Putting teen on auto ins ?

**ansley** · 06-30-2009, 04:29 PM

Our ins is around 100 a month. When ds goes on (he is taking drivers ed), it will be about 300 a month. That just seems like a lot to me. DH isn't questioning it. What do ya'll think?

**craftypam** · 06-30-2009, 04:41 PM

When a teen gets added onto your ins it does go up alot. I don't know what state you are in but here in MI if you belong to a credit union you get a discount for AAA ins. The bigger the credit union the bigger the discount.

**ladykemma2** · 06-30-2009, 04:56 PM

a lot of parents that i know make the teen earn the money for the auto insurance.

**ansley** · 06-30-2009, 04:57 PM

Well, the only cu I qualify for is in TX and I am in MS so it doesn't make since to use them. Ex uses a cu out of another state and I always have problems getting his cs checks cashed or deposited. I did get a quote from an ins co I had before I got married and it was half what our current ins quoted. I plan to go over it with DH and see if maybe I missed something.

**ansley** · 06-30-2009, 05:00 PM

Originally Posted by ladykemma2

a lot of parents that i know make the teen earn the money for the auto insurance.

He is 15 and can not legally work. He did pick up a cash only job but has worked 4hrs in 2 weeks. That will not nearly cover 200 a month. No one wants to pay for lawn care or other odd jobs around the house.

**frugalwarrior** · 06-30-2009, 05:01 PM

We are in Mi. so it may be diff but I like Progressive. As long as DD doesn't get her license we don't have to pay extra for her. We have renewed her permit several times at $25.00 for 3 months. Does he have a job to get to? How much can he contribute?? They told us about $1000. extra year to add her. About $2300. a year for 3 full coverage.

I just saw your next post. I personally would leave him on the permit for awhile.

**Darlene** · 06-30-2009, 05:09 PM

Not sure how it works with your insurance but our kids got lower premiums by keeping good grades, taking defensive driving courses etc. Every little bit helps so don't hesitate to see if they have simular programs. May pay to shop around for a new insurance co, see what your options are.

Good luck & a hug too... I know it can be a scary time for a parent.

**Preston** · 06-30-2009, 05:15 PM

I think he can wait to drive, honestly. If money is tight him having a license may be a privilege not a necessity. Are there other forms of transport he can use?

When I turned 16 I biked everywhere I needed to go even in the winter and I was fine with it. My mom BEGGED me to get my license because of the snowy conditions I would bike in and I gave in. Then I had to pay insurance and that would suck up an entire month's pay. And that was just liability. I regret doing this.

Having a car was nice and all, but too expensive at that age. Even though I was responsible the others who were not responsible drove up my 'group. If you ask me, maybe wait until he is 18. He has the rest of his life to get this taken care of -- what's the hurry?

**frugalfranny** · 06-30-2009, 05:41 PM

I think YEOW....I am glad I don't have a teenage driver.

A friend makes her daughter pay for the extra, but if he can't work that is a problem too. Might go the permit route but I would sure shop around and see what can be done. Do you have any type of 'grange' insurance....they seem to be 'decent' for a couple friends. If you are near a farming area you might have one.

**ladykemma2** · 06-30-2009, 05:51 PM

Originally Posted by ansley

He is 15 and can not legally work. He did pick up a cash only job but has worked 4hrs in 2 weeks. That will not nearly cover 200 a month. No one wants to pay for lawn care or other odd jobs around the house.

15 can drive???? most states is 16 or 18?

**frugalwarrior** · 06-30-2009, 06:00 PM

Ladykemma2, LOL 14years8mo. can take drivers ed here. There are stages. But yes they can get a license after a certain amount of hours tracked w/ parents and completion of part 2 which includes parallel parking. Surprise.

**craftypam** · 06-30-2009, 08:07 PM

Another way to get cheaper ins is to put him on a car that only has plpd ins.

**Neeley** · 06-30-2009, 10:47 PM

Our DD turned 16 in May. She got her license and a car on her birthday. She took Driver's Ed and is a straight A student so we get a discount for both. Our insurance went up $400 a year. We were paying $1000/year and now it's $1400 a year. It didn't go up as bad as I thought it would. Now, in two years when DS gets his own car and license, I fully expect it to go way up since boys are more expensive to insure than girls.

She has had a paying job since she was 14. We are not making her pay all of the insurance, just a small percentage. She does have to pay for her gas.

**happimommi** · 07-01-2009, 12:53 AM

Does being 18 make a difference?

**nodmicks** · 07-01-2009, 09:29 AM

I just recently got all this info from AAA as my oldest will have his licenses in the fall.

If we put him on our cars it is 600 more every 6 months.

If he is on our cars with a good student discount it is 400 extra every 6 months.

If we put him on his own car with liability only it is 300 more every 6 months regardless of good student status

The car he will drive (mine ) is an 01 taurus with 127,000 miles. I am thinking of going liability only as is is not worth much as soon as our full EF is back in place. Once I can afford to purchase a new car for myself ds will keep the taurus.

Any way we crunched the numbers that was our cheapest option ins wise.

LadyKemma~ I was suprised by this as I'm not in TX but my 15 year old nephew qualified for a hardship license!