Landing Your First Job

Prepare for Your Start Date

No one wants to be late for their first day on the job. Take a practice drive to your worksite during rush hour. You’ll get a better idea of what traffic is like, what route to take, and how early you’ll need to leave your home to be there on time. You’ll also get a good idea of your mileage to work. Use this information to inform your car insurer of changes in the amount of miles you drive your car each day. How far you drive your car is a factor used to determine your auto insurance rate.

Need to Move?

Research the neighborhoods around your new worksite, with value, safety, and commute in mind. Whether you buy or rent, you’ll need to protect your living space. Home insurance or condo insurance will serve you well if you decide to buy a home. If you choose to rent, renters insurance will protect your stuff.

If you work in an office with a dress code, you might need to go shopping. Make sure your policy’s personal property limits are high enough to cover your new wardrobe, as well as your other possessions, like your cell phone, laptop, and jewelry. Plus, homeowners, renters, and condo insurance protects your covered personal property anywhere in the world — so if your belongings are stolen while you’re on a business trip, you’ll be covered.

First Day on the Job

At many companies, the first day on the job consists of filling out paperwork and orientation. The paperwork might include tax documents, benefits information, and health insurance applications. Learn more about the effect of changing jobs on your healthcare elections and auto insurance. If you still obtain your health insurance from your parent's plan, you may not need to worry about this yet.

Ask your employer how their insurance will cover you if you get into an accident while working. If you work for a ride-sharing service, contact your car insurer to ask if they offer transportation network coverage.

Stay Safe on the Job

Every job has hazards. If you notice something that seems dangerous in your workplace, speak up. If you are injured — or almost injured — on the job, report the incident to your supervisor.

Make sure you know the safety procedures in your workplace. The U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) provides tips on how to stay safe in the most common jobs young workers perform.