Teens Driving in California: How does it Affect your Car Insurance?
Teen Drivers in California
A tradition that occurs often in the State of California happens when your teen turns the griping age of “sweet” 16. When the constant demands and pleas of “Daddy, please, please can I have a car for my birthday?” leaves a parent no other choice but to be prepared for their special day. A way for that to happen is to not only be aware of the type of car preference your teen so badly wants, but to take the correct steps as a parent/guardian to be fully assured that s/he will be prepared and informed about this huge responsibility. Licensing to drive and/or owning a car for your teen does not have to be complicated and our steps will help lead you to finding ways to save on California car insurance.
Learn more on how you and your son/daughter can be insured with California car insurance below.

Step 1: Provisional Permit
Young drivers can apply for a provisional permit between the ages of 151/2 and under 18. Applicants must provide proof of the following:
- Completed California driver’s ed. course, and currently enrolled in a driver’s training course in California
- Completed California driver’s ed. course, and completed drivers’ training in California
- Enrolled in an approved integrated California driving school and program
Your Cali teen must also pass a vision exam, and a sign and a traffic laws test.
Step 2: Teen Eligibility for the California Driving Test
To be eligible for taking a driving test in California, your teen must meet the following requirements:
2. Had their California provisional permit for at least 6 months
3. Completed a California driving school
4. Has driven a vehicle for at least 6 hours with a California-accredited driving trainer
5. Has driven a vehicle for at least 50 hours with a certified adult driver
6. Has driven a vehicle for at least 10 hours out of the 50 hours required, at night
Once your teen has passed their driving test, you (parent/guardian) must accept responsibility for minors and have minimum liability insurance. The State of California requires the parent or guardian of a teen driver to accept full responsibility for new drivers, and that also means having California car insurance.
Thus, vehicle owners and drivers must carry the following limits:
2. $30,000 for injury or death of 2 or more persons per accident
3. $5,000 for property damage for each accident
As a parent or guardian of an eager teen driver, one can never be too careful. So make sure to have the right information about car insurance for the State of California. Getting insurance quotes is very simple to do, with many options for packages and premiums that can be discounted.
A few pointers on how to save the most with California auto insurance companies is to ask the right questions:
- My teen completed a California driving test, what are our (parents) next steps to save on auto insurance?
- My teen is an honor student, does your California auto insurance company offer any savings?
- My teen is moving to college, are there any discounts available?
Remember to teach your teen about being responsible behind the wheel and to remind them the ins and outs of what car insurance in California offers, so they have a thorough understanding of the level of importance of being a driver.
Top 10 Car Insurance Companies in California:
- State Farm
- AAA
- California State Automobile Association Inter-Insurance Bureau
- Mercury Insurance Company
- Allstate
- Mid-Century Insurance
- 21st Century
- Farmers Insurance Exchange
- Infinity Insurance Company
- Progressive
You can compare car insurance quotes with the list above and find out which California insurance company offers the best premiums for you and your young driver! Good luck and stay safe!




