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Many parents struggle with finding the right time to take their kids off their auto insurance policy. Generally, it makes sense to remove your child from your policy once they move out on their own. But removing your young driver might not be as easy as it may seem since you'll need to meet certain conditions first. Here's what you need to know.
Can I Drop My Child From My Car Insurance?
There are certain situations when your child could, and in fact should, be taken off your plan. These include the following:
- Your child no longer lives at your home address. If your child has recently moved out, they do not need to be listed as a driver on your policy. In that case, the insurance carrier may require proof of your child's new residence.
- Your child is covered under other insurance. If they obtained their own insurance or are listed on someone else's policy, whether it's a new roommate or a partner, they can be taken off your policy. The carrier might ask for a new proof of insurance showing that your child is insured elsewhere.
- Your child has their own vehicle. If your child has recently purchased their own vehicle, you should also consider removing them from your policy. If they are listed as the registered owner of the car, the majority of companies will require them to have the vehicle covered by their own policy, where they are listed as the main insured.
There are other times when removing your child from your coverage might not be a great idea, however.
Many insurance companies require all household members of driving age to be listed on your policy, especially if they operate your vehicles (even occasionally). If your child has their own coverage or does not have a license, depending on the state and carrier, you might still be required to list them on your policy as an "excluded driver." Excluding a household member means they will not be covered if they are involved in an accident even if it's just occasional, permissive use.
Sometimes keeping your child on your policy can be quite costly. Having a young driver on your policy can increase your insurance premium by over 100%, especially if they have recently received traffic violations or were involved in any accidents. Despite the fact it might hurt your wallet, it will most likely still be less expensive than if they were to find coverage on their own.
Pros and Cons of Removing Your Child From Your Car Insurance
Removing a child from your policy is something many parents tend to put off. However, removing your child and having them seek out their own insurance can often be beneficial for both sides.
- Adult, experienced drivers are statistically less likely to cause an accident on their road, so removing the child from your coverage plan can result in a much lower premium for you as the policy holder.
- It teaches your child responsibility as they take their first steps toward financial independence.
- Having your child set up their own policy could help them improve their credit score. As they set up their own policy and pay their own bills on time, their credit score increases, making it much easier for them to make bigger purchases in the future.
- Getting their own policy after moving out of the family home allows them to avoid a lapse in coverage. If your child no longer resides in your home, they technically cannot be considered a named driver on your policy, which can lead to a gap in coverage.
How to Remove Your Child From Your Car Insurance
Removing a child from your policy can differ slightly depending on your insurance provider, but it usually boils down to a couple steps.
- Contact your auto insurance company or the licensed insurance agent of record for your policy and ask to have your child removed.
- Provide any required documentation, like proof of other car insurance or proof of new residence.
Alternatively, if your child still resides at your address, you can list them as excluded drivers on your policy, you can contact your insurance company or agent and request the exclusion. You will be asked to complete and sign a driver exclusion form to complete the process.
The Bottom Line
As sure as you may be about whether you should keep your child on your policy, or remove them, checking in with an insurance professional is always a good idea. Insurance laws and some internal insurance company rules can vary greatly by state and carrier.