You need insurance before you drive, even with a learner's permit

A learner's permit lets you drive only with a licensed adult in the car, but that does not mean you can skip insurance. Every state requires the car you are driving to be insured, regardless of who holds the permit. The person whose name is on the car's registration is responsible for having that insurance in place.

In most cases, you will be covered under the car owner's existing policy — usually a parent or guardian — without needing a separate policy of your own. However, you must tell the insurance company that you will be driving the car regularly. Failing to do so can void your coverage if you cause an accident.

If the car owner does not have insurance, or if you will be driving a vehicle that is not registered to your household, you will need to arrange coverage before you get behind the wheel. This article walks you through how insurance works with a learner's permit and what you need to do to stay covered.

Key Takeaways

  • The car's owner must have active insurance before you drive it, even with a learner's permit.
  • You are usually covered under the car owner's existing policy once you tell the insurance company you will be a regular driver.
  • The insurance company needs to know your age, driving status, and which vehicle you will drive so they can adjust the premium.
  • If you will drive multiple cars, each one must be insured separately, though you may be listed as a driver on all of them.
  • Some insurance companies offer discounts for completing a driver's education course before you take your road test.

Adding yourself to a parent's or guardian's policy

If a parent or guardian owns the car you will drive, the simplest route is to be added to their existing insurance policy. Call their insurance company and tell them you have a learner's permit and will be driving the car regularly. You will need to provide your date of birth, your permit number, and the vehicle identification number (VIN) of the car.

The insurance company will recalculate the premium — it will go up because you are a new, younger driver — and send an updated policy document. This usually takes a few days. Do not drive the car until you receive written confirmation that you have been added. Driving without being listed on the policy can result in a denied claim if you are in an accident.

Some insurance companies offer discounts if you complete a defensive driving course or a driver's education program before you take your road test. Ask about these when you call, as they can offset some of the premium increase.

What information the insurance company will ask for

When you contact the insurance company, have the following information ready: your full legal name, date of birth, driver's license or permit number, the vehicle's VIN (found on the registration or dashboard), and the estimated number of miles you will drive per week. The company may also ask whether you will be the primary driver of the vehicle or an occasional driver.

Be honest about how often you will drive. If you say you will drive occasionally but then drive the car to school every day, you are misrepresenting your usage. This can give the insurance company grounds to deny a claim. If your driving habits change after you get your license, call and update your policy.

When you need a separate policy

In some situations, you cannot straightforward be added to an existing policy. If the car owner does not have insurance, or if you will regularly drive a vehicle that is not registered to your household, you may need to arrange coverage separately.

Some insurance companies offer policies for young drivers who do not own the vehicle but will drive it regularly. These are less common and may be more expensive than being added to an existing policy. Contact local insurance agents or call companies directly to ask whether they offer this option. You can also ask the car owner to add you to their policy and then pay them back for the increase in premium.

Understanding liability and collision coverage

The car's insurance policy must include at least liability coverage, which is required by law in every state. Liability pays for damage or injuries you cause to other people or their property. The minimum amounts vary by state, but most require at least $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident.

Liability coverage alone does not pay for damage to the car you are driving. If you cause an accident, collision or comprehensive coverage pays for repairs to that vehicle. The car owner decides whether to carry these coverages; they are not required by law but are usually required by lenders if the car is financed. Ask the car owner whether the policy includes collision and comprehensive coverage before you start driving.

What happens if you cause an accident

If you are in an accident while driving with a learner's permit, the insurance company will investigate and determine who was at fault. If you were at fault, the liability coverage pays for the other person's injuries and property damage. If the car has collision coverage, that pays for repairs to the car you were driving.

After an accident, the insurance company may raise the premium or drop the policy altogether, depending on the severity of the accident and the company's policies. This is another reason to drive carefully and follow all traffic laws while you have your permit. A clean driving record during this period can help keep your insurance costs down once you get your full license.

Insurance discounts for new drivers

Many insurance companies offer discounts that can help offset the cost of adding a young driver to a policy. Common discounts include completion of a driver's education course, maintaining a good grade point average (usually 3.0 or higher), and bundling multiple types of insurance with the same company.

Some companies also offer usage-based or "telematics" programs that monitor your driving through a mobile app or a device plugged into the car. If you drive safely, you can earn a discount. Ask your insurance company what discounts are available and which ones you might be able to take advantage of now, before you get your full license.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive without being added to the insurance policy?

No. The car must be insured, and you must be listed as a driver on that policy. Driving an uninsured car is illegal in every state, and driving a car where you are not listed on the policy can result in a denied claim if you cause an accident. Always confirm in writing that you have been added before you drive.

Will my parent's insurance go up if I am added?

Yes, the premium will increase because you are a new, younger driver. The amount varies by insurance company, your age, the type of vehicle, and your location. Some companies offer discounts for driver's education or good grades that can reduce the increase. Ask about these when you call.

What if I will drive different cars at different times?

Each vehicle must be insured separately. If you will drive your parent's car and also occasionally drive a friend's car, both vehicles need active insurance policies. You can be listed as a driver on multiple policies, but each car's owner is responsible for having that car insured.

Do I need my own insurance policy when I get my license?

Not necessarily. You can remain on your parent's or guardian's policy as long as you live in their household and they own or have primary use of the vehicle. Once you buy your own car or move out, you will need your own policy. Some young drivers get their own policy earlier to build a driving history.

Can I get a discount if I take a driver's education course?

Many insurance companies offer discounts for completing an approved driver's education or defensive driving course. The discount amount varies by company. Ask your insurance company which courses they recognize and how much you could save before you enroll in a course.