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.

My name is Errol and I’m from Anaheim, CA. My dad has a Mustang (ya baby!) but he uses his hybrid to and from work. I am going to get my license three months from now, and I plan to use that mustang (baby!) every chance I get. Is my dad going to pay more if he adds me to his insurance policy? Can you help me get a lower rate quote or at least tell me where to go to get the cheapest auto insurance I can possibly get for this car…and my age, I am only 18.

Errol

Anaheim, CA

Errol, Errol, Errol, according to statistics, and insurance companies believe in them with uncommon fierceness, teenagers are a reckless lot. They were the ones who coined the phrase “pedal to the metal,” and they are not known to be experienced drivers. Your dad will pay more because of these statistical data. He will pay more because the risk factor just got colorful.

I assume that you are already driving the Mustang (Baby!) every once in a while but with a “chaperone.” When you get your license three months from now, the cost of insurance will increase even more (not to mention your dad’s blood pressure) because you will then be able to drive the mustang (baby!) by yourself most of the time. teenage drivers, premium will increase; teenager with a license, more increase.

Again, this is about the colorful risk factor and statistics that I told you about. As disheartening as it sounds, the price will not be as high as getting your own policy.

All in all, your dad’s insurance will increase but it will not be as expensive as getting you your teen car insurance. Drive around Anaheim and enjoy your Mustang (baby!) but please don’t make your dad get a drunk driver insurance.

I live in Ann Arbor, Michigan and I would like to know if I have to name my sixteen year old son as a driver on my car insurance policy? I have been told that if I have auto insurance then anyone I permit to drive my car is covered.

Jerome

Ann Arbor, MI

Most insurance carriers in Ann Arbor, Michigan require you to list all licensed household members on your car insurance policy since they are a risk factor the insurance carrier is allowed to take into account when determining your car insurance rates. According to the MI insurance regulator, the Office of Financial and Insurance Services, in their insurance consumer information sheet that your insurance carrier will ask about all licensed drivers in your household and look up their driving history as part of the rating process.

While automobile insurance normally covers those that the vehicle owner gives permission to operate it, the insurance carrier also has the right to require as part of your car insurance policy that you tell them of all licensed household members so they can pull their driving history and rate you accordingly. Friends that may borrow your vehicle from time to time are not the same type of risk for an insurance companies and that is why friends and neighbors are not required to be listed on your auto insurance policy while household members are. Household members obviously have access to the automobile that those living outside of your residence do not.

If your son is just starting the Michigan graduated driver licensing (GDL) process and only has his learner’s license you should inform your insurance carrier. It may be that they will permit you to wait until he is fully licensed before requiring him to be added or will want him added now at this stage.

You can contact your insurance carrier to determine what they require of you regarding listing your sixteen year old son on the car insurance policy. If you have specific MI insurance law questions you can contact the Michigan insurance regulator.

How much will auto insurance go up if a teenager, 17 years old gets an MIP in Michigan?

Bill

Dearborn, MI

If you are a 17 year old that is cited for being a Minor in Possession (MIP) in Michigan it will likely your increase your car insurance rates. How much the auto insurance rate will go up depends on the factors your insurance provider uses. Auto insurance for drivers under the age of 25 or teenagers are already consider inexperience and therefore a higher risk. With a MIP offense the risk factor is likely to go up.

There is no specific insurance rate increase that can be generalized or stated for all insurance carriers. Each insurance carrier is required to file their car insurance rates and rules with your state regulatory body. So the best way to determine how much your auto insurance rates may rise is to talk to someone at your insurance carrier or contact the insurance regulator of your state to see what rates are filed with them for your insurance provider.