Can you be insured if your parents are letting you borrow their car?

Asked by: Prof. Devin Wisoky II  |  Last update: June 6, 2025
Score: 4.8/5 (13 votes)

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.

Will my insurance cover me if I 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.

Am I insured if I drive my parents' car?

In general the insurance follows the vehicle. So if you (or any random person) borrow the vehicle it is insured by your parents because they own the vehicle.

Can I get my own insurance if the car is in my parents' name?

No, the registered owner of the vehicle or their spouse are the only ones that are able to insure a vehicle. You have to have ``insurable interest'' in order to get an insurance policy.

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

Can I stay on my parent's car insurance if I move out? No. You must buy your own car insurance policy if your primary residence has permanently changed.

Are other people covered if they borrow my car?

34 related questions found

Can you get car insurance for someone who doesn t live with you?

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 you be on your parents insurance if you dont live at home?

Yes, you are eligible to be covered on your parent's plan up to age 26 regardless of where you live. However, your parent's health plan probably has a network of participating providers and it may be difficult for you to find in-network care when you are living in another state.

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

There is no age limit that prevents you from staying on your parents' car insurance policy as a listed driver, as long as you live at home or if you're a full-time college student. That means you're still covered when you drive your parents' vehicles.

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.

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.

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.

When should your child get their own car insurance?

As kids grow up, when do they need to get their own auto insurance policy? If your child has moved out of your house and is no longer a dependent, they need to have their own insurance policy. Under most personal auto insurance policies, the “insured” covered by the policy includes “family members”.

Can I drive my parents car if I'm not on their insurance in Alberta?

In Canada, car insurance usually follows the car, not the driver. This means that if you lend your car to someone with your consent, they can be covered under your insurance policy. However, there are some limitations to keep in mind, and different policies may have specific restrictions.

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 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 in Georgia?

Many people wonder whether car insurance covers the car or the driver. Car insurance in Georgia typically follows the vehicle, not the driver. This means your auto insurance policy is usually the first line of defense if someone else gets into an accident while driving your car, regardless of who was behind the wheel.

Should I put my adult child on my car insurance?

According to Lynch, a child living at home or going away to college or graduate school will be allowed to remain on their parents auto policy with no additional fees until age 24, unless he or she has purchased a separate insurance policy.

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.

Whose insurance covers a borrowed car?

In general, when you borrow a car, you borrow car insurance, too. Insurance typically follows the car, not the driver. That means if you are involved in an accident while driving someone else's car (not on your insurance policy), the owner of the car will probably be held responsible for any financial damages.

Can you be on your parents car insurance and not live with them?

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.

Can a parent insure their child's car?

Yes, you can be on your parents' car insurance if the car is in your name, depending on the insurance company and the state you live in. Plus, you need to share the same residence, and your parents may need to be listed as co-owners.

At what age do you get kicked off your parents' insurance?

You lose your parents' health insurance in California when you turn 26. If you've aged off your parents' health plan, you may wonder what options you have.

Can I insure my son's car if he doesn't live with me?

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.

What is permissive use car insurance?

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.

When should you take your child off your car insurance?

If your child has recently purchased their own vehicle, you should also consider removing them from your policy. If they are listed as the registered owner of the car, the majority of companies will require them to have the vehicle covered by their own policy, where they are listed as the main insured.