Teenager drivers getting behind the wheel for the first time can be daunting for their entire family. Most first-time parents do not know how to handle the situation, as young teens are extremely eager to start driving and gain their intermediate license.

Even though no one wants to think about the downside of things, what happens when a teenager is involved in a car wreck while having an Alabama learner’s permit? By having sufficient insurance coverage on your child--and instilling them with knowledge on what to do after a car wreck--will help a teen gain beneficial real-world skills necessary for once they begin driving independently. The aforementioned can ease the stress placed on parents preparing to add a new teen driver to their pre-existing insurance plan.

When To Place Your Teenage Driver on Your Insurance Plan

Alabama law requires that all drivers (including teenage drivers having learner’s permits) possess sufficient auto insurance at all times when driving a vehicle. Many parents tend to add their teenage drivers to an existing auto insurance plan by calling their insurance carrier and giving them their child’s information and status as a permit driver.

Due to the ease of placing a teenage driver to your plan, and the legal requirement for insurance coverage, we suggest having your teenage driver registered as soon as they start driving. Covering your teenage driver with your insurance carrier in case of an accident, and teaching your teen the importance of having auto insurance when driving, is a valuable lesson for any future licensed driver.

Who Is At Fault For An Accident With A Driver Having A Learner’s Permit

Alabama law requires that teen drivers having an Alabama learner’s permit only drive with a licensed adult over the age of 21 in the passenger seat. Due to this, confusion may happen when it involves liability in a car wreck. For instance, would a parent be responsible for a collision their teenage driver caused while the parent is in the vehicle?

Generally, a car wreck with a driver having a learner’s permit is handled just like any other collision in the eyes of an insurance carrier. After a car wreck is documented and reported, the insurance carrier will confirm your policy and the other driver’s insurance coverage to decide the best steps for covering the claim.

Though the procedure for reporting and documenting a car wreck is just as if your teenager were a licensed driver, they can be deemed completely responsible if they are found to have taken their parent’s vehicle without their knowledge, or if they caused a serious amount of damage while driving the vehicle. Remember to guard your teen with knowledge on safe driving habits, and to inform them that driving is a privilege (not a right) to be earned.

Contact An Experienced Car Accident Attorney

If you or your teenage driver must file an insurance claim against another driver, it can be in your best interest to hire an experienced car accident attorney to handle your case. This affirms that you have the best possible chance at a favorable settlement, and helps to show young drivers how best to handle car accidents with as little stress as possible.

For more information about car accident claims or to discuss your case with an experienced attorney, contact the Bryant Law Firm, LLC, at 205-267-8561 for a free consultation.

‍