Illinois Teen Drivers: A Parent’s Guide to Car Insurance

Watching your teenager get behind the wheel of a car can be an exciting but anxious time. While children gain the ability to drive themselves to school, extracurricular activities and social occasions can give back some time in your day, and you may also understandably worry about them on the road. Auto insurance can help alleviate some of this stress, but understanding the nuances of how coverage works with teenage drivers is essential.

How to Add a Teen to Your Auto Insurance

Like any motorist, your teenage children are legally required to carry auto insurance if they plan to operate vehicles on public roads. Failing to adhere to these mandates could impose significant penalties, including fines and license suspensions. Make sure new drivers are added to your policy before they head out on the road. To do this, contact your insurance agent. You’ll typically need to provide the following information:

• Full name
• Date of birth
• Driver’s license number
• Age when the newly listed insured first received their license

Possible Discounts Related to Teen Drivers

You should first understand that adding a teenager to your auto insurance policy will typically cause your premiums to increase. Even if your teen has a clean record and is well-versed in the rules of the road, carriers consider younger and less experienced motorists to be particularly risky. Fortunately, you may find you and your child are eligible for certain discounts, such as the following:

• Good student discount—These savings opportunities are often available if a young driver is a full-time student and has maintained a certain grade point average (e.g., 3.0 or higher) or achieved other academic standards (e.g., being listed on the honor roll or dean’s list).
• Driver education benefits—In many states, including Illinois, completing driver education courses can garner discounts. This may be particularly valuable for young drivers, as completing certain curricula, such as a defensive driving course, can help ease carriers’ concerns.
• Vehicle safety discounts—The type of vehicle your teen drivers drive can also affect auto insurance rates. While insuring newer and more expensive vehicles is generally more costly, these automobiles may also include advanced safety and security features that could garner discounts.

We’re Here to Help

Contact Harlem Insurance Agency in Worth, IL, today to learn more about insuring your teen driver.

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.