Car Insurance for Permit Drivers in San Diego & California

1. Contact your insurance agent

As soon as your teen gets their learner’s permit, contact insurance agent and let them know that you have a family member who is learning how to drive. By being proactive you will avoid coverage gaps between passing the test and being able to drive legally. Don’t forget to ask about discounts to reduce your premium rates. For instance, if your teen has good grades he or she may qualify for a discount.

2. Inquire about updated quote

Adding a permitted driver costs less than getting a standalone policy. Having said that, the premium will go up when they become licensed, so ask the insurer about the updated rate.

3. Compare rates

Now is the time to shop rates to see whether other insurers have more affordable rates for permit and licensed drivers. To save your time and efforts, it is best to work with an independent insurance agency like H&M. Independent agents can help streamline this process by shopping around for you. By comparing the rates from multiple insurers, we will provide you with the best possible coverage for the least amount of money.

4. Add child to your policy

On the day the young driver pass their driving test, activate their insurance. You’ll most likely need to provide basic information, such as child’s name, date of birth, driver’s license number.

1. Safe driving

It is a well-known fact that tickets and car accidents can raise your rates. Hence, one of the best ways to reduce your premium is to practice safe driving. Many insurance suppliers offer discounts for safe driving habits. Talk to your agent to find out the specifics.

2. Good student discount

Many insurance providers, like The Hartford, offer discount for students who demonstrate good academic performance and certain grade point average (GPA).

3. Choose the right type of car

So, whether you plan on purchasing a brand new car for your teen or letting them drive a family vehicle, opt for the one with high safety rating. Older cars with less value are more affordable for the insurance suppliers to repair or replace in case a claim is filed, which results in lower rates. The same goes for newer cars with enhanced safety features (air bags, anti-lock brakes).

4. Obtain minimal coverage plan

Another way to save some money is to get a minimal coverage plan – liability insurance. It helps pay for repair of damages caused by a collision that was your fault. However, remember that most crashes require more than minimal coverage to pay for medical and repair bills. This means that you will have to pay for the rest that exceeds your policy limits.

Note: If your student driver damaged your own vehicle, this coverage does not cover the expenses.

5. Raise your policy deductibles

You can lower your premiums by accepting deductibles. The downside is that you will have to pay more out of pocket, so ensure you have access to deductible amount at all times to be able to pay promptly if necessary.

6. Bundle policies together

Bundling policies together can further reduce your premium rates. For example, you can combine your teen driver’s car insurance with your own to earn a discount.

7. Take a Driver’s education course

Learners who complete a driver’s education course are eligible for a discount. Some carriers may even offer their own drive ed course. Remember that young drivers might need to fulfil other conditions like keeping a clean driving record.

8. Install a Telematics device

If you agree to participate in a telematics program, you could also get a reduced premium rate. Also known as ‘Gateway’, ‘black box car insurance’, an ‘insurance tracker’, these devices are installed in the vehicle or as a phone app and they serve to monitor driving habits, i.e. speed, miles driven, rapid acceleration, or in-car phone usage. Most suppliers offer some form of telematics or usage-based insurance (UBI).

9. Living away from home discount

If you are a permit college student or attend a boarding school which is located more than 100 miles from your home, you may get a lower rate, since you will not be using the vehicle for the most part of the year.

Consult a knowledgeable insurance agent to gain a better understanding of various deduction approaches. An independent insurance specialist can compare rates and conditions from multiple carriers on your behalf.