Understanding Geico's Non-Driver Insurance Coverage Options

When it comes to car insurance, GEICO offers a range of options to its customers. One of the key considerations for any insurance policy is who will be driving the vehicle. GEICO provides guidance on when to add a driver to a policy, including spouses, partners, teen drivers, and friends. In some cases, adding a driver can affect the premium, especially if they are young or inexperienced. GEICO also offers non-owner policies, which can be relevant for those who are not the primary driver or owner of a vehicle but still need insurance coverage.

Spouses, partners, and other household members

If your spouse, partner, or other household member drives your car more than once a month, they should be added to your policy. If they only drive your car infrequently, they may be covered under permissive use. Permissive use refers to the ability of other drivers who are unlisted on your insurance policy to drive your vehicle. Permissive use auto insurance allows infrequent use of a vehicle (fewer than 12 times per year) by a driver who does not live at the same address as the policyholder. For example, a family friend or neighbour would qualify under permissive use, but an immediate family member who lives with you would not.

If you are unsure whether to add a driver to your policy, you can speak to a GEICO agent by calling 1-800-841-3000.

Teen drivers and college students

Car insurance for teens and new drivers tends to be pricier due to their lack of driving experience and higher accident rates. However, GEICO offers several options to help parents and young drivers navigate the roads together. GEICO provides coverage tailored to inexperienced drivers and resources aimed at promoting safe driving habits.

GEICO's DriveEasy program offers discounts on car insurance premiums by monitoring and rewarding safe driving habits through the GEICO mobile app. All eligible drivers must enroll, and the app tracks their driving habits, rewarding safe driving with a discount.

Parents can also add their licensed teen to their existing car insurance policy, which is often cheaper than getting them a new policy. When teens are added to policies as drivers, they can typically secure lower rates. GEICO also offers discounts for good students, with full-time students maintaining a "B" average or better qualifying for up to a 15% discount.

For college students, the decision to stay on their parents' policy or get their own policy depends on various factors. If the title is in the student's name, they will likely need their own policy, which GEICO can provide quickly and easily. Students can also benefit from GEICO's student car insurance discounts if they have good grades, a good driving record, or an affiliation with an organization that partners with GEICO.

Additionally, if a college student is living in an apartment, they may need renters insurance to protect their belongings, which GEICO can also help with through the GEICO Insurance Agency.

Roommates

If you have roommates who live with you and regularly operate your vehicle, you should add them to your GEICO insurance policy. This is true even if they are not related to you. In fact, insurance companies prefer that anyone who lives with the insured be added or excluded from the insurance policy. Adding a driver to your policy can help you avoid negative consequences in the event of a lending loss.

If your roommate does not live with you and only infrequently uses your vehicle (less than 12 times per year), then they may be covered under permissive use. Permissive use auto insurance allows infrequent use of a vehicle by a driver who does not live at the same address as the policyholder. However, this only applies to large insurance companies, so if you are insured by a smaller or non-standard company, you should double-check to confirm your policy's permissive use standards.

When adding a driver to your policy, you will need their full name as it appears on their driver's license. You can add a driver by logging into your GEICO account or mobile app, or by getting a quote online to start a policy. You can also call 1-800-841-3000 to talk to one of their licensed agents. Note that adding a driver to your policy can affect your premium, but this is not always the case. Many factors determine the cost of adding a driver, such as the driver's relationship to you, their age, driving history, past claims, and driving records.

Friends and family

If you have friends and family who drive your car, you may want to consider adding them to your GEICO insurance policy. This is known as 'permissive use', which refers to the ability of other drivers who are unlisted on your insurance policy to drive your vehicle. Permissive use typically covers drivers who do not live with you and who drive your car infrequently (fewer than 12 times a year). For example, permissive use would apply to a family friend or neighbour, but not to an immediate family member who lives with you.

Drivers who live in your household and/or regularly operate your vehicle (more than once per month) should be added to your policy. This includes spouses, partners, and teen drivers or college students with a valid driver's license or learner's permit. In some cases, adding a driver to your policy can affect your premium, but not always. The cost of adding a driver is determined by various factors, including the driver's relationship to you, their age, driving history, past claims, and driving record. For example, adding a newly licensed teen driver with little driving experience can increase the premium, but a good student discount may be able to help offset that difference. Experienced drivers may be eligible for additional discounts, as most insurance companies offer discounts for good drivers.

Temporary drivers

When considering whether to add a temporary driver to your GEICO insurance policy, there are a few things to keep in mind. Firstly, if a driver lives in your household or regularly operates your vehicle (more than once per month), they should typically be added to your policy. This includes spouses, partners, teen drivers with a learner's permit or licence, and roommates who regularly use your car. Adding a driver to your policy can sometimes affect your premium, especially if they are a newly licensed teen driver. However, various factors, such as age, driving history, and driving records, will determine the cost of adding a driver.

In some cases, you may want to consider adding a temporary driver to your GEICO policy if they will be using your vehicle for an extended period, such as during a road trip or if they borrow your car for a few weeks. This will lead to a temporary increase in your premium, but you can always remove them later. It's recommended to speak to a GEICO agent for detailed guidance on how adding a driver may impact your specific policy.

To add a driver to your GEICO policy, you can log in to your account or use the mobile app. New customers can get a quote online to start a policy. When adding a driver, you will need to provide their full name as it appears on their driver's licence. GEICO also offers additional discounts for experienced drivers, so it's worth exploring these options when updating your policy.

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