What happens if your permitted teen drives your car without permission and gets into an accident?
Getting into an accident while driving alone with a learner’s permit will cause your auto insurance rates to go up, but your insurer should cover the damage.
When a household member is listed as a driver on the policy, it’s assumed they have access and permission to drive the household vehicles. Find out more about car insurance for drivers with a learner’s permit
If your child is not listed, which some insurers don’t require of young drivers who have only their learner’s permit (and are supposed to be supervised at all times while driving), it’s more likely an insurance company would deny the claim.
Ultimately, it’s up to your car insurance company’s guidelines and state laws that decide if your car insurance policy covers an car accident. Inform your auto insurer about the accident and the facts surrounding it, and your insurer will tell you if the incident will be covered.
- Parents are legally responsible for damages caused by teen drivers.
- Getting into an accident while driving alone with a learner’s permit will cause your auto insurance rates to go up.
- When a household member is listed as a driver on the policy, it’s assumed they have access and permission to drive the household vehicles.
What are the penalties for driving without a supervising adult when you have a permit?
If a teen driver with only a permit is involved in an accident without a supervising adult, they may face penalties such as license suspension, fines, and points on their driving record. They could also be cited for violating permit restrictions, which can delay obtaining a full license.
Additionally, the teen’s insurance rates may significantly increase, or coverage may be denied entirely.
What coverage pays for an accident involving a teen driver?
If the accident is covered, your liability insurance, bodily injury liability and property damage liability, will pay (up to your chosen limits) for the damages your teen caused others. If the accident damage exceeds the limits, you will be held personally responsible for any monies that still need to be paid out to the other party. Your car needs collision coverage to be covered, and the associated deductible will apply.
If your insurer denies the claim, due to your teen driving against the restriction of their permit, you will be liable for compensation for the other party’s damages and damages to your vehicle. This accident, plus any offenses, such as driving without a license, can affect your future car insurance rates.
If your rates do rise, shop around for more affordable auto insurance, there may be another insurer that won’t rate the accident as seriously. And make sure to ask about all the discounts your family may be eligible for, such as a good student discount if your teen maintains good grades in school.
Read more: Can you drive alone with your driver’s permit in New York?
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