My youngest took/stole one of my cars at 2:30 this morning and wrapped it around a tree. He is 15 and just has a learners permit. He wasn’t seriously hurt. Got two tickets, one for driving alone with the learners permit, the other for failure to stay in his lane.

How do I proceed with my insurance company? I want to do anything possible to not have my rates jacked up. From what I read on-line, I need to make sure the boy is also charged with taking the car. Since he only has a learners permit, it doesn’t look like he is actually on the policy, but the car is covered since it is assumed an adult is riding with him.

How do I approach insurance with this?

Please don't charge him. Its bad, but that would be worse.

Dang Danny, I am no help with the question but I hope it turns out ok for you-
That’s a tough situation-

It’s not his first time taking the car. The more I protect him at this point, the worse I’m making it. I’m trying to minimize the damage with my insurance. It might sound harsh, but it’s time to let the system play itself with this one.

Depends on the value of the vehicle

Well, that certainly changes things. Payers for wisdom.

call your agent and tell them what happened and ask what they recommend.

and yes, time for tough love.

hope it goes well for ya.

Might be worth a consultation with a lawyer as son as possible. Know your options.

I’m sorry to hear all this and I’m glad he is not seriously injured. I don’t have any advice for you on the insurance issue.

Yes. This could have been far worse, he needs to know and understand that. At this point he may think he is invincible. We all have thought that to some degree at some time in our youth as well. But he needs to somehow know this was his second and last chance. But each personality is different, it will be all up to you.

If you continue to let him go un punished in some way he will always think you’ll cover for him . Is there a reason he’s doing this , is he really trying to test you or get your attention ? It’s time you really get to the bottom of why he did this . Find out the real reason and you can solve the problem and this maybe no choice except by letting him face the consequences.

So, what does having him charged with taking the car involve? May be a learning experience for him. At the least, no driving until he's 18 and can buy his own car.

Man, that’s a tough one
I’d be putting “The Club” or similar device on all steering wheels

I may know someone who at 15yo got a speeding ticket at 4:30 in the last 5 yards of a non marked school zone while driving their moms car without permission

Paying for the fines from lawn money and working at McDonalds taught this person a lesson

But, the cars had “The Club” on the steering wheels after that—which was the real deterrent

Well, the barn door was open and the horse got out. ^ ^ ^ ^ T H I S ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^
You _can_ remove people in your household from the policy, although it might be too late for that.
Buy a gun safe and lock up all of your guns and vehicle keys whenever you do not have direct control of them.
Driving is a privilege, not a right.
Son just lost that privilege.