Can I Drive My Parents’ Car Without Insurance?

If you drive your parents' car with their permission, their insurance usually covers you. Car insurance is mainly for the car, not specifically for the person driving it.

However, some insurance policies may have a limit on how frequently a car can be borrowed. For example, you might be allowed to drive your parents' car up to 12 times a year without being listed on their policy.

So, if you plan to drive their car regularly, it's best to get added to their insurance. This way, you'll always be protected.

No, you don't typically need your own insurance to drive your parents' car if you occasionally use it with their permission.

However, "occasionally" is the keyword here. Borrowing the car every weekend doesn't count as occasional. In fact, many insurance companies have a limit, as you can only drive the insured vehicle about 12 times a year under permissive use. If you drive your parents' car with their permission a few times a year, their insurance will typically cover you. So, if you were to have an accident while driving their car, their insurance would step in.

If you're thinking about driving their car more than just once in a while, it might be a good idea to talk to them about getting added to their policy. Many car insurance companies require policyholders to add all drivers in the household to their policy.

While most insurance policies have this permissive use clause, not all will cover a driver who isn't listed on the policy. If you were to get into an accident and you're not named on your parents' insurance, there's a chance the insurance company will not cover the damages. That could mean your parents would have to pay for any repairs or damages out of their own pockets.

Most of the time, if you drive your parents' car with their consent, their insurance should cover you through the "permissive use" clause. However, there are some scenarios where you might not be covered, even if you have their permission.

If you drive your parents’ car frequently and live at the same address, getting on their car insurance policy may be a good idea.

Let's break down how your parents' car insurance and the concept of "permissive use" might apply in each of these scenarios:

In all scenarios, the specifics of the insurance policy, state regulations and the insurance company's discretion play significant roles. It's always a good idea to be familiar with the policy's terms and consult with the insurance provider when in doubt.

Yes, you can be added to your parents' car insurance. It's an especially good idea if you borrow their car a lot, run errands for them or want to nurture a good driving record for when you get your own policy in the future.

Being added to their car insurance policy can offer several benefits:

While there are many benefits, it's essential to discuss them with your parents and consult their insurance agent to ensure that adding you to the policy is the best decision for everyone involved.

Adding a young driver to their parents' policy can vary in cost. Nationwide, for example, will extend coverage to a young driver for $2,718 per year. Alternatively, USAA offers a more cost-effective option at $2,157 annually, but its policies specifically cater to U.S. military members, veterans and their families.

Adding a teen or young driver to your insurance is essential, even with permissive use. It ensures legal compliance, provides proper accident coverage, avoids financial risks and allows them to build their insurance history responsibly.

Once you move out of your household, you'll typically need to buy your own auto insurance policy. Insurance companies usually require policyholders to insure only those who reside at the same address, as they use factors like location, household driving habits and shared financial responsibilities to calculate premiums. If you move to a different location, these factors change, and you'll need a policy that accurately reflects your individual situation.

If you'll be staying at your parents' home for the holidays and will be driving their car, they can temporarily add you to the family policy for the duration of your stay. This temporary addition ensures you're covered while using their vehicle and can be a convenient option for short-term visits.

Knowing the consequences of driving your parents' car without insurance is essential. Below are some common questions to guide you through various scenarios.