Yes — Illinois law requires all drivers, including those with a learner’s permit, to be covered by car insurance. Most permit drivers are insured under a parent or guardian’s policy. If a teen owns a car or lives outside the household, a separate policy may be needed. Always notify your insurer when someone gets a permit.
To find affordable coverage for permit drivers in Illinois,
call Insure on the Spot at 773-202-5060.
Can you get insurance with a learner’s permit?
Yes. You can get auto insurance even if you only have a learner’s permit. In Illinois, anyone operating a vehicle must be insured, regardless of license status. Most teens are added to a parent or guardian’s policy, which typically extends coverage automatically at no extra cost until the teen becomes a licensed driver.
If a permit holder owns their own vehicle or doesn’t live with a parent, they’ll likely need their own policy. Some insurers may require a co-signer for drivers under 18. Illinois law mandates that all vehicles be insured at least to minimum liability levels, so permit drivers must be covered before driving.
Do you need to add a permit driver to your policy?
Most insurers recommend listing a permit driver on your auto policy once they begin practicing. Some companies automatically cover learners in the household, but others require formal notice or a policy update.
Generally, adding a permit driver doesn’t increase your premium right away. Since permit drivers must be supervised and don’t drive independently, insurers consider them lower-risk. However, when the teen becomes fully licensed, you’ll likely see a premium increase.
Failing to disclose a permit driver may lead to coverage issues or back-charged premiums. Always check with your insurer about when and how to list your learner. It’s the best way to avoid claim disputes or policy complications.
When do permit drivers need their own policy?
Most permit drivers do not need their own insurance policy, but exceptions include:
- No parent policy to join: If a parent or guardian doesn’t have insurance, the teen needs their own.
- Teen owns a vehicle: A separate policy is required unless the car is added to the parent’s policy.
- Not living with parents: If a permit holder lives independently, they must carry their own coverage.
- After getting licensed: Once a driver earns their license, they must be formally added to an existing policy or purchase their own coverage.
In general, if a permit driver is using a vehicle regularly and isn’t covered by a family policy, they need a separate insurance plan.
Illinois-specific permit driver insurance rules
Illinois applies its standard insurance laws to all drivers — including those with learner’s permits.
- Mandatory insurance law: All vehicles must carry liability coverage with at least 25/50/20 limits. Insurance follows the car, not the driver.
- Graduated licensing rules: Permit holders must drive with a licensed adult age 21+ in the front seat. Violating GDL restrictions may impact coverage in an accident.
- Parental responsibility: Parents are financially responsible for damages caused by their minor children. Higher liability limits are recommended to protect family assets.
- Insurance verification: Illinois uses an electronic verification system to ensure every registered vehicle has valid insurance. If your coverage lapses, your registration can be suspended — even if your teen is just practicing.
- SR-22 risks: While rare, a permit driver who commits a serious offense (like DUI) could require an SR-22 filing for reinstatement. Insure on the Spot can help with SR-22 coverage in Illinois if needed.
How adding a permit driver affects insurance rates
Most insurers don’t charge extra during the permit phase, but premiums increase substantially once a teen becomes a licensed driver.
- National averages: Adding a 16-year-old can raise a household’s auto premium by 70% to 150%.
- Illinois impact: Families may see insurance bills double when adding a new teen driver.
Insurers view teens as high-risk due to inexperience and accident rates. Male teens and younger teens tend to have higher costs. Still, permit-phase supervision often prevents rate changes until full licensing.
If your teen will also have their own vehicle, expect a further increase due to added car coverage. Sharing a family vehicle may help manage costs.
Tips to save on teen driver insurance
Good grades can help. Teens who maintain a B average may qualify for a good student discount, typically saving 5% to 15%.
Choose the right car. Insure your teen on a safe, modest vehicle — avoid sports cars or luxury models. Older sedans with safety features are usually cheaper to insure.
Consider liability-only coverage. If the car is older and owned outright, dropping collision and comprehensive can reduce premiums. Just make sure your family can afford to replace it out of pocket if needed.
Limit driving and mileage. Teens who drive less may qualify for low-mileage discounts. Some insurers also offer telematics programs that reward safe driving behavior.
Look for other discounts. Some insurers offer savings for:
- Completing driver training or defensive driving courses
- Bundling auto and home insurance
- Maintaining continuous coverage
- Enrolling in autopay or paperless billing
Always ask your insurer to review all available discounts and run quotes with different configurations.
FAQs About Permit Driver Coverage
Q: Do I need car insurance if I have a learner’s permit but don’t own a car?
A: Yes. You must be covered by the vehicle owner’s policy. Even if you don’t own a car, driving without insurance is illegal in Illinois. Always confirm you’re listed or permitted on the existing policy.
Q: Can I get my own policy with only a learner’s permit?
A: Yes, but if you’re under 18, you’ll need a parent or guardian to co-sign. Adults with a permit can also get their own policy. Some insurers may limit options, so work with an agent.
Q: What if the permit driver isn’t listed on our policy?
A: Coverage might still apply, but it could cause problems. Insurers may deny a claim, charge back-premiums, or cancel your policy. Always notify your insurer when a household member begins driving.
Q: Does driving school insurance cover permit drivers?
A: Yes — while taking lessons in a driving school vehicle, the school’s insurance applies. But anytime the teen drives a family car or private vehicle, your own insurance must cover them.
Q: Who’s liable if a permit driver causes an accident?
A: Insurance follows the vehicle, so the car owner’s policy will cover the claim. In Illinois, parents are financially liable for damages caused by their minor children. Be sure your coverage limits are sufficient.
Need Car Insurance for a Permit Driver?
Call Insure on the Spot at 773-202-5060 or get a free quote online in minutes. We help Illinois families find affordable insurance for learner drivers and make sure you’re fully covered every step of the way.