Finally being able to start driving is an exciting time in your or your child's life.

But it also comes with some questions, like do you need car insurance with a learner’s permit? The answer is yes, you do need insurance with a learner’s permit. However, you likely won’t need to purchase a policy. Read on for what you need to know!

Why do I need insurance if I only have my permit?

No matter what with a permit or full license if you're driving a car, it's a state requirement that it be insured. It's important to know that car insurance follows the car, not the driver. So if the car is insured, and the driver is named on the policy, the driver should be covered.

So once you get your learner's permit, if you're a teenage driver, you'll need to be added as a driver on your parent's car insurance. If you are an adult just getting your learner's permit, you should be sure you have adequate auto insurance coverage for the vehicle you are using and are listed as a driver if it is not your own vehicle.

About Learner’s Permits

Depending on the state you live in, the minimum age for being able to get a learner's permit may vary. For example, in Alaska, you can obtain a permit at the age of 14, whereas in Massachusetts, the age minimum is 16.

Each state also has specific restrictions for how long new or teenage drivers must drive on the road and take a drivers ed course before being licensed and/or able to obtain a permit.

Can my parents add me to their policy?

If you live at home while you have your learner's permit, one of the most common things families do is add their new driver to their current auto insurance policy. Almost all auto insurance companies allow this and want you to list your newly permitted driver on your insurance policy.

Drivers with learner permits will have cheaper insurance rates than a newly licensed driver since someone over 21 will still be in the passenger seat of the car with them while they're driving.

You should be sure to check your specific policy coverages with your insurance company if you've just received your learner's permit or your child has. You should not risk not being covered in the event of an accident because you thought you and your teen were covered.

Can I buy my own insurance policy?

If your parents don't want to add you to their auto policy or you no longer live at home, another option is to purchase your own auto insurance. Some car insurance companies will offer coverage to a person who is not fully licensed, but that person may need to pay more and must add another person to their policy who is licensed.

Your next question would be "can I get insurance with a learner's permit".

Obtaining your own insurance policy as a young driver will be more expensive because insurance companies factor in how many years of experience you've been driving on the road driving. On average, an experienced driver will have lower insurance rates.

How to Reduce the Price of Insurance

There are a few ways to save money when adding a new driver to an existing or new insurance policy. Different insurance companies offer different discounts that may help you save money.

For example, if you or your student has a B average grade or above, you or your student may qualify for a good student discount.

Check out the highest rated car insurance companies in your state and be sure to use the filters to only see companies that offer a good student discount if you qualify for it!

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