Summary: You don’t have to get auto insurance for a learner’s permit in Texas, however, you still need to notify your insurance carrier. Failure to do so could result in lapses in coverage in the event of an accident. Planning ahead can help your family save money on auto insurance once your teen gets a Texas driver’s license. Estimated Read Time: 3 mins
When it comes to learner’s permits, insurance works a bit differently. While you’re not legally required to have insurance for a teen with a learner’s permit, it’s important to inform your insurance company if your teen is learning to drive in your car.
If you don’t, and your teen has an accident, your insurance company might reject your claim or cancel your policy.
Usually, you add your teenager to your insurance once they have a full driver’s license in Texas. Then, you can either add them to your policy or help them get their own.
Learner’s Permit and Auto Insurance in the Event of an Accident
If a student driver is practicing in a personal vehicle, like a parent’s car, they could be responsible for any damages they cause in an accident, just like any other driver, even if they only have a Texas learner’s permit.
In this situation, the parent’s car insurance policy would probably cover the damages if the student driver is listed on or covered by the policy, which is why communicating with your carrier is key.
Tips for Finding Auto Insurance for Learner’s Permit Drivers in Texas
If your home has a new driver using a Texas learner’s permit, while you may not need to get an auto insurance policy just yet, soon enough, they’ll need to have their own coverage.
Auto insurance for permit drivers isn’t typically advisable but new, fully licensed drivers require coverage and are going to face expensive premiums when they do enroll.
Managing risk is what insurance is all about and younger, inexperienced drivers are statistically more likely to get in an accident.
For this reason and more, elevated premiums are found in younger drivers but there are ways to save. Skip the auto insurance for a learner’s permit but save on premiums with these tips for drivers who are just getting started:
Keep Parents and Kids on the Same Policy
Adding kids to their parent’s auto insurance policy can save money because of the parents’ longer driving record and the potential discounts offered by carriers.
Depending on where you receive coverage, it may be the only option since some insurers don’t cover young drivers on their own policy.
The advantages of keeping kids and parents on the same policy include lower premiums, new discounts, simplified policy management, and establishing a coverage history.
If the child is 18 or older and has their own car, they can get their own policy, but it’s still usually expensive.
Depending on your needs, finances, and risk tolerance, keeping college students on the family auto insurance policy may be the best option. This applies even if they’re not driving at college to ensure coverage when they return home or drive elsewhere.
Practice and Maintain Good Grades
Some auto insurance companies offer discounts to young drivers with good grades, called good student discounts.
Many families searching for insurance for those with a driver’s permit have student drivers who can take advantage of these savings.
Carriers believe responsible students are also responsible drivers, and less likely to make claims.
Most carriers require a B average or better (3.0 GPA), and drivers are often required to be full-time students, under the age of 25, or meet certain standardized test score criteria.
How much of a discount you’ll receive depends on the carrier and you’ll need to keep up with your auto insurance company by providing proof that you are getting the grades you need to in order to qualify.
Plan Ahead and Compare Coverages for When They Have a License
Anyone with a Texas driving license must have at least liability coverage and by planning ahead, you can compare your options and better assess your needs. Keep this in mind:
- Each carrier is going to provide different levels of discounts for young drivers and students.
- You will need to compare coverages among carriers to be sure you’re not only getting the best rate but also the right level of protection.
- Depending on who you enroll with, you may find better savings by bundling policies together under one carrier.
Comparing carriers can feel like a daunting task but it doesn’t have to be. Quickly compare top-rated auto insurance quotes online using the button at the top of the page or contact us to find the right fit for your needs.
Sources:
1. Adding a teen driver to your insurance policy?, TDI. Accessed April 2024. https://www.tdi.texas.gov/tips/adding-teen-driver-to-insurance-policy.html