Can my daughter drive my car if she doesn't live with me?

Asked by: Saige Hane V  |  Last update: December 9, 2025
Score: 4.8/5 (66 votes)

Even if they don't live with you, they should be added to your policy if they regularly drive your vehicle. A driver who lives in your household and isn't listed on your auto policy may be denied coverage if they borrow your vehicle and are involved in an accident.

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

Yes. Your son could be the owner of the car you use. No laws against that. However, to be properly insured, your son will have to tell his insurance company that the car is garaged at your house and be sure to add you as a named insured to his insurance policy for the car you are using.

Can I let my daughter borrow my car?

The answer is yes, someone can drive your car with your permission, even if they are not covered by your insurance. This is known as "permissive use," and it allows friends, family members, or even strangers to borrow your vehicle for a short period of time.

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 you get in trouble for driving your parents car?

Nothing illegal about driving their car as long as they give you permission. People drive other people's cars all the time. Just make sure their insurance company covers permissive use accidents, because most do but not all companies do. If they do, then you're good to go.

Does Insurance Cover Someone Else Driving Your Car?

44 related questions found

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.

Can family members be held liable for allowing an elderly parent to drive?

In California, when an accident occurs while the at-fault driver is using the vehicle with the owner's authorization, the owner is responsible for any damages that result. So if your parents are using your car, you may be responsible.

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 my daughter stay on my car insurance if she moves out?

Depending on your insurer, you can remain listed as a driver on your parents' policy as long as their home is your permanent address or you're a full-time student. Once you've permanently moved out, you'll likely need to obtain your own car insurance policy.

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.

Can my wife drive my car if she's not on my insurance?

A driver who lives in your household and isn't listed on your auto policy may be denied coverage if they borrow your vehicle and are involved in an accident. Family members who live in your household and drive your vehicle, including a teenager or your significant other, should be listed as drivers on your policy.

What happens if someone borrows my 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.

What happens if someone gets pulled over in your car?

The General Rule: Tickets Follow the Driver

In most cases, tickets are tied to the person who is driving at the time of the violation. This means that if you lend your car to a friend or family member and they receive a ticket, they are typically responsible for paying the fine and any associated penalties.

Does someone have to live with you to be on your car insurance?

It depends on your insurance company. Some will require you to list all drivers who live at your residence on your policy. Others might not require roommates to be on your policy if they never drive your car.

What happens if a driver is not listed on an insurance policy?

You regularly allow a family member or friend to drive your car, but they aren't named on your auto policy. If this person gets in an accident while driving your car, your insurance company will likely deny your claim, leaving you liable for the damages.

Can I insure my child that doesn't live with me?

You can keep your biological, step, adopted, or foster children on your health insurance, even if they aren't dependent on you, until they turn 26. You can include siblings on your plan if you can claim them as tax dependents with the IRS.

Can my adult child drive my car?

If your adult child, or anyone else for that matter, drives your car, the driver is covered by your auto insurance policy. The reason is that car insurance follows the car, not the motorist. This fact has ramifications for you as the owner of the insured car.

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 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.

When should I add my child to my car insurance?

In most cases, you will need to add your teen to your auto policy when they receive their driver's license. If they receive a learner's permit first, this might also be the time to do so. Most states require all licensed drivers to carry insurance. So, once your teen gets an ID, add them to coverage.

Does my name have to be on the car insurance to drive it?

Borrowing a car from a friend or family member

In many cases, you will be covered by their insurance, even if you are not named as a regular driver on the policy.

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

Once the driver gets their license, the surcharge transfers over to them. So, while you don't need to make any changes to your insurance when your child gets a permit, you may still want to let your agent know so you can make sure you have adequate coverage.

How do you legally stop an elderly person from driving?

If appropriate and necessary evaluations and recommendations have been made and no amount of discussion can convince the senior to give up the keys, you, a family physician, or a police officer can file an "unsafe driver" report to your state's DMV.

Who is liable if someone else is driving your car?

Usually, a car insurance policy covers the vehicle itself, not the person driving it, and that means the liability coverage (which is required by California law) should cover the friend. California is an at-fault state, which means the driver responsible for an accident is the one whose insurance will be the primary ...

Are children obligated to care for elderly parents?

in some states in the United states and also in some other countries, In the United states the Filial responsibility law exist in 30 states : it can differ from State to State. Filial responsibility laws impose a legal obligation on adult children to take care of their parents' basic needs and medical care.