Do I have to place my son on my auto insurance?

Question

Someone told me if my car had under insured motorist it covers any one who drives it why do I need 2 put my son on it then. The insurance company says I have to but this other person has 3 kids and 2 cars fixed after they drove them with under insured motorist on his insurance. confused in TEXAS

Answer 1

My mother was told the same thing by Geiko when I got my license. She had to sign a waiver stating I wouldn't drive any of the covered vehicles to keep from adding me. A few years later when she wanted to add me they wouldn't let her and she switched insurances.

Answer 2

Not really from the stand point of underinsured motorist, but in general, especially under your liability coverage, if you have someone who lives with you or will be a regular user of the vehicle, you have to add them to the policy. This person has a "risk" level and the policy must be rated for it. When you talk generally about letting someone drive your vehicle (a one time thing or once in a blue moon) you don't need to add the person to the policy. And yes, if the person has your permission then there will probably be coverage if an accident happens while that person is driving. I am not really sure how the underinsured motorist part of this figures in, or if you mean uninsured motorist. But if you know a person who lets her kids drive and the kids are not on the policy, eventually the policy will be reviewed, they will see that the kid or kids have driven at least enough to have 2 accidents and obtain the info needed to add them as a driver and rate the policy accordingly.

If you have a child who will regularly be using the vehicle you should put him on the policy.

Answer 3

1

Answer 4

There are some state-to-state vaiations, but here are the basics. Underunsured or uninsured motorist coverage applies to situations where you are involved in an accident with someone ELSE who has insufficient or no insurance. It doesn't apply to a family member who drives your car and gets into an accident with it.

You need to get any family member who will be driving the car properly listed on the policy...otherwise your insurer can and will deny any at-fault claim involving that person...meaning you will have to pay for the damages yourself.

Your friend's experiences were likely different; that is, the circumstances of the accident were such that the claim was covered...but the underinsured coverage likely had nothing to do with it.

Answer 5

If you don't want your insurance company to end up cancelling you then you need to add your son. Underinsured motorist comes into play when someone hits you but doesn't have a high enough limit to cover your damages. It has nothing to do with your son driving.

I don't understand the last part about the 3 kids and 2 cars thing.

Answer 6

You're confused about uninsured/under insured motorist coverage.
This is coverage for you should the other person that is involved in the accident with you NOT have any insurance then your insurance would step in and cover you for the accident.
This is not coverage for persons driving your vehicle with your permission.
You should list your son as a driver on the policy since he lives with you and has access to driving your vehicle. This will of course increase your premiums unless you want your son to purchase separate insurance under only his name. Driving is a privilege and your son should pay for his own insurance if he wants to drive your vehicle.

Answer 7

I have never heard of "under insured motorist" There is a thing call uninsured motorist insurance which covers you if you have a wreck with someone who does not have insurance and the accident was their fault. Yes, if your son wants to drive your car legally, he needs to be placed on your policy, Trust me....this is for YOUR protection!!!!

Answer 8

Uninsured and Underinsured coverage is not for you, or anyone driving your vehicle. It is for the other party that is injured or suffers a loss that is considered your fault.

You technically need to add your son if he is a dependent child and member of your household. Especially if the insurance company knows about him. If he has a license the insurance company will require it, and even if he had a license but has lost if for one reason or another, they will likely require he be added as he is a risk and has the ability and the knowledge to drive.

If you are absolutely against it, I believe TX does offer what is called a Named Driver Exclusion. He is excluded off the policy and will absolutely not be covered under any circumstance. Insurance companies for some reason are very reluctant to offer this, but in reality it takes their greatest risk and concern out of the picture and makes them not liable for his actions.

Answer 9

ok, just going through this since my son just got his permit. I asked my insurance agent why since I have uninsured coverage. She told me that if it was only once in a while (like a friend or relative that normally wouldn't drive the car, that also does not have car insurance themselves) its ok but if you have someone living in your house (like your child) they assume he is driving on a regular bases. (even if they are not). She told me that if he were to get in an accident and he was not on the insurance as a driver the insurance company would not cover the accident.

Answer 10

If your son wrecks the car and you file unisured motorist, that is insurance fraud. This will cause everyone's insurance to go up because you are trying to beat the system, not to mention cost you a fortune in the end. Add your son to your insurance policy if he will be driving.