How long can I stay on my parents' car insurance?

Can my parents insurance cover my car if I don't live with them?

No, insurers typically require all vehicles insured on the same policy to be kept at the same address.

What if I do live with my parents?

If you're driving your parents' vehicle, staying on their insurance policy is not an issue. However, if you move back in with your parents and bring a car that's registered and titled in your name, you can decide to insure your vehicle on your parents' policy (depending on the state and insurer) or purchase your own policy. All drivers that share the same permanent residence should be listed on each policy.

Once you leave home permanently, you'll need your own policy to insure your vehicle.

Can I be on my parents' car insurance if I'm married?

If you and your spouse live with your parents and drive their vehicles, you can stay on their car insurance policy as listed drivers. If you or your spouse owns a vehicle, you can decide to insure the vehicle on your own car insurance policy or on your parents' policy. All drivers that share the same permanent residence should be listed on each policy. If you're married and don't live with your parents, you'll need your own policy.

Is it cheaper to stay on my parents' car insurance or get my own?

It depends. Younger drivers typically pay more for car insurance compared to older adults since they have less experience behind the wheel and have higher accident rates. So a driver in their late teens or early 20s would likely pay more for their own insurance than if they were to split the cost of insurance with their parents. One way to find out for sure is to quote auto insurance yourself to see what rates you could get.

Do my parents have to put me on their car insurance?

Only if you live with them. Insurers typically require all licensed drivers who live at the same address to be listed on a policy, especially if they frequently borrow each other's cars.

Do I need insurance to drive my parents' car?

If your parents' have insurance, then you don't necessarily need your own insurance policy to drive their car. If you don't live with them and just borrow it occasionally then you don't need to be listed as a driver on their policy either. However, if you live with them then their insurer likely requires you to be listed as a driver. Failing to do so could mean denial of a claim if you were to get into an accident while driving their car.

How does car insurance work with divorced parents?

If you stay at both your parents' homes and you drive their vehicles at each house, even occasionally, they should list you as a driver on each of their individual policies. If you just live with one parent and use their vehicle, then they should list you as a driver on their policy. If one parent owns the vehicle you drive, but you live with the other parent most of the time, you may want to talk to their insurers regarding your options.

Can I stay on my parents' car insurance if I move out?

It depends on the reason you are moving out and if you will be back. If you're headed to college, most insurers will allow you to stay on your parents' policy as a listed driver. If you also have one of your parents' vehicles at school, both you and the vehicle may be allowed to remain on their policy.

If you move into your own place and have your own vehicle, you'll need your own policy. If you move out but keep one of your parents' vehicles at your home, you'll typically need to buy your own policy.