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    Can I Add My Insurance to My Son's Car?

    Can I Add My Insurance to My Sons Car

    If your son has recently turned 16, and has obtained a learner’s permit, the next step is to get him insured. Without having car insurance, your son wouldn’t be legally allowed to drive in most states throughout the US, except New Hampshire.

    So, if you’re wondering whether you can add your son’s car to your auto insurance policy, yes you can. Here’s the catch though, to add your son to car insurance policy, it is essential for him to stay in the same household.

    On the other hand, some insurers do allow adding your son to your car insurance policy even if they live in a different household. Regardless, it’s important to also keep in mind that once you add your son’s car to your insurance policy, your car insurance premium will significantly increase.


    Why Should You Add Your Son’s Car to Your Insurance Policy?

    It’s quite difficult for young drivers to acquire a car insurance policy on their own, especially from the age of 16 to 18. There are many types of auto insurance to choose from, along with purchasing coverage limits which can be very confusing for teenagers or young adults.

    On top of that, car insurance is very expensive for the youngest drivers, especially as they’re deemed less experienced and riskier by most insurance companies. So, to avoid the hassle and the additional cost of car insurance, it is highly recommended for you to add your son’s car to your insurance policy.

    Here’s a detailed breakdown with 3 reasons why you should add your son’s car to your insurance policy as follows.


    More Affordable Car Insurance Premiums for Your Son

    Typically, the average cost of car insurance for a 16-year-old driver is $1,544 for minimum coverage, and $5,069 and above for full coverage. According to a recent study, it can cost a 16-year-old driver $7,149 per year for full coverage car insurance, but if you add your son to your car insurance policy then it can significantly go down to $4,303 for the same full coverage car insurance.

    So, based on this data figure by adding your son’s car to your car insurance policy you can save $2,846 per year. As car insurance rates significantly vary based on numerous factors such as location, age, driving records, insurance claims history, and more, your son’s car insurance rate can widely vary. However, you can help your son drastically reduce his car insurance rate by simply adding his car to your policy.

    Car insurance rates can significantly vary depending on the insurer of your choice. If you’re looking for a reliable and affordable auto insurance in Michigan then you can consider checking our insurance solutions, and bundle plans online. Or you can visit our regional office in Flint MI, Saginaw MI, or Mt Pleasant MI.


    Early Discount Eligibility

    Auto insurance companies mainly offer discounts to low-risk drivers and more experienced drivers with a clean driving record. If your 16-year-old son applies for car insurance on his own, then there’s a high chance that he will get a very expensive quote with no discount.

    So, by adding your son to your car insurance policy, you can avail discounts eligible for your policy. In this way, your son can benefit from auto insurance discounts from a very early age.

    If your son drives responsibly with the acquired discounts on your joint policy, later when he applies for own individual car insurance policy there’s a high chance, he will still get lucrative discounts.


    Convenience to Manage Insurance Policy

    If you’re paying your son’s car insurance premium, especially if they’re below 18 and financially dependent on you, it should be more convenient to manage the whole car insurance premiums under a unified policy.

    Not only will a standalone car policy for your son be more expensive, but you will also have to separately keep track of multiple insurance policies and pay them separately. So, it should be more convenient and feasible to manage your son’s car insurance within your insurance policy.


    When Should You Add Your Son’s Car to Your Insurance Policy?

    You should add your son’s car to your insurance policy the moment he gets the learner’s permit, especially because it’s illegal to drive without proof of car auto insurance. So, if your son is caught driving his car, or your one without insurance then he can get legally penalized with a $500 fine and up to 1 year jail time.

    On top of that, car insurance has mainly been designed to provide adequate financial protection after an accident. So, to keep your son financially protected against bodily injuries, vehicle damages, and liability compensation it is vital for you to add your son’s car to your policy.

    Additionally, if you want to add your spouse to your car insurance policy, you can consider opting for the supplemental spouse auto insurance.


    How Much Does It Cost to Add Your Son’s Car to Your Insurance?

    Adding your son’s car to your insurance policy can cost you $4,050 for a 16-year-old driver, $3,478 for a 17-year-old driver, and $3,105 for an 18-year-old driver per year on average. In Michigan the average is 77% more to add your son’s car to your insurance policy.

    Based on the data acquired, it would cost you $4,054 for annual full coverage car insurance but with your teen son included, it will most likely cost you $7,180, which is $3,126 more.

    As we mentioned before, adding your son’s car to your insurance policy will significantly increase your premiums, but it will cost you and your son less than purchasing standalone policies.

    Plus, if you have zero car insurance claims history and a clean driving record then you can get a much lower rate along with special discounts especially for purchasing multiple auto insurance policies.

    Apart from that your son may get up to 25% student discount on his car insurance only if his CGPA is 3.00 and above. Young drivers like your son between the age of 16 to 18 may not have a proper driving record or credit score, but with a good CGPA, he may still be eligible for discounts.


    When Should Your Son Get His Own Car Insurance Policy?

    Your son should get his own car insurance policy, if he meets any of the following criteria.

    • Your son is financially independent with a stable income source.
    • Your son lives in a different household, state, or country.
    • Your son has his own car, and it is registered in his name.
    • Your son is married and has children of his own.

    The gist here is, if your son’s an adult, and if he’s earning then it’s high time for him to purchase his own standalone car insurance policy. Unless you’re living in the same household or sharing the same car, it can get difficult to maintain a joint car insurance policy.

    So, if he qualifies for his own coverage, it’s often the better long-term option giving him financial independence while simplifying your own policy management.


    Requirements & Eligibility to Add Your Son’s Car to Your Policy

    Before adding your son’s car to your insurance policy, it is essential for you to understand eligibility requirements set by your insurer. Although parents can add their child’s vehicle to their policy at any time yet there are certain conditions that must be met, which includes the following.

    • Residency Requirement: Most insurers require your son to live in the same household. If your son lives elsewhere but still uses your address as his permanent residence, he may still be eligible under your policy.    
    • Vehicle Ownership and Registration: The vehicle must be registered in your name or jointly owned with your son. If the vehicle is solely registered in your son’s name, then most insurers may require him to purchase a standalone policy.   
    • Relationship to Policyholder: It is important to mention your relationship with your son, as it’s necessary to be a direct relative from the same household. So, whether he’s your biological son, stepson or adopted child, it should be specified in the documents.    
    • Driving License and Driving Status: To add your son’s car to your insurance policy, it is mandatory for him to either have a learner’s permit or a valid driving license.


    Tips to Lower Your Car Insurance Premium When Adding Your Son’s Car

    It’s inevitable that your car insurance premium will significantly increase after adding your son’s car. While that’s true, it’s also possible to reduce your car insurance premium to a more affordable rate.

    Here are some effective tips that should apply to lower your insurance premium especially when you’re adding your son’s car to your policy.

    • Maintain a Clean Driving Record: Both you and your son need to have a clean driving record. This is more essential for you, especially if your son has recently started driving.     Get Your Son Enrolled in a Driving Course: There are driving courses for young people. If your son completes the driving course, it shows that he is committed and well aware of safe driving practices. These programs can reduce insurance premiums by 10% to 15%.
    • Opt for Student Discount: If your son is a college student, he can opt for a student discount. Many insurers offer student discounts of up to 25% to attract young drivers to purchase car insurance.   
    • Go for Minimum Coverage or Custom Insurance Coverage: Instead of acquiring full coverage auto insurance, you can either go for minimum liability coverage insurance, or a custom insurance plan based on your son’s requirements.   
    • Consider Telematics Car Insurance or Usage Based Insurance: Telematics car insurance is mile-based car insurance coverage option. If you or your son drives less than 7,000 miles per year, then you can save up to 40% on insurance premiums with the telematics car insurance coverage.    
    • Explore Insurers: Every insurer has their own individual rate. Before adding your son’s car to your existing car insurance policy, consider checking what others are offering. If another insurance company gives you a better offer with cheaper rates and adequate coverage, you should consider switching to another insurer.


    The Bottom Line

    If your son has recently acquired his learner’s permit, then you should add your son’s car to your policy. In this way, you can save up a substantial amount, instead of spending a few thousand dollars more on a standalone car insurance policy for your son.

    Also adding your son’s car to your insurance policy saves time, and the extra hassle of purchasing a brand-new car insurance policy. Up until your son turns 18, it is recommended to keep your son’s car under your auto insurance policy.

    If you’re looking for a reliable auto insurance agency in Michigan that allows you to seamlessly add your son to your car insurance policy, then you should contact us right away get a free quote and consultation today. We’ll help you find the best coverage options to keep your family protected while keeping costs low.


    FAQs

    Can I add my son's car to my insurance policy?

    Yes, you can add your son’s car to your insurance policy at any time, but it is essential for your son to have a learner’s permit, or a valid driving license. Additionally, many insurers require that both you and your son share the same permanent address. To ensure proper coverage and compliance with your insurer’s terms and conditions, it’s best to contact your provider for specific requirements.

    What happens if I don't add my son’s car to my auto insurance?

    If you don’t add your son’s car to your auto insurance and if they’re caught driving in the streets without insurance then they can face legal charges which can be a fine of up to $500, or up to 1-year jailtime. Moreover, if they get into an accident, your son will be responsible for paying for the damage, and any medical expenses. Ultimately, if your son is unable to pay for any of these costs then you will have to pay for them which can lead to a huge financial burden.

    Will my car insurance rate increase if I add my son to my policy?

    Yes, your car insurance rate will significantly increase when you add your son to your policy. Typically, the youngest drivers are charged the highest premiums especially because young drivers specifically between the age of 16 and 18 are more prone to getting into accidents. So, if you’re adding your son who’s below 18, their age factor will affect your car insurance rate and contribute to its rise.


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