I am going to get my driver’s license here in Wisconsin very soon. I know I will be added to my dad’s policy since I am a licensed driver now. Is there any way I can soften the blow to the auto insurance premiums he’s going to be paying since I am a teen driver and the rates are much higher?

Harold

Milwaukee, WI

You are right. Your inclusion in your dad’s auto insurance policy will raise his auto insurance premium. When a teenager is added to somebody’s auto insurance policy, and I assume that’s what you are, that somebody’s risk factor is affected negatively. Teenagers are statistically known to be reckless and inexperienced–not a very good combination. Your willingness to minimize the effect of your inclusion to your dad’s auto insurance, however, is commendable and a good sign.

There may be some things a teenager can do to minimize this negative impact on your father’s auto insurance premium rate. Of course, you’ll have to check this with your father’s auto insurance company in Wisconsin. You may enroll in a driving school that is acknowledged by your dad’s auto insurance company. Usually, auto insurance companies extend discounts to those drivers with defensive driving backgrounds. Having good grades at school can also help your dad. I’m not talking about your dad’s peace of mind about your academic performance, but auto insurance recognizes the link between diligent students and good driving habits. They believe that students who do well in school, those maintaining a B average or higher, will be very responsible on the road.
Ask for discounts, you never know what you might be able to get and how much you can save by asking. Some popular discounts can be given for:

1. Military personnel

2. Good grade students

3. Union membership and bank member affiliations

4. Safe drivers with no claims in last 7 years

5. Defensive driving school attendance

6. Clean credit history – used by many carriers to determine payment risk

Although adding you to your dad’s insurance will raise the auto insurance premium, it is usually cheaper than having your own auto insurance coverage. And you can tell your dad that.

I recently got my learner’s permit in Bethlehem Pennsylvania PA but I can never use the car without my father on my wheels! It’s so uncool! How can I shake my father off?

Jeff

Bethlehem PA

Jeff, let me explain where I am coming from: I am also a father. And I can tell you that there are many reasons why your father wants to be beside you when you drive the car. Of course, the very first obvious reason is your safety. Since you have just earned your learner’s permit, it is presumed that you are not yet as experienced on the road as your father and naturally he doesn’t want anything bad to happen to you. Second is that a learner’s permit has some restrictions, one of which is that you should only drive when you have an authorized driver beside you.

The next reason has got something to do with auto insurance. You see, insurance companies in Bethlehem Pennsylvania PA require that you declare any significant changes in your life that may affect your auto insurance policy. One of this will be authorized drivers of the vehicle. If it so happened that you got into an accident while you are driving it on your own with your learner’s permit, not only will your license be revoked, but also, your father will not be able to claim anything from his auto insurance company.

Many insurance companies in Bethlehem Pennsylvania PA require that your father (authorized driver) be with you all the time when you drive the insured car. So you see for now, you have to enjoy your father’s company while you drive the car. I am sure that your father will include you as an authorized driver once you get your proper driver’s license, in which case you can now drive the car on your own. This would entail costs, however and you might want to help your dad hasten the process by getting online quotes from sites like these. You see that little space on this page, Jeff? That’s where you enter your zip code to get free quotes. Just answer the questions and make sure to add yourself as a driver to get relevant quotes. I wish you a wonderful first-time driving experience, Jeff!