Double-Naming Auto Insurance: Is It Allowed?

In most U.S. states, it is possible to have your name on two different auto insurance policies, and for the names on your insurance and registration to be different. However, this is not recommended as it can cause issues when filing a claim. New York is the only state that requires the name on a car insurance policy and registration to match.

In most U.S. states, names on car insurance and registration don't have to match

New York is the only state that requires the name on a car insurance policy and registration to match. In other states, residents can use different names on their car's insurance and registration as long as they meet the insurance company's policy requirements.

Some insurance companies will refuse to provide insurance for a vehicle without putting the registered owner on the policy. However, there are other companies that will work with you to set up a policy that fits your needs.

If you are considering having different names on your car insurance and registration, it is important to be aware of the potential disadvantages. Insurance providers may deny coverage if your car registration doesn't match your name. Additionally, you must update your registration and car insurance if you change your name, for example, if you get married or divorced.

There are some situations where it may be necessary to have different names on the insurance and registration, such as when a parent asks their child to purchase their own insurance policy for a vehicle the parent owns. In this case, the parent and child must follow the insurance carrier's contract specifications, which may include requirements such as living at the same address.

If you are considering insuring a car that is not registered in your name, there are a few alternatives to having different names on the insurance and registration. One option is to include the owner's name in the insurance policy by adding them as a covered driver. Another option is to put the driver's name on the car's registration, as most states allow the use of two or more names on a vehicle's registration. A third option is to purchase a non-owner insurance policy, which provides coverage for drivers who don't own the vehicles they use.

Non-owner car insurance is an option for those who frequently drive cars they don't own

In most U.S. states, car insurance and registration don't have to be under the same name. However, some insurance companies will refuse to provide insurance for a vehicle unless the registered owner is on the policy. This is where non-owner car insurance comes in.

Non-owner car insurance is a form of coverage intended for people who don't own a car but frequently drive borrowed, rented, or shared ones. It provides liability coverage for bodily injury and property damage, meaning it will cover you if you're liable for damages or injuries in an accident. It does not, however, cover damage to the vehicle you're driving or your own injuries.

Non-owner car insurance is a good option if you frequently borrow a car owned by another member of your household, have a teen driver in your household who owns their car, or are a caregiver who drives someone else's car as part of your job. It's also a good option if you rent cars often, as it may be cheaper in the long run than purchasing liability coverage from the rental company each time.

Non-owner car insurance is typically less expensive than standard car insurance policies, but the cost varies depending on your driving history, location, coverage limits, and other factors.

Adding a name to a car title is possible in most states

Provide the Existing Title:

The first step is to obtain the current title, which proves your ownership of the vehicle. Sign the seller section, indicating yourself as the seller, and provide your name and the name of the person being added in the buyer section. Specify the type of ownership, whether it is joint or common, by using the appropriate conjunction ("or" for joint and "and" for common ownership).

Fill in the New Title Information:

Find the section on the back of the existing title that pertains to adding a name. Both the current title holder and the new person should fill out the necessary information. It is recommended to do this before visiting the motor vehicle office to expedite the process.

Locate and Visit the Local Motor Vehicles Office:

There are usually multiple Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicle Offices in each state. Find a location that is convenient for both you and the person whose name is being added to the title. Make sure to bring valid proof of insurance and identification when visiting the office. The attendant will verify the information on the title and confirm your identities.

Pay the Fee:

Since you are transferring a portion of the ownership, a new title will need to be created, and a fee will be charged for this service. The fee amount may vary, but as of 2010, the cost for a title transfer in Florida was $75.25. This fee is typically paid at the motor vehicle office when adding the name to the title.

Wait for the New Title:

Once the information has been processed and verified, the motor vehicle department will send you a new copy of the title with the added name.

Apply for a New Title:

Request an application for a certificate of title from your local Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). Both the current owner and the person being added must complete the form with their valid signatures.

Submit the Application to the DMV:

Make an appointment with the DMV to submit the completed application. There may be a submission fee, which can vary by state. The DMV will issue the new title after all fees have been paid and signatures have been verified.

Update Your Registration:

Since the car's title is linked to its registration, you will need to update the registration to reflect the new owner(s). Some states allow the addition of the new person to the existing registration, while others require a separate registration process.

Update Your Insurance:

It is mandatory for both persons listed on the title to be insured. Therefore, you will need to update your insurance policy by submitting a copy of the new title and registration to your insurance provider.

It is important to note that removing a name from a car title follows a similar process, with a few differences. If the name removal is due to divorce, name change, or death, the same documents will be required, but the person whose name is being removed will sign the seller section, and the person remaining will sign the buyer section.

Additionally, if there is a lien holder on the title, their permission is required for any name additions or removals. The lien holder has a financial interest in the vehicle and will need to approve the changes.

In conclusion, while the specific steps may vary slightly by state, adding a name to a car title is generally a straightforward process that involves updating the title, registration, and insurance to reflect the new ownership arrangement.

Insurance companies can refuse to insure a person whose name isn't on the vehicle's registration

In most U.S. states, residents are allowed to register and insure their vehicles under different names. However, insurance companies are not legally mandated to provide insurance for a vehicle without putting the registered owner on the policy. Some insurance companies will refuse to insure a vehicle without the registered owner on the policy, while others will work with you to set up a policy that fits your needs.

Insurance companies may refuse to insure a vehicle if the registered owner is not on the policy because of the risk of confusion during the claims process. If the insurance company finds that the insured driver is not the same as the person on the registration, it may delay the payment while everything is sorted out.

If you frequently borrow, rent, or share cars that you don't own, non-owner car insurance may be a good option for you. Non-owner car insurance is intended for drivers who don't own cars but frequently rent or borrow vehicles. It provides liability coverage in an accident that causes personal injury or property damage that is not covered under the existing liability insurance policy.

Having different names on registration and insurance can complicate the claims process

Having different names on your car registration and insurance can lead to complications when filing a claim. While it is not illegal in most U.S. states to have different names on these documents, it is likely to confuse your insurance company and may cause delays in the claims process.

When you file a claim, insurance companies conduct thorough investigations. If they find that the insured driver is not the registered owner of the vehicle, they may delay or even withhold the settlement payment while they sort out the details. The insurance company may pay the claim to the registered owner rather than the insured driver.

In addition, some insurance providers may deny coverage if your car registration doesn't match your name. They may only sell you a policy if the named insured matches the vehicle's registration.

To avoid these complications, it is generally recommended that the name on your car registration and insurance policy match. This simplifies the claims process and ensures smooth communication with your insurance company. It also makes it easier for the insurance company to verify your identity and maintain accurate records.

However, there are some situations where it may be necessary to have different names on your car registration and insurance. For example, if you co-own a vehicle with someone else and have separate insurance policies, or if you are leasing or financing a vehicle and the lender's name appears on the registration. In these cases, it is important to inform your insurance company about the arrangement to ensure both owners are adequately covered.

If you need to add someone else to your insurance policy, even if their name is not on the car registration, you can do so by contacting your insurance provider and providing the necessary information.

Frequently asked questions