QuestionI didn't think about this until just now. My wife drives a 1990 Toyota Cressida, which my son drove with his learner's permit. I had planned for him to use the 1996 Mustang. Would insurance be cheaper if he was insured and drove the 1990 Cressida, and my wife was primary driver on the Mustang?
I didn't think to ask the insurance company when I talked to them Friday.
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The text above is a follow-up to ...
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My son is taking the Florida Class E drivers road test on 13 March, and turns age 16 Saturday 10 March. He has had his drivers learning license for the past 12 months.
My daughter purchased a new car, and said that he could have her old 1996 Mustang as his birthday present.
I called my insurance company this morning, to add the vehicle to my policy, and have him added as a driver. After I explained all that, the girl asked how many miles a year estimated he would drive (I said 4,000), not to school, and not to work, because he was 16. She asked who's name the title was in, and who's name it was registered in. Both are in my name only. She said she would add it as driving for pleasure, or leisure, or something.. She was going to fax me the proof of insurance, and said he could still drive the car. It was an additional $330.00 to my current 12 month policy. She said she couldn't add him as a licensed driver until he passes his driving test, and is an official driver, but that would be $1,830.00 for the 12 month policy, when I added him as the driver, and to call back when he passes the driving test, and they would add him.
Now that is a BIG difference... With all the uninsured drivers running around Florida, no one seems concerned about.. I am thinking why should I bother calling to have him added, and pay an additional $1,500 a year for insurance.
The car has basic coverage, collision. If he wrecks it he's not driving for a long time anyway. Collision covers the the other driver if it's his fault.
Please tell me why I should pay the extra $1,500, or if the stupidity, I thought he was covered defense, would work.
P.S. With my homeowners tripeling in the last 2 years, car insurance yearly that is more than my cars are worth, I feel like I am being insured to death!
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HI Art,
I understand your frustration. If you do not add your son as a licensed driver and he is subsequently involved in a collision, the insurance company will deny the claim. Not only for the damage to his car but also for the damage to the other car that he damaged as well as any injuries that your son may have caused. This would leave you responsible for paying all of these costs because the car is in your name and your son is a minor.
When you hand your son the keys to a 2 ton bullet, it is in your best interest and the publics best interest that you be sure he is properly covered. Although it is expensive, it could be a lot more expensive if your caught with out insurance.
I hope this helps
Richard Hixenbaugh
AnswerHI Art,
In most cases the insurance company will rate the highest risk driver in the household on the highest rated vehicle in the houshold. Because even though your son may drive a specific vehicle, he is considered to have access to all vehicles. Of course this develops the highest possible premium for the insurance company. However you should ask your insurance company because some of them will allow you to place your son as a primary driver on a specific vehicle.
I hope this helps
Richard Hixenbaugh
