Unlicensed To Drive: Navigating Auto Insurance For The Whole Family

In general, all licensed household members should be listed on your car insurance policy. This includes unlicensed children and younger members under 14, who do not need to be listed. However, it is important to disclose all household members when applying for car insurance. If a person occasionally uses your car, they can be added to your policy as a partial or occasional driver. In some cases, a roommate can also be considered a household member and added to your policy.

It is important to note that insurance companies require the policyholder to be the main driver of the insured vehicle. Listing yourself as an excluded driver is an option for those without a license, but this means that you and your vehicle will not be covered if you drive.

Unlicensed family members don't need to be listed on your auto insurance

It is important to understand that unlicensed family members do not need to be listed on your auto insurance. This is because insurance companies require all licensed drivers in a household to be listed on the auto insurance policy. This includes family members who live with you, such as your spouse, parents, and older licensed children. However, unlicensed teenagers or younger members under the age of 14 are usually exempt from being listed.

It is crucial to disclose all household members when applying for car insurance. While unlicensed family members do not need to be listed as covered drivers, insurance companies still need to be aware of their existence. This information helps insurance providers analyze the risk and determine your yearly insurance premium. Additionally, it is essential to list everyone who might drive your car, even occasionally, to ensure they are covered in case of an accident.

In some cases, you may need to list unlicensed family members on your policy, depending on the insurance company's guidelines. For example, if you have a 16-year-old son who doesn't drive, the insurance company may require you to list them on the policy but will not rate them until they are licensed. It is always best to check with your specific insurance provider to clarify their requirements.

It is worth noting that if an unlicensed family member occasionally borrows your car, they are typically covered under "permissive use." This means that your insurance policy covers your car regardless of who is driving, as long as they have your permission. However, it is always recommended to consult your insurance provider to confirm their specific coverage policies.

While it is not necessary to list unlicensed family members on your auto insurance, it is essential to be transparent with your insurance company about all household members to ensure proper coverage and avoid any potential issues in the future.

If they drive your car, they should be listed as the primary driver

If you have unlicensed family members, it is still possible to get car insurance. However, you will need to list a licensed driver as the primary driver on the policy. This person should be the one who drives the car most frequently, such as a spouse, family member, or roommate.

When determining the primary driver on the policy, car insurance companies will use motor vehicle records, along with other factors, to set your rates. If the person you choose is considered a high-risk driver, you may have to pay a higher premium.

It is important to note that not all insurance companies will allow roommates or significant others on the policy, with some only permitting spouses. As such, you may need to shop around to find a company that offers auto insurance for unlicensed drivers.

Additionally, some states require you to list at least one licensed driver on the policy. Failing to do so could result in serious financial consequences if an unlicensed driver gets into an accident. It is always best to disclose all household members to your insurance company and list anyone who might drive your car, even occasionally, as a primary or secondary driver.

You can get parked-car insurance if your car is in storage

When it comes to auto insurance, it's important to understand the requirements and options available, especially when dealing with unlicensed family members or vehicles that are not in regular use. Here's a breakdown of the key points to consider:

Unlicensed Family Members and Auto Insurance

It is generally recommended that all licensed drivers in a household be listed on the auto insurance policy. This includes family members, roommates, spouses, and older licensed children who may have access to the car and drive it occasionally. However, unlicensed teenagers or younger members under the age of 14 are typically exempt from being listed. It's crucial to disclose all household members when applying for insurance, as withholding this information can be considered premium fraud and lead to legal consequences.

Parked-Car Insurance for Stored Vehicles

Now, if you have a car that you only drive occasionally or keep in storage, you may be wondering about insurance options. While it's not legally required to have insurance for a car that's not being driven and is in storage, it's still a good idea to consider it. "Storage coverage" or "parked car insurance" is a type of insurance offered by providers for these specific situations. This coverage is ideal for vehicles that are parked in one place, off the street, and preferably in a locked garage.

Unlike regular car insurance, storage coverage usually includes only comprehensive coverage and excludes liability and collision coverages. This means that your vehicle is protected against damages caused by animals, weather events, theft, and vandalism while it's parked. By opting for storage coverage, you can expect a significant drop in your insurance premiums, sometimes by up to 80%.

However, it's important to note that storage coverage may not meet the vehicle registration laws in your state. Before making any decisions, be sure to check with your state's motor vehicle department to understand the specific requirements and forms needed for a car in storage. Additionally, if your vehicle is still being financed or leased, you may be required to maintain comprehensive and collision coverages at all times, even when the car is not in use.

To obtain parked-car insurance, contact your insurance provider to see if they offer this type of coverage. They may require your vehicle to be in storage for a minimum period, typically around 30 days. If your current insurer doesn't provide this option, you can shop around for alternative providers who cater to this specific need.

You can list yourself as an excluded driver to get car insurance without a license

It is possible to get car insurance without a license by listing yourself as an excluded driver. An excluded driver is someone who is explicitly excluded from coverage under your car insurance policy. This means that they are not insured to drive any vehicles on your policy.

Listing yourself as an excluded driver reduces the risk for the auto insurance company because you and your vehicle will not be covered if you drive the car. This means that if you are pulled over or get into an accident, you will be treated as if you were driving without insurance. This could result in fines and vehicle impoundment, and you will have to pay for any damage out of pocket.

When you buy a policy where you are listed as an excluded driver, someone else with a valid license needs to be listed as the primary driver. This should be the person who usually drives the car, such as a spouse, family member, or roommate. It is common for the policyholder and vehicle owner to be different from the primary driver on a car insurance policy.

To exclude yourself from your insurance policy, you may need to contact your auto insurance company and fill out and sign a driver exclusion form. However, not all states allow policyholders to exclude household members from coverage, and some states may require excluded drivers to have their own auto insurance before being excluded from a policy. Be sure to check with your insurer about the specific rules for excluding drivers.

If they live with you, they should be added to your auto insurance policy

If you have unlicensed family members living with you, it is not necessary to add them to your auto insurance policy. However, if they are licensed drivers, they must be added to your policy. This is because insurance companies require all licensed drivers in a household to be listed on the auto insurance policy. The purpose of this is to assess the risk and determine the yearly insurance premium.

It is important to note that unlicensed children or younger members under the age of 14 do not need to be listed on your auto insurance policy. However, they may need to be listed once they obtain a driver's license.

If there are any licensed family members living with you who regularly use your vehicle, they should be added to your policy as secondary drivers. This includes spouses, older licensed children, parents, siblings, grandparents, and other extended family members. By adding them to your policy, you can ensure they are covered by your insurance in case of any accidents or incidents.

Additionally, if there are any non-family members, such as friends, roommates, or live-in nannies, who have access to your car and use it regularly, it is recommended to add them to your policy as well. This helps maintain transparency with your insurance company and can prevent future claims from being rejected.

Frequently asked questions