Reader’s Question:

Hi. Im 20 years old and I have a learners permit. Will I be needing car insurance to be able to get my license? I live with my parents. If I get my drivers license, will this increase my parents car insurance rate? I am not planning to be added on their policy. I just want to get my drivers license.

Rick

Detroit MI

The need to get car insurance to obtain your full driver’s license will differ from one state to the other. Most states will not require you to get car insurance just to acquire a drivers license however, it would best to verify with your local DMV office to determine the specific requirement when getting your drivers license.

Once you get your drivers license (or learners permit) though your parents will need to notify their car insurance provider regarding your licensing status. Generally car insurance providers require their policyholders to let them know about any licensed household motorist in the household. Your parent’s car insurance rates may or may not increase as a result of this.

If you are not going to drive any of your parents’ car they might be able to exclude you specifically from their car insurance policy if their insurance provider would permit that.

If in case you plan to get your own car insurance, make sure you read over your policy and understand what the coverage pays in case of an accident.