Checklists / Auto
New Driver Insurance Checklist
Adding a teen driver typically doubles your premium. These steps minimize the increase and maximize protection.
Before they hit the road
- Notify your insurer (required — most policies have 30-day add windows)
- Decide which car they'll primarily drive (cheaper to assign to the lowest-value vehicle)
- Increase liability to at least 100/300/100 — the most common new-driver scenario is overcorrecting and hitting a parked car
- Add umbrella coverage if you have meaningful assets
- Confirm collision and comprehensive on the car they'll drive
Discounts to ask about
- Good student (B average or better) — 10–25% off
- Driver's ed completion certificate
- Telematics / safe-driving app
- Multi-car discount
- Distant student (away at college >100 miles without a car) — 25%+ off
- Defensive driving course
Talk through the rules
- Number of passengers permitted (most state GDL laws restrict)
- Curfew
- Phone in glove box while driving
- What to do after an accident (your role: be present)
- How insurance works — they should know what their actions cost you
First 6 months
- Watch for renewal notices — rates can change after one ticket
- Ask insurer about telematics-based programs
- Reassess vehicle assignment after 6 months of clean driving