In many German states 17 year olds are already permitted to drive, at least when they are accompanied in the passenger seat by a qualified driver. However, for insurers these young drivers represent something of a grey area.
Normally 17 year old novice drivers are covered by a clause in their parents contract. However it is also worthwhile to continue this practice up to the 18th birthday and beyond. 17 years olds can technically buy a car but they cannot have it registered or insured in their name. And so the option available for people in this age group is to travel under the parents" policy. However this almost certainly means a considerably higher premium for them.
This reflects the fact that newly qualified drivers are far more likely to be involved in accidents that more experienced motorists. Insurers believe these premiums are fully justified on the basis that until drivers have gained sufficient road experience they represent a fiscal risk. However the real price of insurance for a 17 year old driver is dependent on a number of factors such as the type of cover and the make of car in question.
It is advisable to notify an insurer that the car to be driven by a 17 year old is a second car. This reduces the no claims class (Schadenfreiheitsklasse) fee considerably. This makes for considerably cheaper Kfz versicherung premiums. However parents should certainly resist the temptation not to notify their Autoversicherung providers that their child is using the vehicle. This could result in a refusal to pay up in the event of an accident.
Although drivers can insure their own cars at 18 it is generally considered advisable not to do this but better rather to amass some road experience first of all, at least for a couple of years. Again, this can yield financial rewards in terms of lower initial premiums.
26.2.2008