What do you have to do when a child turns 16 and starts driving your vehicle in the state of Texas?

Question

What I need to know is how to handle my insurance? Anyone know? Thanks

Answer 1

Here in Texas you have to, HAVE TO, add your child to your policy. Some people are suggesting blanket policies that insure all drivers but here in Texas, having a license means you have to have insurance and if you're caught driving a vehicle without insurance of your own (even if someone else is insuring the vehicle without you listed as a driver), the police officer can still have the vehicle impounded for the driver having a license without insurance. Texas is one of the only states that is this specific about their laws when it comes to insured drivers.

Contact your current company and add your child. Expect to pay out the wazhoo. Then, if the price is incredibly high, go on and call some other companies. Some actually average in driver info to where Youthful Drivers don't throw so much of a surcharge. I'd suggest Nationwide, State Farm, and Allstate. Those three are pretty reasonable.

Answer 2

Make sure the child has a valid driving license and what the terms of the license are. Keep current on new laws affecting the child's driving privileges.
Example:
Nebraska just overhauled the system for drivers under 21 including how many others can be in the car with the young driver. No cell phone use for young drivers. Limited hours the driver can operate the car. Some classifications of drivers license for young drivers require adult supervision beyond the learner's permits.
Contact your insurance agent for advice how to add child to the policy. Consider shopping around for new car insurance that includes the youngster.
Insist youngster take "Driver's Education" classes as soon as possible. When the youngster has the "Driver's Education" certificate, take it to the insurance agent pronto.

Have the youngster get a job or mow lawns in the area for gas money and money to contribute to car maintenance. Make it a "teaching moment".

Answer 3

Make sure they are covered on your insurance and insure they are driving during the times specified under the license they hold. (Some States have specific hours of operation for new drivers)

Answer 4

You must call and have them placed on as a driver. Even if you don't wish to, your insurance wants to know the name and age of all persons in the household of drivable age. The rates for new male drivers are outrageous, females not much better. There is a reason it costs more, higher % of accidents. So, #1 is right, pay, pray and worry.

Answer 5

Check with them, you may be able to have the insured policy that covers anyone who drives your car, or just liability, or they probably will suggest adding him to your policy and that will increase it a lot, especially if a boy.

Answer 6

three things
1. pray
2. worry
3. have the child added to your insurance policy-my experience from friends is about $1000 year more
if they have done accredited driving school/on the honor roll it is cheaper, maybe-depends on insurance co.

Answer 7

Head for cover!