16-year-old male | $7,625 | $4,462 |
| 17-year-old female | $5,576 | $3,861 |
| 17-year-old male | $6,272 | $4,156 |
What are the requirements for learner drivers and car insurance?
The vehicle must be insured if you are driving a car – even if you don’t have a driver’s license. So, at the very least, the vehicle must be insured for the minimum amount required by your state’s laws.
Also, remember that if you have a learner’s permit and damage a vehicle, you’ll face the same consequences as a fully licensed driver. So, drivers with learner’s permits must carry enough car insurance coverage to be fully reimbursed for any losses.
What types of car insurance are offered to learner drivers?
If you are younger than 18, many car insurance companies will require that you have a parent or guardian co-sign the policy. Most car insurance companies have underwriting restrictions saying that the named insured cannot be younger than 18.
Walker says insurers don’t typically sell car insurance policies to drivers with a learner’s permit on their own.
“In some cases, the car insurance company might require you to start the policy with a driver who has a valid license until you have your own license,” she says. “So, you’ll need to shop around for a higher-risk or non-standard company. An independent agent will likely be your best bet.”
How can you save money on car insurance with a learner’s permit?
If you have a learner’s permit, the best way to save money on car insurance is to be added to the policy that covers your household. This will be a parent’s auto insurance policy for most new drivers.
Car insurance is expensive for new drivers, especially if they are young. It will be much more costly to purchase a policy in your own name than to be added to another car insurance policy as a driver with a learner’s permit. However, it is crucial to note that their rates will increase if you are added as a new driver to a parent’s policy.
Fortunately, these car insurance rates should drop as new drivers age and gain more driving experience. New drivers also can help their parents save money on auto insurance by qualifying for discounts.
Your insurer may offer price breaks for new drivers who:
- Maintain good grades in school.
- Take a recognized driving education course.
Can you buy and register a car with a learner’s permit?
Yes. As long as you have the cash, nothing can prevent you from purchasing a car, even if you don’t have a driver’s license.
However, you may not be able to register the car until you get a license. Rules differ from state to state. Contact your state’s Department of Motor Vehicles to determine registration requirements.
You can register a vehicle in many states as long as you have official identification. For example, in Massachusetts, you can register a car without a driver’s license if you have a Massachusetts ID or a Social Security Number.
In Colorado, you must provide proof of insurance and proof of vehicle emissions.
In Delaware and Rhode Island, you need a valid driver’s license to complete the registration process. You must contact the local police department for a VIN inspection and possess a current Rhode Island driver’s license or out-of-state license with proof of residency and insurance. Within five business days of registering, a safety inspection must be performed.
Remember, registering a car and driving it are two different things. To legally drive a car, you must have a driver’s license.
Final thoughts: Car insurance for drivers with a learner’s permit
When you learn to drive a car, it opens a new world of possibilities. You need learner’s permit car insurance, but companies may require you to be added to a parent’s policy if you are going to drive their car with a permit.
FAQ: Car insurance for drivers with learner’s permits
Do drivers with a learner’s permit need car insurance in California?
All vehicles in California must be insured before they take to the state’s roads. It is illegal for anyone to drive a car that is not insured. California requires liability insurance to register your vehicle.
Who can be in the car with a learner’s permit driver?
There are many restrictions on those with a driving permit. Laws vary from state to state. But in many places, a driver with a learner’s permit must be accompanied by a fully licensed adult.
Can you have a minor in the car with a permitted driver?
Minors are not allowed to ride in cars driven by those with only a learner’s permit.
Can 16-year-olds drive alone on a learner’s permit in Florida?
Resources & Methodology
Sources
California Department of Insurance. “Automobile Insurance Information Guide.” Accessed July 2022.
Colorado Department of Revenue. “Registration Requirements.” Accessed July 2022.
Delaware Division of Motor Vehicles. “Vehicle Services Titling.” Accessed July 2022.
Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles. “Identity Requirements for Vehicle Registration.” Accessed July 2022.
Rhode Island Division of Motor Vehicles. “Frequently Asked Questions.” Accessed July 2022.
Methodology
CarInsurance.com commissioned Quadrant Information Services in 2022 to field rates for auto coverage data by ZIP code for 16-year-old and 17-year-old drivers.
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