Teen Auto Insurance Salem Oregon OR
Reader’s Question:
My husband and I own two cars that are being used by our two teen children. Do we need to insure both kids if each of them is already assigned to each car at a rate much higher than we’re previously paying? Is it legally necessary for us to insure them even if they don’t have their own cars yet?
Melinda
Salem, OR
Adding all licensed drivers in your household to your auto insurance policy is usually a requirement of most insurance companies and is NOT a state law. You have the option to exclude other drivers in your household from your policy but if that person did drive your car, even in an emergency situation, coverages would not be extended to them. Be sure to let your Salem, OR insurance agent know about your situation.
The reason for this requirement is that in rating of an auto insurance policy, an insurer consider all resident operators of an insured vehicle, including your children, as risk factors that can affect your rates.
Due to the fact that teen-age drivers are inexperienced and more likely to get involved in accidents, insurance rates are high. However, as they gain experience and mature as drivers, your children’s rates should go down. You can ask your insurance company if discounts are available to help balance out the higher rate from insuring your children on your policy. In OR, a good student discount may be available through your insurer for children under the age of 25 who have good grades in school.
If your teen-age children do not have their own cars yet, the OR Division of Insurance notes that you have to make sure your insurer understands which cars they will be driving and whether it will be occasional or principal use.
Tags: car insurance quotes, car insurance rate, teen insurance
