Is it legal to drive a car if it is insured under someone else's name?

Question

The car i'm driving is insured under my father's name. Is it legal for me to drive if i'm not on the insurance card?

I thought it was okay as long as the car is insured, but he thinks its not.

Answer 1

In California, it's okay as long as he carries, "Uninsured motorist's" coverage. This coverage also has stipulations to it, (i.e. drivers 25 and older), so, you should check it out first.

Answer 2

I understand that the following is true:
1. You can drive your father's car on an occassional basis if you are not covered on his insurance as a regular driver.
2. You must have his permission to drive the car. This is important in case you have an accident.
3. The other person responding that stated that your father needs "Uninsured Motorists" applies more to an incident where an uninsured motorist hits your vehicle or injures you.
4. Lastly, why not ask the insurance company?

Answer 3

Each insurance company has it's own criteria regarding "permissive use." Several questions would need to be answered, but the final answer could only come from his insurance company...

Do you live in the household or on your own and are just borrowing the car?

Are you listed on his policy but specifically excluded from coverage?

Also be aware that with many companies not every single household member can be listed on the card. If you were to get pulled over and a policeman called to verify insurance, they are looking for valid coverage first for the vehicle and second for the driver.

Answer 4

In michigan it depends on your insurance u can get insureance to cover any driver but it costs more most of the time insureance covers the owner driving the car only

Answer 5

A lot of this depends on your age and how often you drive the car.
Some insurers, if they find out you drive the car often, will force you on to your parent's policy anyway.

Don't let your dad see this part.

Your dad is taking an enormous risk letting you drive his car. If you were to get into a really bad accident and seriously hurt or kill somebody.....the victim's family is going to take everything you have, will take a big insurance payment and then will take everything your dad has.

If your dad wants to lose his house, cars, retirement money, other savings and investments, then just keep letting you drive the car.

If he wants to avoid that....he'd be better off selling you the car and letting you get your own insurance....

Heck he can give you the car and even pay your premiums for you....he just needs to get you on the risk....rather than him.

Answer 6

in some states as long as you are insured and the car is insured it is okay but in some states you have to be under the persons insurance who owns the car

Answer 7

That depends. Are you a minor living at the same address as your father? If yes, you should be specifically named on his policy to drive his car and be covered. If you are 30 and have your own address, and his permission to drive, you are covered under his insurance.

Answer 8

Depends on the policy and the state where you live. Call the insurance company and find out for sure.

Answer 9

if you live with your father - it is not ok
if you don't, then it is similar to lending your car to your friend.
weird yes, but the rules.

for you and your fathers futures why risk it?

and as it's been said: his insurance company is the only one that can tell you for SURE under THEIR policies if he/you would be covered in the case of an accident

Answer 10

If your Dad has a driver over 25 only policy, then it's probably NOT Ok for you to be driving his car without ins. You'd have to check the policy to know for sure.

Answer 11

Best to ask you insurance company.