Should I Keep My Child on My Auto Insurance Policy – Or Get Them Their Own?
Auto Insurance Advice for Myrtle Beach Families
By Brad Davis, CIC (July 21, 2025)
If you’re a parent in Myrtle Beach or anywhere in South Carolina with a teen or young adult starting to drive, you’ve probably asked:
“Is it better to have my child on my insurance or get them their own policy?”
It’s a smart question — and one we hear often at Davis Insurance Associates. Over the years, we have run numbers checking both options many many times. And we have done this with several different insurance carriers. The below information holds true the vast majority of the time.
The answer depends on a few things: age, driving record, type of vehicle, living situation, and your overall goals for insurance. Let’s break down the pros and cons of both options so you can make the best choice for your family.
✅ Keeping Your Child on Your Auto Insurance Policy
This is typically the most affordable and convenient option, especially for high school or college-aged drivers still living at home or dependent on you financially.
Pros:
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Lower Premiums: Young drivers are expensive to insure. But adding them to your policy is usually cheaper than them getting a standalone policy.
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Shared Discounts: You might qualify for multi-car discounts, good student discounts, or even a loyalty discount.
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More Control: You can ensure they’re properly insured with solid coverage and not just the state minimums.
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One Bill, One Policy: Simplifies paperwork and payments — all under one account.
Cons:
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Higher Risk = Higher Premiums: If your child has tickets, accidents, or just the “young driver” label, it can increase your premium.
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Shared Responsibility: Any claims they cause go on your insurance history — which may affect future rates.
✅ Getting Your Child Their Own Insurance Policy
This route makes sense if your child:
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Has moved out and is financially independent
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Owns their own vehicle (titled and registered solely in their name)
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Needs to begin building their own insurance history
Pros:
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Independent Responsibility: Helps your child begin establishing financial independence and credit.
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Protects Your Record: If your child has an at-fault accident, it won’t affect your policy or insurance score.
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Separate Policies, Separate Risks: If your child is a higher-risk driver, their driving history doesn’t increase your premiums.
Cons:
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Usually More Expensive: Young drivers (especially under 25) often pay significantly more when purchasing individual policies.
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Fewer Discounts: They won’t benefit from bundled or multi-car savings unless they qualify on their own.
So, What’s Best for Myrtle Beach Families?
Most families in the Myrtle Beach, Conway, Surfside Beach, and Socastee areas choose to keep their child on their auto insurance for as long as possible — especially while they’re in high school or college.
At Davis Insurance Associates, we often recommend keeping your child on your policy until:
When it’s time to transition them off your policy, we can help make that shift smoothly while still getting them solid coverage at a fair rate.
*This advice may not be suitable for every person or family. Please contact us or your current agent/company to discuss your situation.
Bonus Tip: Help Lower the Cost of Young Driver Insurance in South Carolina
If you’re keeping your child on your policy, here are a few ways to help manage the cost:
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Ask about Good Student Discounts: Most insurers reward GPA performance.
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Enroll in a Defensive Driving Course: It can reduce premiums for teen drivers.
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Drive a Safe, Modest Vehicle: Avoid sports cars or luxury vehicles with high insurance rates.
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Consider Telematics Programs: These monitor driving behavior and can reward safe habits with lower premiums.
Need Help with Your Family’s Auto Insurance?
Whether you’re insuring a first-time driver or making the transition to a separate policy, we’re here to help.
At Davis Insurance Associates, we’re proud to help families in Myrtle Beach and all across South Carolina make smart, affordable auto insurance decisions. As an independent agency, we shop with multiple top-rated carriers to help you find the right fit — not just the cheapest price.
📞 Give us a call today at (843) 213-0000 or
📍 Stop by our office in Myrtle Beach — we love when folks drop in with questions.
Think Davis Insurance when it’s time to protect what matters most — your family, your future, and your peace of mind.
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