Who Is Covered On My Car Insurance

Car insurance can be a tricky thing to understand. It is ultimately important and your responsibility to read your policy thoroughly. You should have a good understanding of who and what your car insurance policy covers before you let any other person, other than yourself drive your vehicle.

 

One thing to take note of is if they live in your home, have a driver's license, and intend to drive your car, they must be listed on the policy. This includes your spouse, children, girlfriend, boyfriend, significant other, or roommates. If you live in the same household, have the same address, and they are not listed on the car insurance policy, if an accident occurs, they will likely not be covered. To be safe, even if they do not intend to drive your car, you should place them on the insurance policy, just in case.

 

On the other hand, in general, most people who do not live in your home and are not listed on the policy will be covered if they use your vehicle and an accident occurs. There may be limitations and exclusions, therefore, it is again extremely important that you thoroughly read and understand your policy before allowing another person to drive your vehicle.

 

Some exclusions, depending on the car insurance company, may include specific drivers, ages, or stipulations. For example, many car insurance policies state that no person under the age of 25 is covered or allowed to drive the vehicle, unless they are specifically stated, by name, on the policy. In other words, your 21 year old nephew could not drive your vehicle, unless his name is listed on the policy. This is pretty much a standard across the board for car insurance companies.

 

Furthermore, if you decide not to include a licensed driver on the policy that does live in your home, such as your wife for whatever reason, they will be listed as an excluded driver. In other words, if your wife is listed as an excluded driver, and drives the car anyway and were to get into an accident, the accident, damage, and any injuries would not be covered by your insurance policy.

 

 

When you obtain your policy, take a close look at all aspects. Read up on your coverage, what is included and what is not? Make sure you take special notes of exclusions, this are will tell you exactly who is and is not excluded on your policy. If you have opted to exclude any licensed person in your household, their name will be listed here.

Furthermore, be sure to understand any age requirements and conditions of other non-listed drivers of your vehicle. You do not want to make an error, allowing an excluded driver to drive the vehicle.  If an accident were to happen, any damage to your vehicle, to another person's vehicle, or injury to any person would not be covered by your insurance policy.  Therefore, you would likely be responsible for paying all costs out of your pocket, which could include medical bills, court fees, and repair costs.