As a young driver, remaining on a parent’s car insurance policy is often cheaper than getting your own. However, if you’re a college student or a recent graduate, you may be wondering how long you can stay on the family’s car insurance policy. The truth is that there is no set age limit for how long you stay on your parents’ car insurance. However, there are a few milestones that can indicate it’s time to make the switch. Let’s cover some basic scenarios on when you can and can’t stay on your parents’ car insurance.
When You Can Stay on Your Parents’ Car Insurance
Understanding the scenarios where you can remain on a parent’s car insurance can help young drivers save money. Even if you aren’t a “young driver,” you can remain on their policy as long as you live with your parents and have access to their cars. In fact, insurance providers prefer that all licensed drivers in your household be listed on your policy.
What if you live at home with your parents and drive their vehicles?
You can (and should) remain on your parents’ car insurance policy if you share the same home address and drive any car that is in their name. This applies to teenage and adult drivers.
Can I stay on a parent’s car insurance if we co-own the car?
Suppose your and a parent’s names are both on a vehicle’s registration. In that case, you can remain on your parents’ car insurance policy as long as you live in their home.
Can I stay on my parent’s car insurance when I go to college?
Generally, most insurance companies allow college students to remain on a parent’s car insurance policy as long as their parent’s home is still considered their permanent address. If you have a parent’s vehicle at school with you, both you and the vehicle may remain on their policy.
If you don’t take a car to college, staying on a parent’s policy is still recommended. That way, you’re covered whenever you visit home for a weekend or school break. Plus, this may make your parents eligible for a student-away discount.
Can a 26-year-old be on their parents’ car insurance?
Unlike health insurance which usually requires adults to find their own coverage options by age 26, there is no limit for car insurance. A 26-year-old can remain on a parent’s car insurance policy as a listed driver as long as they share the same permanent address.
Can I stay on my parent’s car insurance if the car is under my name?
Depending on your state and insurer, you may be able to add a car you own to your parents’ car insurance policy if you live with them and the car is kept at their house. Remember, however, that you must purchase your own policy once you permanently move out.
If your state requires the policyholder’s name to match what is on the vehicle’s title, you won’t be able to remain on a parent’s car insurance without adding their name to the title.
When You Cannot Stay on Your Parents’ Car Insurance
Although staying on a parent’s car insurance may help you save, there are times when you’ll be required to purchase your own insurance.
You’re a college student that owns a vehicle and permanently moves out.
Suppose you’re a college student that permanently lives off-campus and owns the car you drive. In that case, you’ll likely be required to purchase your own car insurance policy.
You move out and take your vehicle with you.
Once you permanently move out and take your vehicle with you, you must purchase your own policy if you don’t already have one. If you move out and still drive a vehicle owned by a parent, you may need to purchase a new policy depending on your insurance. Speak with an agent to learn more.
Can I stay on a parent’s car insurance if I’m married?
Once you’re married and move in with your spouse, you must purchase your own car insurance policy. However, if you and your spouse are moving in with your parents, you can both be added to their policy as listed drivers and vice versa.
You are on your own financially.
Although this is more of a judgment call rather than a requirement from an insurance company, it typically makes sense to purchase your own policy once you’re financially independent. For example, if you rent or own a home, you can save by bundling different insurance policies.
Speak With an Insurance Specialist
As you can see, many different scenarios can affect whether or not you can remain on your parent’s car insurance. If you still have questions regarding your coverage, our insurance specialists are here to help. We can guide you through the insurance marketplace and answer any unique situation-based questions that you may have.
Whether it’s time to search for a new policy or add a new listed driver, AIS makes the process easy. You can use our network of trusted providers to quickly compare quotes from multiple insurers. Call (888) 772-4247 or visit us online for a free quote today.
The information in this article is obtained from various sources and offered for educational purposes only. Furthermore, it should not replace the advice of a qualified professional. The definitions, terms, and coverage in a given policy may be different than those suggested here. No warranty or appropriateness for a specific purpose is expressed or implied.
