16 Year Old Driver – Can I Buy Car Insurance?
Reader’s Question:
Can I own a car and buy insurance even if I’m only 16 with just a learners permit? I live in Wisconsin.
Yen
Good question Yen.
There are no age restrictions for buying and registering motor vehicles according to the Wisconsin Department of Transportation.
According to Section 218.0147 of the Wisconsin state statutes that no minor may purchase or lease any motor vehicle unless the minor at the time of the purchase or lease submits to the seller or lessor a statement verified before a person authorized to administer oaths and made and signed by either a parent or a guardian.
This means that you will need a parent or guardian to sign a statement giving you a consent to buy a vehicle. The signed statement will also be use for the application for title.
So basically you may be able to purchase a vehicle if you have the right paperwork and consent from your parent or guardian. This may also apply in getting car insurance, but some insurance companies may not allow you because a minor is not bound to any contracts. You will probably going to have your parent sign any insurance documents if you are going to apply for a car insurance.
If you want to get more information in laws in the state of Wisconsin regarding a minor purchasing and insuring a vehicle, you may contact with the Wisconsin Department of Transportation and with the Commissioner of Insurance.
Goodluck!
MariCAR
How Old Do I Need To Be To Drive a Car In Virginia?
Reader’s Question:
How old should I be to be able to drive in the state of Virginia?
Albert
Thank you for asking.
You must a resident of the Commonwealth of Virginia and should be at least 16 years and 3 months of age before you can obtain a drivers license in Virginia. This is according to the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicle. If you want to get a learner’s permit, you must be at least 15 years and six months of age.
If you are under 18, you need a written consent from your parents or guardian unless you are married or emancipated. You need to complete a state approved driver’s education program if you are under the age of 19.
If you have never held a license issued by the state of Virginia, or foreign country, Us territory and unable to show proof that you had a license and is 19 years old and older, you must show proof that:
1. you passed an approved driver’s education course
2. you have a Virginia’s learners permit at least 30 days before taking the Department of Motor Vehicle road skill test.
You may call the Department of Motor Vehicle in Virginia to get more information on how to obtain Virginia’s driver’s license or permit.
Goodluck!
MariCAR
Can I Use My Out Of State Drivers License To Drive in New York?
Reader’s Question:
HI Im 17 years old and a Florida resident. I have a full class E driver’s license. I want to know if I can drive in New York City.
Reyanne
Thank you for asking.
According to the New York Division of State, those non residents with a valid driver’s license by their home state and is over 18 years of age may drive in New York city but is subject to restrictions in their license.
Those who are under 16 years of age are not permitted to drive in New York city no matter what type of license they hold.
If you are 16-17 years of age, you may be able to drive in the New York state and must obey New York State Operator restriction.
1. No driving is permitted within the Bronx, Brooklyn, Manhattan, Queens and Richmond. You may drive in all other areas of New York State, except the five boroughs of New York City with these conditions:
* Between 5 a.m. and 9 p.m. without being accompanied, except Nassau and Suffolk Counties.
* Between 9 p.m. and 5 a.m. without being accompanied when traveling to and from school or work.
* Between 9 p.m. and 5 a.m. when accompanied by a parent or guardian.
So even though you have a full license you are still subject to obey the NYS junior licensing restrictions that include not being able to drive in the new York city. This restrictions applies to all driver’s under 18 years old and who are licensed outside the new York state.
If you want to get more information regarding driving out of state with a full drivers license under the age of 17, you may call the NYS Department of Motor Vehicle.
Goodluck!
MariCAR
Can I Drive My Car Alone With Just a Learners Permit?
Reader’s Question:
What would the penalty be if I drive alone in the state of Virginia with just a learner’s permit?
Alan
Thank you for asking, Alan.
According to the Virginia driver’s manual, a minor may only be permitted to drive if he is accompanied by a a licensed driver of at least 21 years of age. A driver accompanying you may be 18 years of age if if she or he is your legal guardian.
Your legal guardian accompanying you and monitoring your ability to drive a vehicle must be legally permitted to drive and holds a valid driver’s license.
It is worth 3 points in Virginia and would stay on your driving record for 3 years for the learner’s permit violation.
According to Virginia state law, a Class 2 misdemeanor may have a penalty of confinement to jail for up to six months and a fine of $1000.
You will need to contact the court in the ticket that you received to verify and check what the penalties you would be facing. You may also get an advised from the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles regarding the penalties associated with the violation.
Goodluck!
MariCAR
Teen Motorcycle Driver With a Learners Permit?
Reader’s Question:
Im a minor. Do I need to have full coverage insurance if I only have a motorcycle permit? I live in Minnesota.
Molly
Nice Question, Molly.
This would actually depend on the state law if you will need to obtain an insurance at this point or wait till you are fully licensed for the motorcycle.
The Office of Traffic Safety in Minnesota notes that all motorcyclists must do the following:
1. needs to have a motorcycle instruction permit or an endorsement
2. register the motorcycle and display the valid license plate
3. carry the liability insurance on their motorcycle and proof of insurance when riding.
4. wear eye protection
So if you are under 18 years of age you must:
1. complete an approved motorcycle rider training course
2. wear a DOT approved helmet
If you are a teen, you will need to contact an insurance agent to know more about when you can be added in your parent’s policy. Some insurance company allow teens to be added the same day she receives the learner’s permit. Other companies require the addition once the teen obtains full or unrestricted license.
You may contact the Department of Motor Vehicle to find out what requires you to have an insurance with a motorcycle permit.
Goodluck!
MariCAR
Teen Driver Non Owner Auto Insurance Policy?
Reader’s Question:
Should I get my daughter a non owners policy since she does not own a vehicle? She just got her driver’s license.
Linda
Good Question, Linda.
Generally, it is actually much cheaper if you add her to your insurance policy rather than getting a separate insurance for her. You may be able to get a discount from your insurance company for multi-policy if she will be driving her own car.
As soon as your teenager begins to operate a vehicle, you will need to notify your insurance company that you will add her as an additional driver in the household. Since teenagers are inexperienced in driving, you will notice a higher premium on your insurance, since according to statistics, they tend to get involve in an accident.
You may expect your insurance rate to go up as much as 50% if you add a teenager in you policy. A son however will increase a premiums for as much as 100%. You may consider increasing your liability limits for additional protection.
Please note that some non owners policies do not cover vehicles that are owned by a member of the same household.
Goodluck!
MariCAR
