Do you have a teenager ready to start driving? You’re probably wondering, “Do permit drivers need car insurance in Illinois?”
At Insurance Navy, we make the process simple and hassle-free with excellent customer service. Keep reading to discover everything about keeping a new Illinois driver properly insured during this exciting time!
What Is a Driver’s Permit?
Every state has a slightly different permit process and requirements. In Illinois, a teen driver between the ages of 15 and 17 can apply for an instruction permit if they meet all of the following criteria listed below.
- Providing the required identification documents
- Surrendering any non-Illinois IDs
- Passing a vision and written exam
- Paying the fee
- Providing proof of current or immediate enrollment with an approved driver education instructor
In Illinois, a licensed adult of at least 21 years old must supervise the new driver. They may apply for a driver’s license at age 16, provided they’ve met the requirements.
The Important Role of Car Insurance in Illinois
Why is car insurance important? Car insurance ensures someone obtains adequate compensation if you injure them or cause damage to property.
In Illinois, driving without the minimum insurance requirements results in fines and a license suspension. It will also increase future auto insurance premiums. You can choose from among several types of auto insurance policies.
Liability Coverage
Liability coverage pays another person’s medical expenses or property repair and replacement costs after an accident. Liability auto insurance requires a minimum coverage of $25,000 per person for bodily harm and $20,000 per accident for property damage liability. Opting for more coverage can give you peace of mind for only a marginal increase in your car insurance premium.
Collision Insurance
Collision coverage pays to repair your vehicle after it experiences damage in a crash. Unlike liability insurance policies, it applies no matter who is at-fault for the accident.
Illinois does not require collision coverage. However, including it can help you avoid major expenses after emergency situations.
Comprehensive Coverage
Do permit drivers need insurance in Illinois? The state doesn’t require comprehensive coverage, but consider adding it to your auto insurance policy. It covers non-collision damage from some of the things listed below.
- Theft
- Vandalism
- Fire
- Natural disasters and severe weather
- Falling objects like tree branches
Underinsured Motorist Protection
Despite the legal minimum insurance requirements, some valid drivers still operate a vehicle without it. When this happens, your underinsured motorist coverage applies.
It can also provide compensation if the other person has an auto insurance policy that doesn’t pay out enough to cover all the damages. Illinois requires a minimum policy of $25,000 per person and $50,000 damage per accident coverage.
How Insurance Applies to Drivers With a Permit
How do you apply for car insurance for a driver with a learner’s permit? Thankfully, it doesn’t require taking out an entirely new car insurance policy. Simply contact the insurance provider and add the teenager to the policy.
Once added, they can drive any vehicle covered by the same car insurance policy. Keep in mind the following considerations.
Adding a Learner’s Permit Holder May Increase Insurance Premiums
Whether or not adding a teen driver raises car insurance premiums is a complicated question. Several factors determine the decision, including the following:
- Age: A 15-year-old driver is more likely to raise auto insurance rates than an older teen.
- Type of Vehicle: Adding a new driver to a sports car or classic vehicle may require paying a higher monthly premium.
- Location: Living in an area with high crime or heavy traffic makes it more likely the company will increase rates when you add a new driver.
Even if insurance premiums increase, it’s always a more cost-effective option than opening a separate car insurance policy. It also saves significant money compared to the fines and legal fees when the teen gets caught driving without insurance in Illinois.
They Can Drive With Other Insured Adults
Do permit drivers need insurance in Illinois? Yes, but what happens if they’re driving with an adult that doesn’t live in the household?
For example, imagine grandma comes to visit from Indiana and wants to see how well her favorite grandchild drives. Depending on her insurance company, she may not need to add the teenager to her policy if she’s only supervising a few driving sessions. Regardless, Grandma still needs a valid license.
Also, remember that adding a driver is easy and won’t necessarily raise insurance rates. Encourage the adult to add the learner’s permit holder to the auto insurance policy, even if it’s only for a day or two.
Consider Increasing Coverage
Even teenagers with the best intentions make impulsive decisions, especially when they’re still learning to drive. Apart from collisions and accidents, they could leave the keys in the car or park in an undesirable neighborhood. Consider increasing your coverage to help moderate the higher risk to the vehicle.
Insurance Companies May Have Different Policies
Every auto insurance company has slightly different policies when it comes to adding a new driver. Don’t hesitate to obtain a new quote, shop around for better rates, and look for applicable discounts. If you’ve maintained a good relationship with the insurance agent, they may go out of their way to avoid rate increases.
Tips for Encouraging a Clean Driving Record
How do parents, guardians, and other adults help new drivers maintain a clean driving record? The learner’s permit holder will make mistakes, but the following advice significantly reduces the risk of higher auto insurance premiums.
Model Good Behavior
If you want a new driver to operate a vehicle safely, they need a good role model. For example, when a parent checks their texts while driving, can they fault their teenage driver for doing it, too? Remember to exemplify the following good habits:
- Wear your seat belt.
- Use the turn signal at an appropriate distance before turning.
- Don’t use the phone even when stopped at a red light.
- Drive the speed limit and prioritize staying in the right lane.
- Leave ample distance between cars, and don’t stop at the last minute.
- Drive defensively rather than aggressively.
Practice More Than Required
Do permit drivers need insurance in Illinois? Yes, and during the learner’s permit phase, they also must accrue at least 50 supervised driving hours, 10 of which must occur as nighttime driving. However, don’t settle for the absolute minimum.
The more driving practice driving sessions a teen obtains, the lower the risk of accidents. Go out of your way to exceed the 50-hour requirement.
The Secretary of State requires drivers to fill out a log of their practice hours. It requires the following information:
- Date
- Practice Location
- Weather conditions
- Total time divided between day, nighttime driving, and grand totals
- The adult instructor’s initials
Ensure you fill out the form accurately and never exaggerate the numbers.
Slowly Increase the Driving Privileges
When new drivers don’t have much practice, they should not throw them right on the highway. They should hope the stress helps them perform well. They’re not a bird you’re pushing out of the nest.
Start the driving privileges by navigating the car through an empty parking lot. Then, move to more crowded spaces and residential streets. When the driver feels confident and capable, guide them through more difficult situations like high-traffic or high-speed streets.
Keep the Vehicle in Excellent Condition
While distracted driving remains the primary cause of teenage driving accidents, vehicle condition matters. Tires without enough air, broken taillights, and an overheating engine can all induce a sense of panic in a nervous new driver. Regular maintenance and oil changes keep the vehicle in peak condition and prevent it from breaking down on the side of the road.
Brush Up on Illinois Driving Laws and Guidelines
It’s likely Illinois driving laws have changed since obtaining your license. It’s also likely some of the more nuanced guidelines have left your memory.
By staying updated on all the current laws, an adult can better guide the new driver to maintain a clean driving record. It also improves the guardian’s performance, further reducing the risk of higher car insurance premiums.
Shop for the Best Illinois Auto Insurance Rates Today
Do permit drivers need auto insurance in Illinois? At Insurance Navy, our excellent service helps parents and new drivers find the best auto insurance policy with the lowest rates. You’ll obtain accurate insurance quotes up-front. Get a free Car insurance quote for teen drivers today!
Are you ready for the lowest possible insurance premiums? We have 25 convenient locations in Illinois. You can also shop online or call 888-949-6289.
Frequently Asked Questions
Consider the following answers to common questions about the relationship between drivers with a learner’s permit and auto insurance coverage.
Does Having a Driver with a Learner’s Permit Increase Insurance Rates?
Having drivers with learner’s permits sometimes increases insurance rates. However, in general, companies trust the parents and instructors to keep the new driver safe, and increases remain marginal.
Can a New Driver Operate Any Family Vehicle?
A new driver can operate any family vehicle, provided they add the teenager to the car. Some auto policies cover multiple vehicles.
Are Experienced Drivers At-Fault for a Teenager’s Traffic Violations in Illinois?
A licensed driver may bear fault for a teenager’s traffic violations if they lacked adult supervision or didn’t take appropriate precautions to avoid the incident.
Do Permit Drivers Need Car Insurance in Illinois?
Yes, learner’s permit drivers need car insurance in Illinois. However, they’re usually covered by their parent’s policy with proper notification.
