Once an adult child gets married and moves out of the house, they cannot stay on a parent’s car insurance policy. Your policy covers those in your household and perhaps a child who is away at college, depending upon how far away the school is from your residence.
If your adult child is still living with you but is married, then you may be able to keep him or her on your policy, as your insurer would consider your child a household member.
When your children get married and move out on their own with their spouses, they will need to obtain a car insurance policy to cover their vehicles in both their and their spouse’s name and be removed from parent policies.
- Once married children move out and have their own households, they need to get their own car insurance policies.
- If an adult is still living with their parents but is married, he or she might be able to stay on the policy as a household member.
- If your child’s car is in your name, you may need to add their name to the title so they can register and insure it in their name after getting married.
How long can I stay on a parent’s car insurance?
You can stay on your parents’ car insurance policy as long as you meet the insurance company’s criteria, which often include living at the same address as your parents or being a full-time student.
If you are a full-time college student and temporarily live away from home for school, you might still be considered a dependent and eligible to remain covered under their insurance. However, if you own a vehicle independently of your parents, you may need to get your own insurance policy.
When you can and can’t stay on a parent’s car insurance policy
Staying on your parents’ car insurance policy can be a cost-effective option for many young drivers, but there are specific conditions under which you cannot remain on their policy.
When you can stay on a parent’s car insurance policy
- You co-own the car with your parents and live at home with them: If you and your parents co-own the vehicle and you live at home, you can still be added to their car insurance policy. Since the car is jointly owned and you live at the same address, you can be added as a secondary driver.
- You live with your parents and they own the car: If the car is solely owned by your parents and you live with them, you can be added to their car insurance policy. Insurance companies typically allow all household members who have regular access to the vehicle to be listed on the policy.
- You are away at college and drive your parents’ car during breaks: College students who use their parents’ car during vacations can usually remain on their parents’ car insurance. Most insurers will allow you to be included as a driver as long as your primary residence is still your parents’ home and you return there during school breaks.
When you can’t stay on your parent’s car insurance policy
- You’re a car owner: If you own and register a car in your name, most insurers will require you to have your own insurance policy. Policies are usually tied to the vehicle owner.
- You are no longer a dependent: Some insurers may require you to get your own policy if you are no longer financially dependent on your parents. This usually happens when you become financially independent and responsible for your expenses.
- You move out permanently: If you move out or move to a different state, you will need to get a new insurance policy in that state. Car insurance policies are state-specific and coverage requirements can vary significantly from state to state.
Can I be on my parents’ car insurance if I’m married?
Yes, you can be on your parents’ car insurance policy even if you’re married, but it depends on several factors including the insurance company’s policies and your living situation.
Generally, insurance carriers allow young married couples to remain on their parents’ policy if they still live at home or are students. However, if you live in a separate household with your spouse, you will be required to get your own car insurance policy.
Do you have to live with your parents to stay on their car insurance?
No, you do not necessarily have to live with your parents to stay on their auto insurance, but it largely depends on the insurance provider’s policies. Some insurers may allow you to remain on your parents’ insurance if you are away at college or temporarily living elsewhere, such as for an internship.
However, if you have permanently moved out and if you own or lease a vehicle, you will need to get your own policy.
Can I be on my parents’ car insurance if the car is in my name?
Generally, if the car is registered in your name, most insurance companies require that the insurance policy also be in your name. This is because the policyholder typically needs to have an insurable interest in the vehicle, meaning they must own the car or have a financial stake in its safety and condition.
Is it cheaper to get your own car insurance or stay on your parents’?
It is usually cheaper to stay on your parents’ car insurance policy than to get your own. This is primarily because insurance companies often offer discounts for multiple vehicles and policies and your parents probably have a longer history of insured driving, which can lead to lower rates due to their established credit and driving records.
Young drivers typically face higher premiums due to their lack of driving experience and higher risk of accidents. By staying on their parents’ policy, a young driver can benefit from the parents’ lower risk profile, which can result in significant cost savings. Teen drivers aged 16-19 can save up to 36% on insurance if they stay on their parents’ car insurance instead of buying their own.
However, individual circumstances such as the type of car insured, the driving records of all drivers on the policy and where you live can influence the overall cost.
It’s always a good idea to compare the costs and benefits of both options based on your specific situation.
| Age | Avg annual cost | Teen with parents | Average savings by staying on parents’ policy |
|---|---|---|---|
| 16 | $7,149 | $4,050 | $3,099 |
| 17 | $5,954 | $3,740 | $2,214 |
| 18 | $5,249 | $3,478 | $1,771 |
| 19 | $4,126 | $3,105 | $1,021 |
| 20 | $3,739 | $2,922 | $817 |
| 21 | $3,094 | $2,736 | $358 |
How car insurance works for children with divorced parents
Car insurance for children of divorced parents can be a bit complex, depending on custody arrangements and where the child primarily resides.
The parent with whom the child primarily lives typically needs to have the child listed on their car insurance policy. If the child drives vehicles owned by both parents (for instance, if the parents have joint custody), then the child should likely be listed as a driver on both parents’ policies. This ensures coverage regardless of which vehicle the child is using.
It’s often more economical to add a child to an existing policy than for the child to have a separate one. Additionally, the parent’s insurance history can help lower the overall cost. Both parents should communicate about their respective insurance coverages to ensure that there are no gaps when the child is switching between households.
Final thoughts
When your children get married, they usually need to get their own car insurance policies. Marriage generally marks a shift toward financial and legal independence, which includes managing their own insurance. Typically, a car insurance policy covers family members living in the same household and once your children move out they no longer qualify as dependents under your policy.
If your children have moved out of your household and need their own policies, they can start shopping for a car insurance policy online.
Methodology
CarInsurance.com commissioned Quadrant Information Services to get car insurance rates to see how much drivers pay if they purchase their own insurance and how much they save by staying on their parent’s car insurance policy. The rates are for male and female drivers aged 16-21 for a full coverage policy with limits of 100/300/100-$500 collision/comprehensive deductible. We have compared 6,94,408 insurance quotes from 73 insurance companies across 1,467 ZIP codes to evaluate the premiums.
Frequently asked questions
Can I get my own car insurance if I live with my parents?
Yes, you can get your own car insurance policy even if you live with your parents. This option might be suitable if you own a vehicle that is registered in your name. Having your own policy allows you to customize coverage to fit your specific needs and potentially build your own insurance history.
Is there a way to stay on my parent’s insurance?
Staying on your parents’ car insurance policy is often possible and can be a cost-effective option, especially for young drivers who may face higher rates when purchasing their own policy. You typically need to reside at the same address as your parents and drive a car that they own.
Can I be on my parents’ car insurance if I live in a different state?
You can’t be on your parents’ car insurance if you live in a different state. Most insurance policies require that all insured drivers reside at the same address. If you’re living in another state, particularly for reasons like attending college or a long-term work assignment, you should have your own car insurance policy that complies with your state’s regulations.
Ask the Insurance Expert
Laura Longero
Executive Editor
Laura Longero is an insurance expert and Executive Editor at CarInsurance.com, where she specializes in helping consumers navigate the complexities of the financial and insurance industries. She has 15 years of experience educating people about finance and car insurance. Prior to joining CarInsurance.com, she worked as a reporter and editor at the USA Today Network. Her expertise provides readers with practical guidance, helping them make informed choices about their financial and insurance needs.
Ask the Insurance Expert
John McCormick
Editorial Director
John is the editorial director for CarInsurance.com, Insurance.com and Insure.com. Before joining QuinStreet, John was a deputy editor at The Wall Street Journal and had been an editor and reporter at a number of other media outlets where he covered insurance, personal finance, and technology.
Ask the Insurance Expert
Leslie Kasperowicz
Executive Editor
Leslie Kasperowicz is an insurance educator and content creation professional with nearly two decades of experience first directly in the insurance industry at Farmers Insurance and then as a writer, researcher, and educator for insurance shoppers writing for sites like ExpertInsuranceReviews.com and InsuranceHotline.com and managing content, now at CarInsurance.com.
Ask the Insurance Expert
Nupur Gambhir
Managing Editor
Nupur Gambhir is a content editor and licensed life, health, and disability insurance expert. She has extensive experience bringing brands to life and has built award-nominated campaigns for travel and tech. Her insurance expertise has been featured in Bloomberg News, Forbes Advisor, CNET, Fortune, Slate, Real Simple, Lifehacker, The Financial Gym, and the end-of-life planning service.