17-year-olds behind the wheel: How your car insurance covers them

Your car insurance also covers 17-year-old drivers

A car insurance policy through IDA Forsikring provides coverage in the same manner, regardless of whether you or a 17-year-old is responsible for an accident while driving.

However, there is an additional insurance excess of DKK 3,484 (as of 2023) if the 17-year-old is found responsible for the damage. This higher excess applies to all individuals below the age of 26.

An IDA Car Insurance policy allows you to permit a 17-year-old to hit the road confidently. As an IDA member, you co-own IDA Forsikring, which means that as a car owner, you enjoy extensive coverage at one of the market's most competitive rates.

Requirements for the supervisor 

To be approved as a supervisor for the 17-year-old driver, the supervisor must meet specific requirements:

• Minimum age of 30 years: The supervisor must be at least 30 years old and have held a driver's licence for a minimum of 10 years. The driver's licence must not have been revoked conditionally or unconditionally.
• Ability to take control: The experienced driver must be sober and capable of assuming vehicle control if necessary.
• Documentation in order: The supervisor does not need prior approval from the police. However, if the 17-year-old driver is pulled over, the experienced driver must be able to prove that they meet the requirements.
• Not Responsible for Traffic: The supervisor is not accountable for traffic violations; that responsibility lies with the 17-year-old driver. The young driver must adhere to traffic regulations as taught during driving lessons.

Experienced drivers – Reduced traffic fatalities 

Obtaining practical experience behind the steering wheel is a preventative measure against traffic accidents. This is supported by statistics from other countries and an assessment released by the Danish Road Traffic Authority.

Age is rarely the cause of accidents; instead, experience and the number of kilometres driven are significant factors. With experienced supervisors in the passenger seat, young drivers gain invaluable on-road expertise, enhancing their safety.