Kids Sometimes Can't!
May 21 '00
Insurance for kids is a very touchy subject...and one I deal with on a daily basis. For example, in Delaware - the age to legally own a car is 18. If your child plans on getting their license at the age of 16 (which is still possible here), then the car & insurance goes in THE PARENT'S name. This is one crucial point that many families don't understand or know.
Many reviews I've read have talked about one ticket destroying their child's insurance rates. My advice is to do your homework. One very infrequently used company in Delaware (due to lack of advertisement on the company's part is Liberty Mutual). Liberty Mutual has a first violation exception! Even for those under the age of 25. That means the first speeding ticket, the first stop sign violation, or many others. Another popular company with a first-violation exception for youth & others is Nationwide Assurance Company (a Delaware non-standard company).
If its accidents you are worried about, feel free to check out Nationwide Mutual or Nationwide Property & Casualty Insurance Company. After being with the company for around 5 years, policyholders receive a free-accident! That means even if you wreck your car and four others, you don't pay a dime in increased premium.
Throughout my reviews I've been trying to stress doing your homework. Call agents and ask these questions. They all don't tell you at first because they don't want wreckless or violation-holding policyholders, but they can't change underwriting guidelines for one person...so don't worry about it!
Generally, most companies post this information on their websites, and Nationwide & State Farm definitely have the best websites (www.nationwide.com & www.statefarm.com).
Other states do carry the 'if you are under 18-no car' policy, so check with your local Department of Motor Vehicles, or your local insurance agent. Even though insurance can seem to be scary sometimes, a little homework will really go a long way. Also, be wary of online insurance! I've gotta get a category for online insurance now that carriers are able to verify insurance right online. If you know exactly what you want its not a problem...but for the 'i want insurance now!' type of person...i don't think its going to work.
Feel free to check out my other reviews, or send me an email about this one! Just click on my nickname as author for this one.
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Epinions.com ID:
rpi
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Member: Christopher Lacey
Location: Troy, New York
Reviews written: 24
Trusted by: 7 members
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