What happens if I don't add my child to my car insurance?
Asked by: Dr. Jarod O'Kon | Last update: September 18, 2025Score: 4.5/5 (48 votes)
What happens if I don't add my child to my auto insurance?
One of the biggest risks of not adding your teenager to your car insurance is what happens if they get into an accident. Even if it's a minor fender bender with no injuries or property damage, it can open up a can of worms with your insurer.
Do children need to be listed on car insurance?
As long as your child is driving a vehicle owned by you or someone else in your household, they should be added to your car insurance policy, as drivers under the age of 18 cannot typically purchase their own car insurance policy.
Do I need to add my child to my insurance policy?
Generally speaking your insurance contract requires you to notify them of all licensed drivers in your household (which now includes your daughter), and also that they must be listed on the policy in some form or fashion.
What happens if I don't put my 16 year old on my insurance?
``If you don't add your teen to your car insurance policy and they're in an accident, it is likely your car insurance company will deny coverage, stating you committed fraud, specifically material misrepresentation by not informing it of a permitted driver. Deliberate concealment could impact coverage''.
Should You Add Your Teen To Your Car Insurance Policy?
When should you take your child off your car insurance?
Many parents generally opt to retain teens on the family's automobile insurance policy until they graduate from college, assuming they find employment and live away from home. At this point they should be paying for their own housing, food and credit card bills, building up a positive credit rating.
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.
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.
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.
Should I put my adult child on my car insurance?
Do my parents have to put me on their car insurance? 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 I exclude my child from my car insurance?
Generally you can't remove a household member from your policy unless they have their own separate insurance coverage. You should have the option to exclude your son from the policy if you don't want him to impact your rate, but that means he will not be covered to drive any of the vehicles you currently insure.
Should I put my 18 year old's car in my name?
Register the car in your child's name.
If your son or daughter is legally an adult (18 years or older), he or she is able to register a car in his or her own name. Without you as the owner of the car, the laws imposing vicarious liability (such as New York Vehicle and Traffic Law Section 388) will not apply to you.
Does car insurance go down if you have a kid?
Ways New Parents Can Save Money On Car Insurance
Car insurance companies don't offer explicit savings for having kids. But you may be able to save more via your current insurance provider by pursuing other parent-friendly strategies and plans that help to lower auto insurance rates on your current insurance plan.
Does everyone in household need to be on car insurance?
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. Also make sure to add your roommate to your policy, if they use your vehicle regularly.
How long do you have to add your child to your car insurance?
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.
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.
Do all drivers need to be listed on car insurance?
Generally speaking, insurers will ask you to list all household members when applying for a car insurance policy. Young children (typically under the age of 14) should be exempt, but the other individuals in your household should be disclosed, including: Spouse. Significant other.
What happens if another driver refuses to give insurance?
Failing to abide by these requirements leads to penalties, including fines. More significantly, if a driver intentionally refuses to provide their insurance information, it can be considered a misdemeanor under California law. This can lead to further legal consequences, including potential criminal charges.
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.
How long can your parents keep you on their car insurance?
But how long can you stay on your parent's policy? Unlike health insurance, which can have an age limit of 26, you can stay on your parent's car insurance policy indefinitely if you live in the same house. Now, if you move out, you'll probably need your own.
Is my child covered by my car insurance?
They can remain on your insurance policy for as long as they are using your vehicle and living in your household. In the event that your child plans to purchase their own car, they'll need their own policy.
What happens if you crash your parents' car?
As a general rule, car insurance follows the vehicle, not the driver. That means the owner of the vehicle would file a claim with their insurance to cover any damages.
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 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.