Teen drivers and car insurance

[HomeMechanic]

I know a lot of parents who make their kids pay for their part of the insurance. Seems like a nice way to teach teens that when they drive poorly, there are dollar consequences attached. What do you think?

 

[Mustang37]

When I was in high school I didn't pay any of my insurance, my parents paid for it. When I went off to college I helped pay for my insurance. When I graduated I paid for all of my insurance. I wouldn't make my daughter pay until she was out of college. Now if she was reckless and made my insurance go up, then I might put her on her own policy and make her help.

 

[Classic]

It can be so horribly expensive to buy teen learner insurance that I think it's only right to have them pay some part of it. Responsibility has to be learned, it does not come automatically.

 

[Fanbelt]

You are right, Classic, responsibility has to be learned, and it has to be learned as early as possible. By getting them paying some part of the insurance, we indirectly tell them the consequences of driving recklessly, hence keep them from troubles.

 

[Miata_Matyr]

I think if you could put them on your policy but allow them to pay their part it's easier for them. Ihad to pay my own insurance as an 18 year old and because I was young and inexperienced my premium was $500 andd when I did get in a collision it cost me $700 in excess... too much for me- I had to loan money from my mum to pay it.

 

[Classic]

I hope you paid her back

The excess is also a problem given that most teens wouldn't be able to afford it. I would rather pay more on the policy if the option were there.

 

[chillen]

The more teens I see driving around now, the more I worry when my kids have to learn to drive and I wonder how I managed myself. Teens are not thinking nearly as much as most should when driving, why is it we let them drive so young again?

 

[Classic]

I don't know really but you know, at the age that many start driving they are still under parental control-under the age of majority. So you can always say no if you are uncomfortable and make them wait a year or two more.