Teenage children getting behind the wheel of a car can be a transformative period for your family. You may enjoy a sense of relief with your child now able to get themselves to school and practice or otherwise help with daily errands. But like any driver, your teenager must be adequately insured, which can be a complicated and costly process. At Huffman Insurance Agencies, we’re here to help you navigate this topic.
How to Add a Teen to Your Auto Insurance 
It’s often advisable to add a new driver within your household to your existing auto insurance policy rather than purchase separate coverage. This process typically involves notifying your insurance company and providing key information, including your child’s name, date of birth and driver’s license number.
During this conversation with your insurer, discuss any changes you may want to make to your policy, including increasing coverage limits and adding new types of financial protection, such as collision and comprehensive coverages. Additionally, you may wish to talk about personal umbrella insurance.
How Does This Affect My Costs?
Your auto insurance premiums are influenced by many criteria, including the personal details of those listed on your policy. Adding a teen driver can be particularly impactful, as they are often considered particularly risky. You should generally expect your rates to increase, but you may be able to access certain discounts, such as if your students maintain a certain grade point average.
Understanding the Virginia Graduated Licensing Program
Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) laws play a key role in helping ease teen drivers into the potential dangers of the road. In Virginia, this entails various restrictions and requirements, including the following:
- Teen drivers must complete 45 hours of supervised practice, including 15 at night.
- Teen drivers younger than 18 are not permitted to drive between midnight and 4 a.m. except in certain circumstances, such as while traveling to or from work.
- Teen drivers can only transport one passenger under age 21 for the first year they’ve had their license unless accompanied by an adult.
Be sure your children are aware of these and other GDL mandates, as failing to adhere to them could result in significant penalties and insurance-related issues.
We’re Here to Help
Contact Huffman Insurance Agencies in Lexington, Virginia, to learn more.
This blog is intended for informational and educational use only. It is not exhaustive and should not be construed as legal advice. Please contact your insurance professional for further information.