I’m 18 and I am shopping for car insurance. I am quite frustrated with the high rate quotes that auto insurance companies are quoting for me. Why is this so?

Paul

Los Angeles, CA

You should not be surprised that car insurance for teenagers is more expensive that you have thought. Car insurance is expensive because statistics reveal that young drivers are involved in more cases of car collisions and damages. Car insurance companies base their rates on this statistic, which makes it hard for you to get cheap car insurance.

Likewise, young drivers like you do not have the years of driving to speak of. Because you may have started driving for a maximum of 2 years, your driving history is too short. You are still an unproven driver. Car insurance companies will regard you as a risky driver, thus you will be given expensive car insurance for teenagers.

But fret not. You can still lower your charges. First, you must enroll in a defensive driving course. Take one with a company that is recognized by your insurer. You should also try to do good in school, since students who have high grades in school are considered responsible and thus low risk drivers by car insurance companies.
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

We purchased a new vehicle for our seventeen year old daughter and we would like to get a separate car insurance policy for her so we will not be liable if anything happens. But our car insurance company in Paterson, New Jersey said that we will still be held responsible in case of accident, is this correct?

Anna

Paterson, NJ

Generally, yes, it is true that you will still be responsible as parent to a minor. In many states, a minor will require consent from their parents. In most states, a teenager will need to get their parent’s consent form before they can get their drivers license that state that parent’s will be held liable for any negligent acts that will cause damages.

In the state of New Jersey, I not aware of any age restrictions on getting car insurance if you only have provisional license or learners permit. Normally you will need to have your parent’s consent before you can purchase car insurance if you are still a minor since you will need to sign to a legal binding paperwork. So, if you are still seventeen years old and planning to purchase car insurance in New Jersey, then you would need to have your parent or legal guardian to sign the car insurance policy with you.

It is much cheaper to add your child in your car insurance policy in Paterson, New Jersey than having a separate car insurance policy for your daughter. You may consider to get umbrella policy to protect your assets.

What will the penalty be for a minor that is driving with no license and no insurance and hits someone?

Gerald

Thank you for asking Gerald.

It varies from state to state when it comes to penalties for driving without an insurance or a valid license. The penalties may include fines, jail time, community service, vehicle impoundment, license and registration suspension to name a few. Some states may do a combination of these punishments.

The consequences for this conviction is considered a serious offense especially if you got involved in an accident and do not have insurance. You may have to comply with the financial responsibility laws. This will also includes having to pay for any injuries or damages from the accident out of your own pocket.

These types of violations as a minor may permit your state’s licensing department to delay your application for driver’s license from going through once you do apply. In addition to that, these convictions will likely go on your driving record. Even being a minor without a license does not stop your state from starting a driving history to record these infractions.

If you were convicted for these offenses, to make sure what your penalties are , contact the court listed on your ticket and/or your state’s Department of Motor Vehicles.

Goodluck!

MariCAR