Family Members And Auto Insurance

Generally, all licensed household members should be listed on your auto insurance policy. This includes your spouse, children, and other family members who live with you, such as parents, siblings, grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, foster children, in-laws, and step-family members. It is important to notify your insurance company of anyone who operates your vehicle regularly, as failing to do so can result in denied claims and serious financial consequences in the event of an accident. Additionally, insurance companies use this information to analyze the risk and determine your insurance premium. While unlicensed children and younger members under the age of 14 do not need to be listed, it is crucial to disclose all household members when applying for car insurance.

What if my family member doesn't live with me?

Typically, car insurance policies are designed to cover everyone in your household, including your spouse, licensed teenagers, and other relatives who share your home. However, it is possible to add someone who doesn't live with you to your car insurance policy, depending on your insurance company's policies and your state's insurance code.

Insurance companies often allow policyholders to add additional drivers, such as family members and friends, even if they don't live with you. This is usually applicable to immediate family members or someone who regularly drives your vehicle. They might need to have an insurable interest in the car, like being a co-owner or having permission to use it regularly.

If your family member doesn't live with you but occasionally drives your car, you should add them to your policy. This ensures that they are covered in the event of an accident. For example, if your adult child goes off to college and takes a family car, you can keep them on your insurance policy. However, some insurers may charge additional fees once the child reaches a specific age.

Insurers may also extend coverage to non-resident relatives who visit and borrow your car occasionally. This typically includes relatives like cousins who are staying with you temporarily, such as during the holidays. Additionally, if a family member needs to borrow your car for a few days while theirs is in the shop for repairs, your insurance policy may cover them as well.

It's important to note that adding someone to your policy can result in a premium adjustment. The increase or decrease in the premium depends on various factors, including the age and driving history of the added driver.

What if my family member has their own insurance?

If your family member has their own insurance, you should still inform your auto insurance carrier if they will be driving your car. Anyone who might drive your car, even occasionally, should be listed on your car insurance. This is the only way for your insurance carrier to cover them for damage from possible accidents. Failing to mention a household driver or another family member who uses your car can have serious financial consequences if they get into an accident while driving your car.

Your auto insurance policy should cover everyone who drives, including people outside your household who frequently use your vehicles. This could include roommates, spouses, live-in nannies, older licensed children, and other family members.

Insurance companies typically require that all licensed drivers in a household be listed on the auto insurance policy except unlicensed teenagers or younger members under 14. However, if you have unlicensed children who are of driving age, you may be required to list them on the policy, but they will not be rated until they are licensed.

It is important to note that if you have a family member who has their own insurance policy and lives with you, they must show proof of that coverage to your insurance company.

What if my family member only drives my car occasionally?

If a family member only drives your car occasionally, they may not need to be listed on your auto insurance policy. However, it is important to check with your insurance company, as regulations vary. Some insurance companies may require that all licensed drivers in a household be listed on the policy, while others may only require unlicensed teenagers or younger members under 14 to be disclosed.

Generally, auto insurance follows the car rather than the driver. This means that your insurance coverage should extend to anyone driving your car, even if they are not listed on your policy. However, there may be some exceptions, and it is always a good idea to review your policy or speak with an agent to understand the specific coverages that may apply.

If your family member is not listed on your policy and gets into an accident while driving your car, your insurance will typically be liable for any damages. It is important to note that if your family member is found to be at fault, their own insurance may cover some personal injury or medical expenses, as well as any costs that exceed your policy limits.

In some cases, you may be able to add a family member as a partial or occasional driver to your policy, even if they do not live with you. This can provide additional peace of mind and ensure that they are covered by your insurance in the event of an accident.

It is always a good idea to be cautious when lending your car to anyone, including family members. Verify that they have a valid driver's license and a good driving record. By taking these precautions and understanding your insurance policy, you can help protect yourself and your family members in the event of an accident.

What if my family member is unlicensed?

If your family member is unlicensed, you can still add them to your auto insurance policy. However, they will not be covered if they drive your car, and you will be treated as if you were driving without insurance, which could result in fines and vehicle impoundment. You will also have to pay for any damage out of pocket.

If you want to add an unlicensed family member to your auto insurance, you should contact your insurance agent or company to determine their guidelines on who can be covered and the procedure for adding a driver.

It is important to note that not all insurance companies will provide coverage to an unlicensed driver. Most national insurers, such as Geico, State Farm, Progressive, and Allstate, will not even offer a quote without a license. However, some companies, such as The Hartford, do offer policies to unlicensed drivers.

If you are unable to find an insurer that will provide coverage to your unlicensed family member, you may consider adding them as a co-owner of your vehicle on the registration. This will likely increase the chances of getting your vehicle insured, as vehicle ownership is a common requirement for getting car insurance.

Alternatively, you can list yourself or your unlicensed family member as an excluded driver on your policy. This means that you or your family member will not be covered if you drive the car, but it can help reduce the risk for the insurance company.

Another option is to get parked-car insurance if your car will be kept in storage and not driven at all. This type of insurance only provides comprehensive coverage for damage to your car while it is parked and is typically cheaper than standard auto insurance policies. However, similar to listing yourself as an excluded driver, you will be considered uninsured if you drive your car with only parked-car insurance.

What if my family member is a child?

If your family member is a child, you may not need to add them to your auto insurance policy. Insurance companies typically require that all licensed drivers in a household be listed on the auto insurance policy, except for unlicensed teenagers or younger members under the age of 14. If your child is unlicensed, they may not need to be listed on your policy, but you should still disclose them to your insurance company.

If your child is a licensed driver and lives with you, they must be listed on your policy to be adequately covered. This is true even if they are only an occasional driver of your vehicle. If your child has their own car insurance policy, they must show proof of coverage to your insurance company.

If your child has moved out of your residence, they do not need to be listed on your policy. However, if they still occasionally drive your vehicle, you must inform your insurance company. Your insurer may or may not require you to list them as an occasional driver on your policy, depending on their internal guidelines.

It is important to note that failing to add a teenage driver to your policy can have serious consequences. If your teen is in an accident while driving your car, your current policy might not cover the damages, and you could be held liable. Additionally, you may face severe fines if your teen is driving without proper coverage.

Frequently asked questions