Is adding my mom to my insurance policy cheaper?
Adding mom to an auto insurance policy may help teens and high-risk drivers to reduce their auto insurance rates. But you can only do so if you live at the same address. If you add your parents to your policy when they live elsewhere and have no plans to drive the vehicle, that can constitute insurance fraud. If you're adding mom to your insurance policy, make sure she's actually going to drive the vehicle you're insuring. As long as Mom has a good driving record, you can enjoy cheaper auto insurance rates when you add parents to car insurance.
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Tim Bain
Licensed Insurance Agent
Tim Bain is a licensed insurance agent with 23 years of experience helping people protect their families and businesses with the best insurance coverage to meet their needs. His insurance expertise has been featured in several publications, including Investopedia and eFinancial. He also does digital marking and analysis for KPS/3, a communications and marking firm located in Nevada.
Licensed Insurance Agent
UPDATED: Sep 20, 2024
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Advertiser Disclosure: We strive to help you make confident auto insurance decisions. Comparison shopping should be easy. We are not affiliated with any one auto insurance provider and cannot guarantee quotes from any single provider.
Our insurance industry partnerships don’t influence our content. Our opinions are our own. To compare quotes from many different companies please enter your ZIP code on this page to use the free quote tool. The more quotes you compare, the more chances to save.
Editorial Guidelines: We are a free online resource for anyone interested in learning more about auto insurance. Our goal is to be an objective, third-party resource for everything auto insurance related. We update our site regularly, and all content is reviewed by auto insurance experts.
UPDATED: Sep 20, 2024
It’s all about you. We want to help you make the right coverage choices.
Advertiser Disclosure: We strive to help you make confident auto insurance decisions. Comparison shopping should be easy. We are not affiliated with any one auto insurance provider and cannot guarantee quotes from any single provider.
Our insurance industry partnerships don’t influence our content. Our opinions are our own. To compare quotes from many different companies please enter your ZIP code on this page to use the free quote tool. The more quotes you compare, the more chances to save.
On This Page
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- A new drier may find that it is actually over $1,000 cheaper to add their mom to their auto insurance policy as an additional driver.
- You are required to list every driver in the household on your auto insurance – even if they have no plans to drive your car.
- If you’re found guilty of committing insurance fraud, you may lose driving privileges, have to pay fines, and even serve jail time.
A scenario: You’re 19 years old and buying your first car this spring. You’ll be the registered owner (of title, lien, etc.) and will also be insuring it with you as the main driver. Adding your parents to your car insurance could be a good idea.
You may find that it is actually over $1,000 cheaper adding mom to your auto insurance policy as an additional driver. But she won’t actually be driving the car, and her license may not even be valid anymore. Can you put your parents on your car insurance?
Could you get in trouble with doing this? Is there any way they can find out your mom isn’t actually driving?
This one is complicated. What you’re doing could either be completely legal – or totally fraudulent.
In the proper circumstances, you can find great insurance rates adding mom to your auto insurance.
Whether you’re combining insurance policies or adding a driver to yours, don’t pay more than you have to. Get the cheapest rates for you and those in your household. Enter your ZIP code and get FREE insurance quotes adding mom to your auto insurance.
Same Auto Insurance Policy Drivers Must Live at the Same Address
Can i add someone to my car insurance that doesn’t live with me? First, it depends on whether you actually live with your mom or not, and this changes everything.
Can I put my mom on my insurance?
If you do live with your mom, then you are actually required to list your mom on your auto insurance policy. You are required to list every driver in the household on your auto insurance – even if they have no plans to drive your car. She should be added to your insurance policy as a named driver or secondary driver. In fact, you may be required to add her as a named driver.
If there’s an emergency situation (say, if you’re unable to drive your car due to an injury), then your mom may need to drive your vehicle. That’s why you need to list every driver in your household. If adding your mom to your auto insurance lowers your auto insurance by $1,000, then congratulations. You’ve just saved an enormous amount on auto insurance.
Can you put your mother on your insurance if you do not live together?
Read more:
- What is the difference between named driver and any driver auto insurance?
- Does auto insurance cover me under my parents policy?
If you do not live with your mom, then you could be committing auto insurance fraud – especially if your mom has no plans to ever drive your vehicle (or cannot legally drive). If you are planning to add her as a named driver purely to save money on auto insurance, then no, you cannot add your mom as a secondary driver and you could be committing insurance fraud.
Can i be on my parents’ car insurance if the car is in my name? No, if the car is registered in your name, then you need your own insurance policy, even if you are still living at home.
If you’re found guilty of committing insurance fraud, you may lose driving privileges, have to pay fines, and even serve jail time. They take it pretty seriously, as the Insurance Research Council notes that insurance fraud costs $7.7 billion a year.
If you are living with your mother, then yes, by all means, you should add her to your insurance policy. The reason you should add her is that you want to be able to both have access to your vehicle at all times (in case of an emergency). If you don’t, then she can never legally use your car.
So, yes, add your mother to your list of drivers. She is entitled to be on your policy. It’s not the insurance company’s job to decide who does and does not drive your car.
And let’s not forget your dad. Adding parents to car insurance, mom and/or dad, can save you money.
(Note – If you don’t live with her, on the other hand, you are playing with fire. That is considered fraud. If you are in an accident, they can deny your claim.)
It totally depends on your policy and the terms and conditions. It would be better if you can discuss it with them. The only issue with the new driver being added to insurance as a named driver is that they will not accumulate any claims discount.
You may be eligible for multi-driver or multi-vehicle discounts. The table below shows the availability of these discounts with major insurers.
Multi-Vehicle and Multi-Driver Auto Insurance Discounts by CompanyCompanies | Multiple Drivers Discounts Offered | Multiple Vehicles Discounts Offered |
---|---|---|
21st Century | No | Yes- n/a |
AAA | No | Yes- n/a |
Allstate | No | No |
American Family | No | Yes- n/a |
Ameriprise | No | Yes- n/a |
Amica | No | Yes- 15% |
Country Financial | No | Yes- 15% |
Esurance | No | Yes- n/a |
Farmers | No | Yes- n/a |
Geico | No | Yes- 25% |
Liberty Mutual | No | Yes- 10% |
Nationwide | No | Yes- 20% |
Progressive | No | Yes- 10% |
Safe Auto | No | Yes- 15% |
Safeco | No | Yes- 15% |
State Farm | No | Yes- 20% |
The General | No | Yes- 15% |
The Hanover | No | Yes- 5% |
Travelers | No | Yes- 8% |
USAA | No | Yes- n/a |
The Hartford | Yes- 5% | Yes- 5% |
MetLife | Yes- n/a | Yes- n/a |
As you can see, you can save about 5 percent with multiple drivers or 25 percent with multiple vehicles. But your rates are determined by many factors, as well. It comes down to your individual driver information.
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The Difference Between Primary and Secondary Driver Insurance
Being listed as a primary driver and a secondary driver on auto insurance is an important distinction. Auto insurance companies care very much when a primary driver is actually listed as a secondary driver.
Let’s say you want to save a lot of money on auto insurance. You list your elderly mom as the primary driver on your auto insurance policy even though you’re the main driver. This is a serious problem that could lead to enormous implications: if you get into an accident and your auto insurance discovers you are the primary driver of the vehicle, even though your mom is listed as the primary driver, then your auto insurance company will refuse to pay the claim.
To determine who the primary driver is, your insurance company may even check your driving history to see if you’ve been using the car more than, say, 3 or 4 nights a week.
In your situation, where you’re listing your mom as a secondary driver because you live at home, you should not face a similar issue with your claim. You’re listed as the primary driver of the vehicle because you are the primary driver.
Your mom is listed as the secondary driver because she’s at the same address and could feasibly drive the car in an emergency situation. In this situation, you and your mom should have no trouble getting a claim paid, assuming you get into an accident and you’re listed as the primary driver.
This video touches on adding a second driver to our auto insurance policy.
Of course, things change if your mom is listed as the secondary driver and does not live at the same address as you.
Read more: What is the difference between primary and secondary auto insurance coverage?
Is it normal for auto insurance policies to go down with another person?
In many cases, auto insurance rates will rise significantly when adding a secondary driver. Let’s say you live at the same address as your brother, for example, and your brother has three DUIs on his driving record. In this situation, our auto insurance rates might triple in price by adding your brother as a secondary driver.
In other cases, auto insurance rates may drop when adding a secondary driver. However, a drop of $1,000 or more – like the drop you experienced here – is definitely rare for most drivers.
However, you’re not like most drivers! As a 19-year-old, you’re probably paying some of the highest auto insurance rates in the country (some 19-year-old drivers pay $4,000 or more for auto insurance every year). Given that, a drop of $1,000 after adding a safe secondary driver is certainly possible – although it’s still rare.
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Can a driver with an expired license be on my auto insurance policy?
What about the expired license? This may not matter as much as you think. Auto insurance companies may require you to list every adult driver in the household even if they do not have an active license.
Can I be added to my parents’ auto insurance?
You can be added to your parents’ car insurance policy, as long as you live in the same household and your vehicle has their name on it. In fact, students can even remain on their parents’ policy when they don’t live in the same house. That’s one of the few exceptions.
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Can I add a car to my insurance that is not in my name?
The easiest way to add a car that’s not in your name to your policy is to add the owner of the vehicle to your insurance policy as an additional insured driver.
We hope we’ve answered your question: “Can you put your parents on your car insurance?” Check with your insurance agent if you still have questions such as:
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- Can you add a non relative to your car insurance?
- Can i add my sister to my car insurance?
- Can I have car insurance for additional drivers at a different address?
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You can save with multiple drivers and find affordable auto insurance adding mom to your auto insurance. We can help you find the best rates. Enter your ZIP code and get FREE quotes from multiple insurance companies.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is adding my mom to my insurance policy cheaper?
Adding your mom to your insurance policy may or may not result in a cheaper premium. Several factors come into play when determining the cost of insurance, such as the type of policy, coverage limits, the insured person’s driving history, and the insurance company’s specific guidelines. In some cases, adding a family member, such as a parent, to your policy may result in a higher premium due to their age or driving record. It is best to consult with your insurance provider to get an accurate quote based on your specific situation.
How can adding my mom to my insurance policy affect my premium?
Adding a family member, including your mom, to your insurance policy can affect your premium in different ways. Insurance companies consider several factors when calculating premiums, such as the driving history and age of each driver on the policy. If your mom has a clean driving record and a good credit history, adding her to your policy might result in a lower premium since it can spread the risk across multiple drivers. However, if your mom has a history of accidents or traffic violations, it could increase the overall premium. It’s crucial to discuss your specific circumstances with your insurance provider to understand how adding your mom may impact your premium.
Are there any discounts available for adding family members to my policy?
Many insurance providers offer discounts for adding family members to an existing policy. These discounts can vary depending on the insurance company and the state you reside in. Some common discounts include multi-driver discounts, multi-car discounts, and bundling discounts. Adding your mom to your policy might make you eligible for such discounts, potentially reducing the overall premium. Contact your insurance provider to inquire about the available discounts and how they apply to adding family members to your policy.
Are there any situations where adding my mom to my policy may not be beneficial?
While adding your mom to your insurance policy can often lead to potential savings and benefits, there are a few situations where it may not be advantageous. If your mom has a poor driving record, a history of accidents, or a low credit score, adding her to your policy could result in an increased premium. Additionally, if your mom has her own insurance policy with comprehensive coverage, adding her to your policy may not provide any significant advantages. It is advisable to consult with your insurance provider to evaluate your specific circumstances and determine if adding your mom to your policy is the most cost-effective option.
Can I remove my mom from my insurance policy if I no longer want her on it?
Yes, you can typically remove a family member, including your mom, from your insurance policy if you no longer wish to have her listed as a covered driver. However, it’s important to check with your insurance provider regarding their specific procedures for removing drivers from a policy. Be aware that removing a driver might affect your premium, as the risk will now be concentrated on the remaining drivers on the policy. It’s recommended to discuss any changes with your insurance provider to understand the potential impact on your coverage and premium.
Is it cheaper to be on parents car insurance?
Yes, it is typically cheaper to be on your parents’ car insurance because multi-driver policies often receive discounts and parents usually have lower risk profiles, leading to reduced premiums.
Does removing a driver lower insurance?
Yes, removing a driver can lower insurance premiums, especially if the removed driver is considered high-risk by the insurance company.
Can I put my car insurance in my parents name?
No, generally you cannot put your car insurance in your parents’ name if you are the primary driver and the car is registered in your name.
Can I add my car to my parents’ insurance?
Yes, you can often add your car to your parents’ insurance policy, as long as the insurance company allows it and the car is primarily used by you.
Can I be on my parents’ car insurance if the car is in my name?
It depends on the insurance company, but some insurers may allow you to be on your parents’ car insurance even if the car is in your name, provided your primary residence is the same.
Can I add my mom to my car insurance?
Yes, you can typically add your mom to your car insurance policy as an additional driver.
Can I remove a named driver from my insurance?
Yes, you can remove a named driver from your insurance policy by contacting your insurance company and requesting the change.
Can I put my car on my parents’ insurance?
Yes, you often can put your car on your parents’ insurance policy, though specific conditions may apply depending on the insurer.
How much less expensive is it to be on your parents’ policy?
The exact savings vary, but it can be significantly less expensive to be on your parents’ policy due to multi-driver and family discounts.
Can I add my parents to my car insurance?
Yes, you can put your parents on your car insurance policy as additional drivers.
Can I get car insurance under my parents?
Yes, you can often get car insurance under your parents’ policy, particularly if you live at the same address.
Can I be added to my parents’ car insurance?
Yes, you can be added to your parents’ car insurance policy as an additional driver.
Can I add my dad to my car insurance?
Yes, you can add your dad to your car insurance policy as an additional driver.
Can my mom add me to her car insurance?
Yes, your mom can add you to her car insurance policy as an additional driver.
Is it cheaper to add someone to your car insurance?
Yes, it is often cheaper to add someone to your car insurance, especially if they have a good driving record.
Can my dad add me to his car insurance?
Yes, your dad can add you to his car insurance policy as an additional driver.
Can I put my brother on my car insurance?
Yes, you can typically add your brother to your car insurance policy as an additional driver.
How to add a car to insurance?
To add a car to insurance, you need to contact your insurance provider and provide the necessary details about the vehicle and its intended use.
Do my parents have to add me to their car insurance?
No, your parents do not have to add you to their car insurance, but it is often beneficial for coverage and cost reasons if you are a regular driver of the family car.
Can my mom insure my car?
Yes, your mom can insure your car if she is listed on the title or if the insurance company allows it.
Can you be on your parents’ car insurance?
Yes, you can be on your parents’ car insurance policy if you live at the same address or are a dependent.
Can my mom put my car on her insurance?
Yes, your mom can put your car on her insurance if she has an insurable interest in the vehicle and the insurance company allows it.
Can my parents pay for my car insurance?
Yes, your parents can pay for your car insurance policy, although the policy might still need to be in your name.
Is it cheaper to combine car insurance?
Yes, it is often cheaper to combine car insurance policies due to multi-car and multi-policy discounts.
Is it cheaper to add parents to car insurance?
Yes, adding parents to your car insurance can be cheaper if they have a good driving record.
Is it cheaper to be on your parents’ car insurance?
Yes, it is typically cheaper to be on your parents’ car insurance if you are a young driver, due to the higher risk associated with insuring young drivers independently.
What happens if I don’t add my teenager to my car insurance?
If you don’t add your teenager to your car insurance, they may not be covered in case of an accident, and it could result in denied claims or higher premiums later.
Do I need insurance to drive my parents’ car?
Yes, you need to be insured to drive your parents’ car, either through their policy or your own.
Does being a named driver reduce insurance?
Yes, being a named driver can reduce insurance costs if the named driver has a good driving record.
Is family car insurance cheaper?
Yes, family car insurance can be cheaper due to combined discounts and shared liability.
Can I add a car to my insurance policy?
Yes, you can add a car to your existing insurance policy, which might also qualify you for multi-car discounts.
Can I insure a car that is not in my name with Progressive?
Progressive generally requires the policyholder to have an insurable interest in the car, meaning it should typically be in your name.
Can I add a family member to my car insurance?
Yes, you can add a family member to your car insurance policy, provided they have a valid driver’s license and meet the insurer’s criteria.
Can my mom get USAA insurance?
Your mom can get USAA insurance if she is a member of the military, a veteran, or a direct family member of someone who qualifies.
Can my mother-in-law join USAA?
Your mother-in-law can join USAA if she qualifies through her own or her spouse’s military service, or if her child (your spouse) has an existing USAA membership.
Can my parents add my car to their insurance?
Yes, your parents can add your car to their insurance policy if it is primarily driven by someone in their household.
Can I add my mother to my car insurance?
Yes, you can add your mother to your car insurance policy if she regularly drives your car.
Does removing a driver lower Geico insurance?
Yes, removing a high-risk driver from your Geico policy can lower your insurance premiums.
Can my parents add me to their car insurance?
Yes, your parents can add you to their car insurance policy, typically if you live in the same household and have a valid driver’s license.
What is the cheapest primary use for car insurance?
The cheapest primary use for car insurance is typically “pleasure use” or “personal use.” This means the car is primarily driven for non-business-related activities, such as running errands, commuting to social events, or occasional trips. Insurance companies often offer lower premiums for pleasure use because these vehicles tend to have a lower annual mileage and a reduced risk of accidents compared to cars used for business or commuting. However, always check with your insurance provider to understand how they classify primary use and what discounts you may be eligible for.
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Tim Bain
Licensed Insurance Agent
Tim Bain is a licensed insurance agent with 23 years of experience helping people protect their families and businesses with the best insurance coverage to meet their needs. His insurance expertise has been featured in several publications, including Investopedia and eFinancial. He also does digital marking and analysis for KPS/3, a communications and marking firm located in Nevada.
Licensed Insurance Agent
Editorial Guidelines: We are a free online resource for anyone interested in learning more about auto insurance. Our goal is to be an objective, third-party resource for everything auto insurance related. We update our site regularly, and all content is reviewed by auto insurance experts.