How long do you have to get insurance for a new driver?

Asked by: Dr. Hershel Parisian MD  |  Last update: May 8, 2025
Score: 4.6/5 (49 votes)

A grace period of 60 days often applies. However, the requirements vary by state. For example, insurance companies in Maryland, Indiana, and Illinois require standard coverage for drivers with a learner's permit. Insurers in other states start charging once your teen has a full license.

When to notify insurance of a new driver?

Adding a driver to car insurance

The best time to talk to your insurance provider is before your new driver gets his or her permit. That's also a good time to find out what it will cost to add a teen to your policy.

What is the grace period to get insurance?

California life insurance policies come with a 60-day grace period following a missed premium payment.

What is the cheapest insurance for an 18 year old?

FAQs. What's the cheapest car insurance for 18-year-olds? Drivers who are 18 years old will get the cheapest rates from USAA ($316 per month), American Family ($317), and GEICO ($318).

How long after buying a car should you get insurance?

California's grace period is firm, forcing people to obtain a policy for their new automobile within 30 days of purchase.

How I am Paying 60£ Car Insurance, Tricks For Cheap Car Insurance in UK, Genuine Hacks, No Agent

17 related questions found

Does car insurance start immediately?

Getting car insurance instantly is possible with many auto insurance companies, including Progressive. In some states, you only need your driver's license number, vehicle identification number (VIN), and at least the first month's payment to activate an auto insurance policy.

Do you set up insurance before buying a car?

You typically need car insurance before buying a car to comply with state laws and dealership requirements. However, some insurers may give you a window of time to add your new car to an existing policy.

How long do you have to add a new driver to your insurance policy?

A grace period of 60 days often applies. However, the requirements vary by state. For example, insurance companies in Maryland, Indiana, and Illinois require standard coverage for drivers with a learner's permit. Insurers in other states start charging once your teen has a full license.

What is the best insurance for first time drivers?

Progressive, Geico, Auto-Owners, State Farm and Nationwide tend to offer low average premiums and robust coverage options for young drivers. If you're a young adult, searching for carriers that offer discounts you qualify for can potentially help lower your rate.

What insurance do I need when I turn 18?

A parent's plan: If you're under 26, you may be able to join a parent's health insurance plan. The Marketplace: You can enroll during Open Enrollment November 1 – January 15 or at other times of the year if you have certain life events (like a move) or if your income is within a certain range.

How long can you go without car insurance?

It is a crime to drive almost anywhere without car insurance coverage, even for a minute or just down the street. So, how long can you be without car insurance? If you're driving, you can't. Anytime you get behind the wheel as a licensed driver, you need insurance coverage or you'll risk incurring major consequences.

What is the insurance waiting period?

A waiting period is the amount of time an insured must wait before some or all of their coverage comes into effect. The insured may not receive benefits for claims filed during the waiting period. Waiting periods may also be known as elimination periods and qualifying periods.

What is free look period?

What Is the Free Look Period? The free look period is the required time period in which a new life insurance policy owner can terminate the policy without any penalties, such as surrender charges.

What happens if I don't add my teenager to my car insurance?

Failing to add your teenager to your auto insurance can lead to coverage denial, legal penalties and policy cancellation. Lack of driving experience and perceived higher risk contribute to higher car premiums for teen drivers.

Should I put my 18 year old's car in my name?

Register the car in your child's name.

If your son or daughter is legally an adult (18 years or older), he or she is able to register a car in his or her own name. Without you as the owner of the car, the laws imposing vicarious liability (such as New York Vehicle and Traffic Law Section 388) will not apply to you.

Does your insurance go up if your child gets their license?

Once your child gets a license, you have 60 days by law to inform your insurance carrier. In most cases, because an insurance carrier will see a new driver as a greater risk, your insurance premium will increase, sometimes significantly (up to 60% for a two-car family).

What car has the lowest insurance for a new driver?

Cheapest cars to insure 2025: the shortlist
  • Hyundai i10.
  • Volkswagen Polo.
  • Skoda Fabia.
  • Kia Picanto.
  • Toyota Aygo X.
  • VW Caddy.
  • Fiat 500.
  • Dacia Sandero.

Do my parents have to put me on their car insurance?

To have the ability to be covered by a vehicle insurance policy you must be added as an additional driver to the vehicle owners policy.

How does insurance work for a new driver?

In California, teen drivers are automatically covered under their parent/guardian's insurance once they obtain a learner's permit, so no action is required until a teen gets a driver's license.

Can my son drive my car if he is not on my insurance?

Usually, yes. Your car insurance coverage should be able to extend to anyone else driving your car. Even if someone isn't listed on the policy, they can operate your vehicle. If you explicitly name someone as an excluded driver in your policy, however, none of this applies to them.

Do you need insurance before you start driving?

New drivers need car insurance before they hit the road — most states require liability coverage by law for all drivers. You can get a policy, or if you live with another driver, they may add you to their policy. Car insurance for first-time drivers might be more expensive until you build up a driving history.

How much will my insurance go up with a new car?

Your premium is based on a number of factors that vary from person to person. These include your car's age, make and model, your driving record and, in some states, your age, gender and credit history. Because of this, it's impossible to say exactly how much your insurance will increase with a new car.