Can I buy car insurance under my parent’s name?

You cannot buy car insurance under your parent’s name, but you may have the option of having your name added to your parent’s car insurance policy.

The policy would still be owned by your parents and under their name, but you would receive coverage as an additional driver on the system.

For many young drivers, this is the most feasible option to get affordable auto insurance. Enter your zip code above to get FREE car insurance quotes today!

What do I need to do to be added to my parent’s policy?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0hVAh9ce6N0

The requirements for being added to your parents’ car insurance policy vary depending on each insurance company, but companies may offer a few options.

One option may be to add you as a named driver on the family policy, which also may be the only way some companies would consider offering coverage to a teen, according to the Rocky Mountain Insurance Information Association.

Your parents’ insurance company may consider selling you a separate policy, but your rates are going to be different and probably higher.

Other companies may consider selling you a policy for a car other than the family car as long as your parents’ name is on the vehicle registration.

Why is car insurance for teens and young adults so expensive?

Car insurance rates are based on several factors about a particular age group, and younger drivers are a group that collectively has a bad driving record.

In fact, male drivers under age 25 have the highest car insurance rates of any group at all, RMIA says, with female swiftly catching up due to an increase in female drivers.

Insurance rates also depend on whether:

• The person is married or single
• If the driver owns the car being insured
• If the person is the primary driver of the vehicle or a driver added to the primary driver’s policy

Some states also have strict vehicle codes that apply to drivers under 21 years of age.

According to the Illinois Vehicle Code, for example, drivers under the age of 21 can have their license suspended if they are convicted of two traffic violations within a two-year period.

If you are younger than 18, a driver remedial education course, and sometimes re-taking the driver’s license exam, may be required to get your license back.

What would make car insurance companies deny me coverage?

Your driving record may be the top factor that makes companies wary of insuring you.

They may not be so quick to offer insurance coverage if you are a teen or underage driver and your driving record is in shambles and full of traffic tickets and accidents.

Another factor in the insurance decision is the type of car you drive and are planning to add to the policy.

If the car is brand new, expensive and is capable of reaching high speeds, insurance companies may again not be so quick to be willing to accept the risk of insuring you.

What if I my parents won’t add me to their policy and I cannot get insurance on my own?

If you are having a tough time finding a company willing to ensure you under your name, not all is necessarily lost.

Individual states, such as Illinois, offer insurance plans for those who cannot find insurance on the open market.

Such policies require adherence to specific requirements, such as those put forth by the Illinois Automobile Insurance Plan and outlined by the Illinois Department of Insurance.

To be eligible for the Illinois Automobile Insurance Plan, you must meet four stipulations:

• You must have proof of being denied car insurance from other insurance companies
• Hold a valid driver’s license or at least being eligible to apply for a permit
• Have a vehicle that is safe to drive
• Not owe an outstanding premium balance to an insurance company for insurance coverage within the past three years

Such plans may be more expensive than standard car insurance plans, although you may be able to switch to an approved plan after maintaining a clean driving record for an extended amount of time.

What tips can help me keep a clean driving record?

Knowing and following the rules of the road is always a good idea, as are a few other tips offered by the Illinois DOI.

Staying alert and focused are a must, which means watching the road, for hazards and what’s going on around you and minimizing distractions.

These distractions include:

• The radio
• Conversations
• Your passengers
• Your cell phone
• Texting

Wearing your seat belt can help ensure you remain safer if you do end up in an accident.

Drinking and driving is a major taboo. It is against the law and a significant factor in young adult car accidents. The Illinois DOI says 60 percent of vehicle accidents caused by teenagers involved teenagers that had been drinking.

However, in a car accident, you don’t want to look back and wish you had chosen another type of coverage so do some research, compare car insurance companies and show your parents the young adult you are.

Enter your zip code below to get FREE car insurance quotes today!