For many young drivers, getting a learner’s permit is an important rite of passage! But, while offering teens a taste of freedom before being fully licensed, for parents and guardians it can be a whirlwind of anxieties about them now being at risk for any number of potential car accidents.
If your child has just gotten their permit, or soon will, then first - congratulations! Second, it’s important for any auto policy holder to understand how their insurance covers their vehicles and the teenage drivers behind the wheel.
At Berry Insurance, we understand the fear surrounding having your child behind the wheel. With many in the Berry family having driving aged kids, or ones that will be very soon, we know how nerve wracking it can be having them drive even just to practice. In this article we’ll cover how teen drivers are covered by your policy and what to do if your permit driver finds themselves involved in an accident.
What are the restrictions of a learner’s permit in Massachusetts?
Before we touch on what to do if you are involved in an accident, let’s review the laws surrounding learner’s permits.
In Massachusetts, any driver with a permit must adhere to the following rules when operating a vehicle:
- The permit holder must have the learner's permit with them when driving.
- The permit holder may not operate in another state if it is a violation of that state's laws.
- A permit holder who is under 18 years of age may not operate a vehicle unless they are accompanied by a parent or legal guardian above 21, who is licensed with at least a year's worth of driving experience and is not currently revoked or suspended.
Are drivers with learner's permits covered under car insurance?
In most cases, yes, drivers with learner’s permits will receive insurance coverage as long as they are driving with a licensed parent or guardian as a passenger who is covered by their own policy. So for example, if you’re out practicing with your permitted driver and they accidentally collide with a parked car, your policy will cover any damages.
Most issues with permit drivers receiving coverage arise when they are involved in accidents when they are driving without a licensed parent or guardian. Many teenage drivers with permits will like to go out for a ride without supervision, oftentimes with other young unlicensed drivers. If they are involved in an accident without your supervision, your insurance company could deny coverage if they see fit. If coverage is still granted, you can still expect higher rates on your policy moving forward.
Massachusetts law imposes penalties on junior operators who choose to drive by themselves, having their permit suspended and may be required to pay fines up to $500. Because of this, it is always important for your teen driver to be aware of the risks and danger of driving without your supervision.
Do drivers with learner’s permits need to be listed on my car insurance policy?
No, you will not have to worry about listing your young driver on your auto insurance policy until they have passed their driving test and are fully licensed.
However, if a permitted driver is involved in an accident in your insured vehicle, you will be surcharged and your insurance will increase. Once the driver is licensed, the surcharge would transfer over to them.
While you don’t need to worry about adding them until they are a licensed driver, you may wish to update your insurance agent to ensure you have adequate coverage in place, as permitted drivers are more likely to get into car accidents.
With this increased risk, you may also want to consider obtaining umbrella insurance coverage to make sure you’re protected from any potential claims. Umbrella insurance offers additional liability coverage on top of your underlying policies, such as auto, homeowners, renters, and condo insurance.
Wondering who else you should consider listing on your auto policy? Check out this article to find out how to suit your policy to your family’s needs: Who Needs to be Listed on Your Auto Insurance Policy?
What should I do if my permitted driver is in an accident?
You can handle an accident with a teen or permitted driver like any other car accident. Call the police, exchange information with the other driver, document the damages to your vehicle and take any pictures for evidence, and get yourself checked out for any injuries. Also, be sure to report the car accident to your insurance agent or provider as soon as you are able to.
Want to know what comes next? For a complete breakdown of what to do after an accident and how to file a claim, read this guide: What Happens After a Car Accident? (MA Auto Insurance Claims Process & Timelines)
What about accidents that occur during a driving test?
Well… the driver would be unlikely to pass.
But in all seriousness, requirements of road tests or driving lessons can vary, with some drivers utilizing their own car while others use driving school/testing specific vehicles. If your teen driver is using your insured vehicle during the test or driving lessons, or if you are required to be in the car with them, your auto insurance will likely cover them in the event of an accident.
Insurance for every milestone
As you begin the transition of leading your child into the next chapter of adulthood, it’s good to know your auto insurance will be there for both of you while on the open road.
As you gear up for the coming driving test with your young driver, stay in the know with how they will affect your auto insurance policy once fully licensed. Learn how to add a new driver and how you can save money on your policy here: How Does a New Driver Affect Your Auto Insurance?
