What is the cost of adding an additional driver to our insurance policy?
My mom has recently lost her ability to drive after having her license taken away. She’s quite upset about it and refuses to use rideshare services or have anyone drive her except for family. Right now, I’m her primary driver, and I could really use some extra help. We’re planning to discuss ride options with her tonight, but the insurance company is closed at the moment.
We’re considering having her grandson (my son) help out with driving. He’s in grad school nearby and lives with us, but he usually walks to class or gets a ride from friends. He’s determined to graduate debt-free, so he doesn’t own a car and isn’t on any insurance. Before I suggest this to my mom, I’d like to know how much it would cost to add him to our policy (my husband and I are both insured). He has held his license for 10 years with a perfect driving record, and so do we for over 20 years. The car he would be driving is a 12-year-old Lexus. We have full coverage for two vehicles, paying under $1,100 annually for both (the other car is a 16-year-old truck, and my husband has been a mechanic, so we’ve been able to keep our cars well-maintained). We live in a rural area of the Southwest.
Any insights on potential costs would be greatly appreciated. I’d like to know if adding him would result in just a small increase, like $10 a month, or if it could significantly raise our premium. I want to have all the information before I discuss this with my mom tonight, as it’s the only time we’ll all be together this week. Thank you!
The cost of adding an additional driver to your insurance policy can vary significantly depending on several factors, including your specific insurance provider, the state you live in, and the driver’s history. In your case, since your son has a long history of safe driving and you’re all in a low-risk demographic, it’s likely that the increase in your premium won’t be substantial.
Many insurers charge anywhere from $10 to $50 a month to add an additional driver, especially if they have a clean record like your son does. Given that you and your husband also have good records, it helps keep rates lower.
However, it’s also wise to call your insurance company directly when they reopen to get an accurate quote. You can explain the situation and get a clearer picture of how much it would actually cost to add your son to the policy. That way, you’ll be able to provide your mom with a more informed plan for helping her with transportation.
In the meantime, consider discussing the idea with your mom and son, as knowing the potential costs could help you make a more concrete plan together. Best of luck with everything!