Getting the learner’s permit is usually done at the beginning when learning to drive. A permit allows a person to legally drive on public roads, supervised by a fully licensed driver for practice, usually before he or she takes the complete test for a driver’s license. If you or someone in your family has just received a learner’s permit, you might be wondering about the next step: Can you get insurance with a learner’s permit? And more specifically, can you get GEICO insurance with a permit?
Why Do Permit Holders Need Insurance?
Before diving into GEICO’s policies, it’s important to understand why someone with a learner’s permit needs insurance at all. A common misconception is that because a permit holder is not yet a licensed driver, they don’t need car insurance. However, this is not true.
- Legal Requirement: Car insurance is a legal requirement in nearly every state. This does not magically disappear simply because one is driving on a permit. If you’re behind the wheel of a car-even if under supervision-you must be covered by an insurance policy.
- Risk Exposure: Even though learner drivers are supervised, they are usually inexperienced; thus, the likelihood of accidents is greater. An accident may well happen, and you will not only want to protect the driver but also the vehicle.
- Financial Protection: Insurance will provide the necessary financial protection if the permit holder is involved in an accident. Without insurance, the financial responsibility for medical bills, property damage, and liability may be disastrous.
Understanding GEICO’s Policy for Learner’s Permit Holders
GEICO, like many other auto insurance companies, recognizes the importance of providing coverage for learner drivers. But the way GEICO handles insurance for drivers with a permit depends on several factors.
1. Adding a Permit Holder to an Existing Policy
One of the most common scenarios for permit holders is that they get added onto an existing family policy. In the case of being a parent, if your teen just got his or her learner’s permit, you can add him or her onto your current auto policy with GEICO. You are usually able to do this without any additional charges until they get their full driver’s license.
- No Premium Increase (Usually): In most cases, you won’t experience a direct hike in your premium upon adding a learner’s permit holder to your policy. That is because, theoretically, the permit holder is always driving under the supervision of another fully licensed driver, so the risk is low to minimal according to GEICO.
- State Laws May Vary: Some of these rules apply differently depending on your state of residence. Whereas some states can insist that a driver with a permit should be listed on the insurance policy, other states can allow a permit holder automatically under the policy the supervising driver has without listing it.
2. Getting Insurance as a Permit Holder Without an Existing Policy
If you don’t have an existing insurance policy, GEICO can still provide coverage for a permit holder, but it might come with some stipulations.
- Supervised Driving: Because the driver has only a learner’s permit, he or she is bound by law to drive under the supervision of a licensed adult. The same would go for insurance: GEICO might require the supervising driver to be listed on the same policy or otherwise be insured.
- State Regulations: Again, states may have different rules regarding how insurance companies can handle permit holders. In some, a policy in the permit holder’s name might be issued from GEICO, and others require that the policy be in the name of a licensed adult.
- Higher Premiums for New Policies: It can be more costly to purchase a brand-new policy for a permit holder. Most insurance companies classify new drivers, especially teenagers, as high-risk. Even though permit holders are supervised, they may still fall into this category.
3. Transitioning from Permit to License
Once the driver moves from a learner’s permit to a full driver’s license, the insurance situation will change. GEICO, like most insurers, will adjust the policy to reflect the fact that the new driver can now drive unsupervised. This often results in higher premiums because the risk associated with unsupervised driving is greater than that of supervised driving.
- Teen Drivers: If the permit holder is a teen driver, one can expect premiums to increase astronomically once they are licensed. Teenage drivers are statistically more likely to have traffic accidents, so their rates are usually higher across most carriers. This is no different at GEICO.
- Discounts for Safe Driving: On the positive side, many insurance companies, including GEICO, offer discounts to young drivers who complete safe driving courses, maintain good grades, or go a certain period of time without any accidents or traffic violations. It’s a good idea to take advantage of these discounts to help offset the cost of insuring a new driver.
Steps to Insure a Permit Holder with GEICO
Now that you understand the basic principles behind insurance for permit holders, let’s go through the steps you would take to add a permit holder to a GEICO policy or get a new policy for them.
Step 1: Review Your State’s Insurance Requirements
First, refer to the regulations in your state. We briefly mentioned that different states have differing laws in regard to permit holders and their automotive insurance. First, make sure you understand how your state addresses the permit holder in the policy.
Step 2: Contact GEICO
Once you know the insurance requirements, contact GEICO either online or by phone. If you’re an existing policyholder, you’ll simply need to ask about adding the permit holder to your policy. In many cases, GEICO will automatically add the permit holder to your policy at no extra charge until they obtain their full license.
If you’re starting a new policy, GEICO will walk you through the process of getting a quote. Be prepared to provide information such as the permit holder’s name, address, and driving history (if applicable), as well as the details of the vehicle they will be driving.
Step 3: Explore Discounts
The good news is that GEICO offers many discounts that may help to keep down the cost to insure a new driver. Perhaps, the permit holder could get a good student discount if they achieve or maintain a certain grade point average. Also, if the permit holder completed a driver safety course, they could receive a defensive driving discount.
Be sure to ask about all these and any other potential discounts.
Step 4: Monitor Premiums as the Permit Holder Gains Experience
As the permit holder transitions from their learner’s permit to a full license, their premiums will likely increase due to the added risk of unsupervised driving. However, as they gain experience and maintain a clean driving record, their premiums should decrease over time.
Encouraging safe driving habits and taking advantage of discounts can help manage costs.
GEICO’s Teen Driver Insurance Options
Teen drivers, who are the most common group of people with learner’s permits, often face higher insurance costs due to their inexperience. GEICO offers several programs aimed at making insurance more affordable for teens, including:
- Good Student Discount: Teens who maintain a “B” average or higher can receive a discount on their premium.
- Driver’s Education Discount: Completing a certified driver’s education course can also lead to lower premiums.
- Accident-Free Discount: Maintaining a clean driving record without accidents or violations can lead to lower rates over time.
GEICO also offers flexible payment plans, which can make it easier for families to manage the cost of insuring a teen driver.
Conclusion: Can You Get GEICO Insurance with a Permit?
Yes, you can get GEICO insurance on a learner’s permit-either by getting added onto a current policy or by buying a new policy under specific circumstances. Whether you are a new driver or the parent of a teen who has a permit to drive, it is paramount that you have adequate insurance before hitting the roads.
It’s about understanding your state’s insurance requirements, contacting GEICO for options, and taking any discounts available. Although insuring a new driver is very expensive, even more so when that driver is a teenager, GEICO offers options and discounts that can help lower the cost.
After all, insurance provides not only a way to take to the road legally but also a great deal of financial peace of mind. Whether you are looking at a first learner’s permit or upgrading to a full license, proper coverage will make all the difference for a safe and secure driving experience in every way.
