Is it legal to use a different address for car insurance?
Asked by: Brad Bins V | Last update: January 20, 2026Score: 4.1/5 (50 votes)
Is it legal to use someone else's address for car insurance?
Lying about your address on your car insurance is illegal, even if you're related to or know the people who live at the false address you list.
Can I get insurance with a different address?
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 I stay on my parents' car insurance if I live at a different address?
Nope. Your car needs to be registered and insured where you live. Besides that it's fraud, if you used your parents' address when you lived in another state, it would be easy for an adjuster to find out and the claim most likely would not be covered.
Does the address on my car insurance matter?
Essentially, your address helps insurers paint a picture of your overall risk profile. By understanding the factors associated with your location, they can more accurately assess the likelihood and potential cost of a claim, ensuring they charge a premium that reflects the risk you represent.
Can a change of address increase auto insurance?
Does your car insurance address have to match your license in the UK?
Don't forget to update your licence
Just like your name, the address on your driving licence needs to be the same as the address on your car insurance policy.
Does insurance company ask for proof of address?
Most car insurance companies require proof of your address, particularly if you have recently moved or if the company is receiving conflicting address information from public records.
Does my car insurance have to be where I live?
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.
How long can I use my parents' address as my permanent address?
Your parents' home where you can return to at any time still remains your permanent home address. This is even if you've lived away from this address for the past four or five years.
Can you share car insurance with different addresses?
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.
What happens if you don't change your car insurance address?
Your insurance company will cancel your old policy because every state has different coverage requirements and regulations. At Progressive, we have a team of representatives dedicated to handling your move quickly and seamlessly.
Can you put someone who doesn't live with you on your car insurance?
Yes. Even if your college student moves away to attend school, you can typically keep them on your car insurance policy.
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.
Is using another person's address illegal?
Is It Illegal for Someone To Use Your Address? Yes, using someone else's address or someone using your address is illegal. This type of fraud is known as address fraud and manifests in various guises such as brushing scams and rental scams.
Is it illegal to use an address you don't live at?
A resident temporarily living in a different state for school or work may want to forward mail to a domicile address. But someone who isn't the owner of a home or apartment must ask for permission. If permission is not requested and granted, that person is committing address fraud and maybe even mail fraud [*].
Can someone use your address if they don't live there UK?
Unless your friend has form for being unreliable financially, I wouldn't be too concerned. I'd only be concerned if, for instance, you were claiming council tax single person discount and he registers to vote at your address. The council might take a bit of persuading. It's not a sublet because he's not living there.
What can I do if I have no permanent address?
Several options are available for those looking to establish a permanent address. You might use a friend's or family's address, rent a mailbox, or utilize virtual mailbox services. Each option comes with its own set of advantages and limitations, catering to different needs and preferences.
Does your car insurance have to match your address?
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.
Does your car have to be registered where you live?
California allows nonresidents to register a vehicle in the state if the car is based in California or primarily used on California highways.
Do car insurance check proof of address?
It depends on the insurance company, but most will accept proof in the form of a utility bill or something similar to prove where you live. I recommend calling your insurance company to find out what documentation they will require to prove your residency and reinstate your policy.
Why does insurance need your address?
Your location is relied upon by car insurance companies as a major rating factor, as it allows them to gauge the risks posed by the area in which you drive most often: the density, number of traffic incidents, and weather can all contribute to this calculation.
Do I need to change car insurance when I move?
Car insurance providers often operate in multiple states throughout the U.S. Your current one may provide coverage in your new home state. Check with your insurance agent before you make the move. If your current insurance company doesn't, you'll need to purchase new coverage when your move is complete.
Do insurance companies track your location?
What else do insurance companies track? Speed isn't the only thing insurance trackers can monitor. Here are some other pieces of data they can track: Your car's location.
Does changing address affect car insurance?
Whether you're moving near or far, your insurance rates could change because your ZIP code is a factor auto insurers use when setting their rates. Even a short move across town could result in higher premiums if the move makes your commute longer.
What happens if I don t change my address on my car insurance UK?
You could invalidate your car insurance
If you fail to tell them you've moved, you could invalidate your policy. That means any claim you make on your car insurance will be rejected and you'll be left without cover. You could also be charged by the police for driving uninsured.