Can I insure myself for any car?

Asked by: Ruthe Ankunding  |  Last update: January 14, 2026
Score: 4.5/5 (25 votes)

Yes- you can insure a car you don't own, though the process can be challenging.

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.

Can you insure yourself and not a car?

No, you cannot buy insurance for something you do not own.

Can you give yourself car insurance?

Most States Do Not Allow Self Insurance

Some states only allow drivers to elect for self-insurance car coverage if they're insuring multiple vehicles, with some requiring coverage for 25 vehicles or more.

Can you add insurance to a car that isn't yours?

You may be able to insure a car not in your name, but it might be tough to get coverage. A key way to obtain coverage while driving a car you don't own is by purchasing non-owner car insurance. Other options include being added to the car owner's policy or the car title.

Cheaper Car Insurance Hacks

24 related questions found

Can I insure my son's car if he owns it?

You cannot typically obtain insurance for a vehicle not registered in your name, but there are ways to ensure you're still covered behind the wheel. Whether you're driving a friend or family member's car or have been gifted a vehicle under another person's ownership, it's the legal owner's responsibility to insure it.

Does insurance go up if you add a driver?

Typically, adding drivers to your policy can increase your premium. For example, there is a reason adding a teenage or newly licensed driver to an auto policy can result in an increase in insurance premiums.

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

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. If they're involved in an accident, your auto insurance may pay for the damages and injuries, up to your coverage limits.

Is it smart to self-insure?

Choosing to self-insure

Finance experts consider self-insurance to be a legitimate risk management strategy. But that's only if you choose it with full knowledge of the risk exposure and financial consequences. Self-insurance is a common component of large organizations' overall risk strategy.

Can someone put a car in your name without you knowing?

Yes, it's possible for someone to steal your identity and buy a car in your name.

Can my husband drive my car if he is not on my insurance?

Usually, yes. Your car insurance coverage should be able to extend to anyone else driving your car. Even if someone isn't listed on the policy, they can operate your vehicle. If you explicitly name someone as an excluded driver in your policy, however, none of this applies to them.

Can I get auto insurance before buying a car?

You can get a car insurance policy before you buy a car, as long as you know the make and model of your future vehicle. If you already have a car insurance policy, it can be updated to cover your new car. Keep in mind, your rates will probably change.

Is it possible to insure a car you don't own?

To insure a car you don't own, add the owner to your policy, join their policy, or get a non-owner policy. Learn which option is best for you below or compare car insurance quotes with The Zebra's free tool to see affordable options from trusted companies.

Can a friend borrow my car and be insured?

Car insurance coverage follows the vehicle, not the driver. When you allow a friend, family member, or babysitter to borrow your vehicle, they also borrow your car insurance. Your insurance becomes the primary coverage when lending the car to family members or friends.

Can my son drive my car if he doesn't live with me?

If your son doesn't live with you but needs to borrow your car, he can do so with your permission. It is known as permissive use, which means that when someone who doesn't live with you gets permission to borrow your car, they are also “borrowing” your auto insurance coverage.

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

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 someone borrows your car and gets in an accident?

Vehicle Owners Are Liable Under California Law

This law holds a vehicle's owner responsible for collisions caused by the driver of the vehicle – even if the driver is not the owner. Liability is determined by identifying the actual owner of the vehicle.

Can you add a car to your insurance that is not in your name?

If you're looking for the easiest way to insure a car that's not in your name, you can add the owner of the vehicle to your insurance policy as an additional interest. When you do this, your premiums will not increase as it merely states someone else's insurable interest.

What is Self-insurance called?

Infographic Transcript: Is self-insurance right for you? Self-insurance is also called a self-funded plan. This is a type of plan in which an employer takes on most or all of the cost of benefit claims. The insurance company manages the payments, but the employer is the one who pays the claims.

What is a sip license?

SIP Licence means the ability to make or receive SIP calls from a PBX or handset or softphone via an allocated headline number and any associated channels or DDIs assigned to that headline number.

What state does not require car insurance?

New Hampshire and Virginia are the only states that do not require auto insurance. However, if you choose not to purchase car insurance in these states, you would still be held liable for any property damage or bodily injury caused by their vehicle. Do you live in an at-fault or not-at-fault state?

What happens if my girlfriend is driving my car and gets in an accident?

When it comes to insurance coverage, policies in California typically follow the vehicle, meaning that your policy would cover damages even if someone else was driving your car. However, there are exceptions to this coverage, which we will discuss in the following subsections.

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 someone drive my car if they are not on my insurance Geico?

Some states require the car owner's insurance to cover any accidental damage, so if they're not insured or don't have the right coverage, as the driver you may end up being liable.