Can I be on someone else's car insurance if I don't live with them?

Asked by: Prof. Lenore Mraz IV  |  Last update: July 26, 2025
Score: 4.1/5 (53 votes)

Yes, it is possible to add someone to your car insurance policy who doesn't live with you, depending on your insurance company's policies. Typically, insurance companies allow you to add immediate family members or someone who regularly drives your vehicle.

Can I put someone on my car insurance that doesn't live with me?

You typically will not be able to add a non-related driver who does not live in your home to your insurance policy. If you and a friend own a vehicle together but do not live at the same address, you may have trouble obtaining an auto insurance policy.

Can someone at a different address be on my car insurance?

Legally the only address you can use is where your car is your primary address and often that's your home address. Using someone else's address is considered insurance fraud. Insurers can deny your claims and cancel your insurance if you make a claim and they find out that you weren't truthful about your address.

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

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.

Can your child be on your car insurance if they don't live with you?

Unfortunately, because the car and your child are not located at your house anymore, they cannot stay on your car insurance policy unless they're a full-time student. Car insurance providers require that the insured live at their residence and park their car at their address to be listed on a policy.

Can I Insure a Vehicle Not in My Name?

37 related questions found

Can I stay on my parents insurance if I don t live with them?

You can stay on a parent's plan until you turn 26

Have or adopt a child. Start or leave school. Live in or out of your parent's home.

Can I drive my parents car if my name isn t on the insurance?

Most insurers cover someone else driving the policyholder's car with their permission once in a while. But, if you're going to start driving one of your parent's cars regularly, you'll need to be added or named on their auto insurance. You can't legally drive your parents' car without any insurance at all, either.

What happens if you don't update your address with car insurance?

Failing to update the garaging address when moving home. This can impact your insurance coverage as when making a claim, the coverage will be based on your previous address and could result in not being able to claim any money back from the insurer.

What happens if I don't add my teenager to my car insurance?

Failing to add your teenager to your auto insurance can lead to coverage denial, legal penalties and policy cancellation. Lack of driving experience and perceived higher risk contribute to higher car premiums for teen drivers.

Can you insure a car that is not at your residence?

If you're homeless and in need of car insurance, keep your vehicle at a friend's house and use that address for your quote. It's critical that you park the vehicle at this location when it's not in use.

Does your car insurance have to match your driver's license?

It's very important that you update the address on your driver's license to match your insurance policy. Some insurance companies are very strict about this and will require you to get it updated within the first 30-60 days of moving to a new address.

Can someone drive my car if they are not on my insurance Progressive?

While there are exceptions, car insurance generally follows the car and not the driver. Allowing another licensed driver to borrow your vehicle is known as "permissive use," which means you give someone, who isn't listed on your car insurance policy, permission to operate your vehicle.

Can I have a different address on my license and insurance?

First of all, your insurance policy and your driver's license (as well as your vehicle registration) should use the same address. Depending on which insurance company you have, that will determine how quickly you should get this taken care of, but generally it's around 30-60 days.

Can someone else insure a car they don't own?

You must prove you have a financial stake in the vehicle. If you can't prove why you have interest in the vehicle in which you are not on the car title, an auto insurance company will be hesitant to insure you. This is due to the risk of fraud and the questionable legality of approving filed claims.

Do you have to live at the same address for car insurance?

If you and your friend don't currently share an address, then they won't be able to be on your car insurance policy — even if they're planning to move in at a later date. However, as soon as they move in and their permanent address is the same as yours, you can update your policy to add your friend.

Do you have to live with someone to be on their insurance?

Can unrelated people be on the same car insurance policy? Yes. Unrelated people can be on the same car insurance policy. For example, if you have a non-family roommate or long-term partner, they can be on your car insurance policy if they live at the same address.

Can my son drive my car if he is not insured?

Yes, your son can drive your car with your permission, even if he is not insured. It is known as “permissive use” and is generally allowed by insurance companies. Check your auto insurance policy to see if it allows for occasional or permissive use by family members.

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

To have the ability to be covered by a vehicle insurance policy you must be added as an additional driver to the vehicle owners policy.

Does your insurance go up if your child gets their license?

Once your child gets a license, you have 60 days by law to inform your insurance carrier. In most cases, because an insurance carrier will see a new driver as a greater risk, your insurance premium will increase, sometimes significantly (up to 60% for a two-car family).

Can you use someone else's address for car insurance?

Using a friend or family member's address, especially if they live in a safer neighborhood, is a common tactic to reduce auto insurance premiums. However, this practice, seemingly harmless and financially savvy to some, is viewed as fraudulent by insurance companies.

Does your driver's license have to match your car registration?

Generally speaking, your driver's license and registration need to match. This means that these documents should have the same home address.

Can you be on your parents' car insurance if you live in a different state?

Coverage Limitations

Moving out or purchasing your own vehicle usually necessitates getting your own insurance. Additionally, if you establish permanent residency in another state, you'll need a separate policy as auto insurance doesn't transfer across state lines.

Does it matter whose name is on the car insurance card?

In most states, police will accept an auto insurance card that lists the car you're driving on it, and it doesn't matter if your name is specifically on the card (some states even accept electronic proof of auto insurance); however, Texas is different.

When should you take your child off your car insurance?

Many parents generally opt to retain teens on the family's automobile insurance policy until they graduate from college, assuming they find employment and live away from home. At this point they should be paying for their own housing, food and credit card bills, building up a positive credit rating.

How does insurance work when you borrow someone's car?

Generally, insurance coverage follows the vehicle rather than the driver. So in most instances, as long as the owner of the car has insurance, it's covered even if someone other than the owner is driving it — as long as they have the owner's permission.