Four Most Frequently Asked Questions About Car Insurance for Teens

Quality car insurance for teen drivers in Southeastern Massachusetts

Once you’ve gotten over the fact that your son or daughter is now of the legal driving age, you will want to start thinking about their unique car insurance needs, and what having a new driver under your roof will mean for you and your family. And since you’re here, there is a good chance that you have already started researching the topic, and therefore, may be on the hunt for answers to key questions about how your new teen driver will impact your auto insurance.

Fortunately for you, you have come to the right place. The Morse Insurance team is prepared to un-complicate the car insurance process for you and your teen driver by sharing some expert advice and guidance. With over 65 years of industry experience, Morse, of course, is here to help you navigate the road between learner’s permit and driver’s license as well as answer all of your car insurance questions.

Below you will find answers to four of our most frequently asked questions about car insurance for teens. Each explanation is in plain language and free of industry jargon. Why is this important to us? Because providing our clients with responses that are confusing, complicated, and full of catchphrases is just something we don’t feel comfortable with doing.

Morse Answers Four Common Questions about Car Insurance for Teens

1. When does a teen driver need car insurance?

In Massachusetts, teens who drive with a learner’s permit and a licensed adult in the car do not require auto insurance coverage. However, this rule changes once the teen driver receives his or her license and begins to drive unsupervised. With that being said, it is never too early to get the conversation started with your trusted insurance agent. Our team is more than happy to begin discussing your coverage options, investigating discounts you may be eligible for in the future, and sharing tips on everything from Massachusetts Junior Operator laws and safe driving, to how to keep your insurance premiums low, now that you have a young and inexperienced driver under your roof.

2. Can I add my teen driver to my current auto insurance policy?

The simple answer is yes, of course, you can add your teen driver to your current auto insurance policy. However, there are multiple factors you may want to consider with the help of a trusted insurance advisor before assuming this is the best option for you.

The experienced personal insurance specialists at Morse will help you determine if this is a smart choice for you and your family as it will likely require you to extend your current auto coverage options and possibly even increase your insurance premiums. While there are pros and cons to every decision, should you decide to add your son or daughter to your established auto policy, you may be happy to hear that you could qualify for a multi-car discount offsetting some of the cost increase. Of course, to know for sure, you’ll want to talk with your Morse agent, so they can evaluate your unique situation. If you determine that adding a teen driver to your current policy doesn’t make the most sense, you or your responsible son or daughter can always secure an individual policy specific to their needs.

3. Do I need to purchase my teen a separate auto policy?

Buying a separate policy for your teen driver is not a requirement. However, many of the parents we work with often opt to include their child on their current auto policy because it allows them to take advantage of more discounts and coverage options. Although, just because it is a popular choice doesn’t mean that it is necessarily the right choice for you. Therefore, if you and your teen are interested in learning more about securing a separate policy, Morse, of course, is here to help. In order to get a clearer understanding of what you are looking for, we would recommend that you give us a call, send us a direct message on Facebook, or visit us online to get the conversation started.

4. How to save on car insurance for a teen?

Car insurance for a teenage driver, or any inexperienced driver for that matter, is more complex than you may think and that’s because, statistically, they are far more likely to be involved in an accident. As a result, policy premiums are generally much higher but only for a short period of time. After three years, if your teen’s driving record is free and clear of any infractions, the policy premium will likely decrease. However, any driving violations, including accidents and speeding tickets, will likely result in a higher insurance cost for six years.

While we never recommend that you shop for insurance coverage based on price, especially when it comes to the safety and security of your loved ones, we can understand if you are looking for some non-traditional ways to save some green. Below are a few options you may want to consider discussing with your agent.

  • Ask about the good student discount – Teens who maintain at least a B average or better may qualify for this cost-saving discount.
  • Buy a safe but seasoned car – In the event your teen driver is involved in an accident, an older car will likely be less expensive to repair or replace, especially when compared to a brand-new, luxury vehicle.
  • Inquire about a student away discount – If your teen is a freshman or sophomore in college and unable to have a car on campus, you will want to notify your agent right away. You may be eligible to take advantage of a student away at school discount.
  • Take advantage of bundle and save – Combining your home and auto policies together with the same insurance carrier can save you up to 20% on your premiums. While this discount doesn’t directly involve your teen driver, it is a simple way to save on the overall cost of insurance.
  • Enroll your teen in advanced driver training – Having your teen complete a carrier approved defensive driving course will not only make them a better driver but also eligible to take advantage of a three-year premium discount.

Additional car insurance discounts you and your teen may qualify for:

Whether you are looking for a personal insurance partner you can trust, information on cost-saving discounts, or answers to your car insurance questions, our experienced team is here to help. Regardless of your needs, we will walk you through the entire insurance process to ensure that you and your family are properly protected and comfortable with your coverage and premium options. For a comprehensive quote or answers to any additional questions you may have, please give us a call at 508-238-0056 or visit us in person at one of our four convenient Massachusetts locations.

Advanced driver training can save your teen driver’s life.

Morse is here to help parents with their number one priority; protecting their young drivers. As your local insurance agency, we feel it is our responsibility to not only explain how your auto policy changes when adding a teen driver, but also to make you aware of Massachusetts junior operator rules and to provide you with a few safety reminders. With that in mind, we cannot put enough emphasis on the importance of additional driver training. We are huge proponents of organizations such as In Control, an advanced driver training course, which has made it their mission to reduce teen automobile crashes through hands-on instruction. They teach young drivers (and their families) essential driving skills, including defensive driving techniques, steering and speed control, how to drive in hazardous conditions, and much more. Because of the strong relationship we have with In Control, they offer special benefits to Morse insurance clients; you receive a $40 discount on In Control classes and, when you graduate from your course, you may qualify for additional discounts on your car insurance. This training is not just a smart way for you to further protect your young driver, but it can also save you money! It’s a win-win for everyone when you work with Morse, of course.

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