Reader’s Question:

I have a teen that is going to be sixteen this month. He will be getting his license. Is he automatically insured once he get his license on my car insurance policy in Chicago, IL? He will only be driving part time and with an adult. Basically my question is, do I have to put him on the insurance policy as long as he drive one of my vehicles is he insured?

Reed

Chicago, IL

Most insurance carriers require that you list all licensed drivers living in the household on your car insurance policy so that they will be properly covered to operate your vehicles. If the insurance provider is not notified of the licensing status of your teen and they are not listed but are in a crash driving your car, it may be possible for the insurance company to deny an insurance claim. I heard that some insurance carrier will cover the insurance claim but then they will charge you for the insurance premiums that should have been paid previously for the teenager to be on the insurance policy.

I suggest that you contact your car insurance agent now in Chicago, IL, before your teen start the licensing process at age of sixteen, so that you will know what to expect when they do obtain their licensed and what coverages you will need to put on them.

Reader’s Question:

My 20 year old daughter just received a DUI in Chicago Illinois. She is making payments on a vehicle I co-signed and the title is under my name and her name. The insurance is also under my insurance policy with her as a driver. What will happen to our car insurance rates?

Ally

Chicago, IL

Since your daughter now has a DUI violation on her driving record, when your insurance carrier finds this out then her car insurance rates, and therefore yours as well since she is on your insurance policy. Insurance providers rating systems vary so you would have to check from your insurance agent to verify how much your daughter’s DUI may affect all of your car insurance rates and for how long.

The Illinois Secretary of State states that a DUI can subject you to high-risk car insurance rates for three years. The IL SOS DUI Fact Book notes that high risk insurance for an individual convicted of a DUI averages an additional (over their normal auto insurance costs) $1500 per year.

If the your car insurance rates go up because of your daughter’s DUI, then you may want to comparison shop for car insurance to check if you can find a better car insurance rate.