Congratulations, you’re having a baby! It seems like a life event this momentous should have some impact on your car insurance. After all, aren’t parents likely to be more responsible than the average driver? Or does the lack of sleep that goes with having a newborn mean you are more dangerous on the road?
Having a baby changes a lot of things, but does it change your car insurance rates? The short answer is no, having a baby doesn’t impact your insurance rates at all. Unlike your credit history or the type of car you drive, having a child is not a factor in your auto insurance rates.
Do car insurance rates go down when you have a baby?
No, having a baby does not lower your car insurance rates. In fact, having a baby doesn’t impact your car insurance one way or the other.
However, new parents may find that the lifestyle changes that come with having a baby could help them save money on car insurance. For example, if one parent decides to work from home or quit working to stay home with the baby they will be driving fewer miles each year, which is one of the factors considered by insurance companies when setting your rates.
Many people also trade out sport or luxury vehicles for safer, family-friendly cars. Switching from a Mustang to a minivan may not be the most exciting change, but the savings on your car insurance can certainly help you feel better about your decision, since safer, more popular model cars tend to be cheaper to insure.
Do you need to tell your car insurance if you have a baby?
No, your car insurance agent doesn’t need to know you had a baby. Whether or not you have an infant isn’t relevant to your auto insurance policy, but if your insurance agent handles more than just your car insurance, you may want to give them a call.
Car insurance is just one type of insurance you may need, and your status as a parent can impact other types of coverage. For example, having a baby might mean that you need to change the beneficiary on your life insurance policy or that you need to update the amount and value of your personal property so your renters or homeowners insurance policy has accurate information in the event of a claim.
When it comes to insurance, the most important call for you to make is to add your baby to your health insurance policy. There is typically a time limit to add your baby if you want their birth paid for by insurance, sometimes as little as two or three days, so make sure you do your research ahead of time so you know the requirements of your particular insurance policy.
What are the best ways for a new parent to get discount car insurance?
There are many ways to save money on car insurance, including:
Discounts: You may qualify for a number of discounts, including employer group discounts, good driver discounts, or military and federal employee discounts.
Bundle your policies: Combining all of your insurance policies with one insurance company can earn you a significant discount.
Raise your deductible: Choosing a higher deductible can reduce your auto insurance rates, but then you will be responsible for paying more out-of-pocket in the event of an accident.
Improve your credit: Most states allow insurance companies to consider your credit rating when determining your insurance rates, so paying your bills on time can help your car insurance rates decrease over time.
Keep your driving record clean: Avoiding tickets and accidents is the best way to keep your insurance rates low.
Compare quotes: Comparing quotes from multiple companies can help you find the lowest prices on car insurance.
Though none of these things are specific to new parents, these are some of the most effective ways for anyone to save money on car insurance.
Can you change your insurance when you have a baby?
While there may be types of insurance that limit when you can change policies, car insurance isn’t one of them. The only limitation for car insurance is that you need to have other coverage in place before you cancel your plan to prevent a gap in coverage. Not only can a coverage gap increase the cost of car insurance in the future, it also means you could be in violation of the laws in your state if you were driving without insurance.
If you feel like having a baby means you need to switch car insurance companies, get your new coverage put in place before canceling your current policy to prevent a gap in coverage.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do children affect car insurance?
Typically, no. Whether or not you have children won’t impact your insurance rates until they start to drive, at which point you are likely to see a significant increase in your rates.
What do I need to do to my car once my baby is born?
When your baby is born you will want to have a rear-facing car seat installed. Police and fire departments across the country allow soon-to-be parents to bring their cars in so car seats can be properly installed, so take advantage of this offer if you are afraid you won’t be able to install the car seat correctly. From an insurance standpoint, there is nothing you need to do to your car when your baby is born.
What happens if I don’t add my child to my car insurance?
If your child is not old enough to drive, there is no reason to add them to your car insurance. If your child is old enough to drive, not adding them to your policy puts you in danger of having claims denied or even having your insurance canceled altogether if your insurance company finds out they are driving your car without being listed on the policy.
