Can my son drive my car in another state?

Asked by: Jocelyn Borer Sr.  |  Last update: September 3, 2025
Score: 4.5/5 (16 votes)

Yes, you can typically add someone out of state to your auto insurance policy as a driver of one of your cars. However, it's important to note that auto insurance requirements vary by state, and different insurance companies may have different policies regarding out-of-state drivers.

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

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.

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

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.

Can I register my parents' car in a different state?

California allows nonresidents to register a vehicle in the state if the car is based in California or primarily used on California highways.

Can someone drive my car if they are not on my insurance in the USA?

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.

Should You Add Your Teen To Your Car Insurance Policy?

24 related questions found

Can I give permission for someone to drive my car?

Most of the time, as long as you gave a driver permission to borrow your car, it's likely not a problem for them to drive your car, even if they're not on your car insurance policy.

Can my wife drive my car if she's 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 let my child use my car in another state?

Yes, you can typically add someone out of state to your auto insurance policy as a driver of one of your cars. However, it's important to note that auto insurance requirements vary by state, and different insurance companies may have different policies regarding out-of-state drivers.

Does your car have to be registered in the same state as your insurance?

In general, your car must be registered and insured in the same state, since both vehicle registration and auto insurance are based on your permanent residence. In fact, using an address for insurance that's different from the primary residence where you keep your vehicle is a form of insurance fraud.

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.

Should I let my son borrow my car?

One of the primary concerns when lending your car to family members, especially those not listed on your insurance policy, is the potential risk it poses. Insurance companies may refuse to cover the damages if the person driving the car is not a named insured.

Does it matter whose name is on the car?

Yes, the name on a car title can impact insurance coverage. Insurance companies usually require the policyholder to have an insurable interest in the vehicle, meaning they either own the car or have a significant financial interest in it.

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 get in trouble for driving your parents car?

Insurance companies call this permissive use, and most carriers don't have a problem with it. So, if your son or daughter comes home for the weekend, for example, allowing them to use your car shouldn't be an issue.

Can you have a different address on car insurance?

The short answer: yes, your insurance policy, your driver's license as well as your vehicle registration should all have the same (current) address. Let's explore the reasons why you should get this done quickly after a move.

Can my son stay on my car insurance if he moves out?

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 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.

Does it matter what state my car is registered in?

The most straightforward answer would be to simply register your car in the state where you drive the most. This could be the same state as the address printed on your driver's license or the address that you've listed as your primary mailing address.

Can you add someone to your car insurance that lives in another state?

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.

Is my son insured to drive my car?

Does my child have to be on my car insurance? Adding a child to your car insurance is required in most cases. If your child has a driver's license, lives in your household and drives a car that is registered to your home, they will need to be added to your car insurance policy.

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

If your child doesn't live with you, she needs to have her own car insurance policy -- even if she's a co-owner of your vehicle.

Can someone drive my car if they are not on my insurance in North Carolina?

Auto insurance follows the car in North Carolina. If a vehicle owner lends the car to someone who causes an accident, the owner's car insurance covers the injured party's compensation. However, this isn't the case if someone takes the car without permission and causes a wreck.

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.

Is a spouse automatically covered under car insurance?

Spouse – Even if the spouse is not specifically named on the insurance policy, most liability insurance will cover the spouse. However, there may be some exceptions, such as if the spouse is specifically excluded or if the spouses no longer reside together.

Do I need to add my child to my car insurance with a permit in California?

In California, teen drivers are automatically covered under their parent/guardian's insurance once they obtain a learner's permit, so no action is required until a teen gets a driver's license.