When Do You Add a Teen Driver to Your Auto Insurance in Michigan

One of the most common questions that does come up around auto insurance, came up yesterday with a client of mine, is when do you need to add your teenager to the auto policy? Is it when they get their first, when they get their learner's permit? Is it when they get licensed? And for the most part, here in Michigan, when it comes to your auto insurance, you need to add them once they're officially licensed. Every company might be a little bit different. So definitely contact your agent when they do have their permit. Some companies might require that they're listed as a household member. So in these circumstances, whenever they do get their learner's permit, definitely at the very minimum, contact your insurance agent, let them know. But they will not officially, typically, for the most part, for most insurance companies, the ones that I work with, auto owners, Frankenmuth, Cincinnati, Safeco, progressive citizens, for the most part, with each of these companies at this time, you would not officially be rated and need to include them on the policy as a driver until they're officially licensed once they get that, when they're 16 or whenever it may be. So that is something important to note. And then the next question that always comes up, is my rate going to increase? Yes. Adding a teenager to your auto policy will almost always, across the board, no matter what insurance company you're with, your rate is going to go up. So this could be a good time to maybe review the coverages that you have in place on certain vehicles. It might be a good time to work with an independent agent, like myself, see what other options are out there. But it's just a good time to just review what you have, add in an umbrella policy. This is also something that a lot of people consider once they do have a teen driver, because unfortunately, they're just higher risk drivers. These insurance companies don't love younger drivers. Just based on statistics, they get in more accidents, more claims. So that is something to note. And then with every insurance company, always ask your agent what discounts might be available if they are good students. If they maybe take a certain driver safety course through the insurance company that they offer. There are specific discounts that you can ask about and potentially get added on to, depending on the insurance company. So definitely ask about that. And definitely just at the very minimum, make sure they're listed as a household member. Not every insurance company is gonna require that, but some do. So just talk to your agent, make sure they're aware, but they will not need to be officially added as a driver until they're licensed. So if you need help with your auto insurance, home insurance, whatever it may be, business insurance, we do it all. So feel free to reach out. My contact info should all be in the description below, but I just wanted to quickly answer this question since it does come up quite a bit and obviously is a concern for both cost and then just overall making sure that everyone in the household is properly protected on the policy. So thanks for watching. If you have any questions, feel free to reach out directly or leave them in the comments below. I appreciate you tuning in. Thanks a lot.