Is it possible to take out a car insurance policy when you are 17?
Nowadays, you can already get your driving licence at the age of 17. However, this does not mean that you can drive a car on your own. You will then receive a driving licence with a companion pass. As an underage driver, you must always have a supervisor with you. Are you 17 years old and do you want to take out a car insurance? This is not yet possible in your own name. Read here which options there are when you, as a 17 year old, want to take out a car insurance.
Car insurance in name of companion as 17-year old
As a 17-year-old, you are not allowed to have a car in your own name. In the Netherlands you have to be at least 18 years old to have a registration in your name. Without a registration number in your name, you cannot get car insurance. Therefore, it is not possible to buy and drive a car on your own when you are only 17 years old. Driving around in an uninsured car is not an option either. Not only do you risk hefty fines from the RDW and the police, but if you cause damage in an uninsured car, all costs are for your own account. Car repair costs can mount up considerably, let alone when personal injury is involved. Driving an uninsured car will cost you a lot of money. Money that you probably don't want or can't afford to lose at 17.
Can't you drive your own car at all? Yes, fortunately there is a solution. When you are 17 years old, you can arrange car insurance through your companion. Often this is a parent, but it can also be a brother or sister or an adult friend. The companion can put the car in his or her own name and then take out car insurance. The policy is then in the name of the escort. As soon as you turn 18, you can transfer the car to your own name. The car insurance of the escort can be cancelled with a copy of the indemnification certificate.
Age 17: options for car insurance
When you are 17 years old, there are two options for taking out car insurance:
- Your guide takes out the car insurance and adds you to the policy as a regular driver. When you turn 18, you can put the car and the insurance in your own name.
- You do take out the car insurance yourself, but you register your escort as a regular driver. As soon as you are 18 years old, you have the car registered in your own name.
The first option is often the most chosen. It is a legal way to get car insurance and bridge the period until your 18th birthday.
What happens if I suffer damage?
When you are 17 years old, a guide must always accompany you when you drive. However, this guide is not responsible if you cause damage to the car. As the car is insured in the name of the guide, any damage will have consequences for his or her claim-free years and insurance premium. It is important to always check the policy conditions of an insurer when comparing car insurance. Not all insurance companies compensate damage caused by a 17 year old behind the wheel. In that case, no money will be paid out in case of damage. So choose an insurer who does, and you will never be faced with unpleasant surprises.
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