Adding teenager to policy

[Anonymous]

How can I tell if DH (we are separated) really added our son (18) to the insurance policy that is under DH's name? Shouldn't he (son) receive an insurance card or something? DH is very cheap and complains about money all the time but he's been strangely quiet about what should be a large premium increase. So I'm worried that son isn't actually covered but he's driving everywhere. I now have my own car and policy and don't allow this son to drive mine because I can't afford to add him, and don't want him driving my new car.

[Anonymous]

It’s illegal to drive without an insurance card. You need license, registration, and insurance if you get pulled over

[Anonymous]

No, the insurance company does not issue a card with your name on it. The car is insured and licensed drivers that live in the home are listed on the policy. I keep my insurance card, as well as registration, in my glove compartment. FYI, my vehicle is garaged when not use.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:How can I tell if DH (we are separated) really added our son (18) to the insurance policy that is under DH's name? Shouldn't he (son) receive an insurance card or something? DH is very cheap and complains about money all the time but he's been strangely quiet about what should be a large premium increase. So I'm worried that son isn't actually covered but he's driving everywhere. I now have my own car and policy and don't allow this son to drive mine because I can't afford to add him, and don't want him driving my new car.

At least make sure your son is explicitly exempted from your own policy, especially if he is living in your household. If not, and your insurance company finds out (e.g., through inquiring with the DMV), your premiums could skyrocket anyway.

Otherwise, if your son is driving a car that is insured, then he is covered (unless he is explicitly excluded). Insurance applies to the vehicle, not to the driver. Adding a teen to a policy is typically an insurance company requirement solely for the purpose of milking you for higher premiums.

[Anonymous]

I am OP. Of course I know it's illegal. That's why I'm concerned.

So it sounds like you're saying that if child gets pulled over by police and asked for insurance, they will be fine since the car itself is insured? That is a relief. Why do I hear things about it being illegal for a teenager to drive without insurance if they all have insurance through the parents' insured car already?

Is it only if they have an accident that the insurance company would realize the child is driving alone, and then maybe the insurance company would refuse to pay for the damage? Again, this just seems odd because we all hear so much about how important it is to be insured. The chances that you'll have an accident are very low, so most people could just not pay the extra money for their kid and hope for the best? I sure hope that is not what DH is doing.

[Anonymous]

You can't tell. The insurance card doesn't tell who the drivers are. That is on the declaration form that comes with the bill. Yes, adding a teen should about double the insurance premiums. If your husband did not add him and there is an accident the insurance company could deny coverage.

[Anonymous]

Did your son not have to provide verification of insurance when he got his license?one did.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Did your son not have to provide verification of insurance when he got his license?one did.

Not everyone with a license has a car.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:How can I tell if DH (we are separated) really added our son (18) to the insurance policy that is under DH's name? Shouldn't he (son) receive an insurance card or something? DH is very cheap and complains about money all the time but he's been strangely quiet about what should be a large premium increase. So I'm worried that son isn't actually covered but he's driving everywhere. I now have my own car and policy and don't allow this son to drive mine because I can't afford to add him, and don't want him driving my new car.

At least make sure your son is explicitly exempted from your own policy, especially if he is living in your household. If not, and your insurance company finds out (e.g., through inquiring with the DMV), your premiums could skyrocket anyway.

Otherwise, if your son is driving a car that is insured, then he is covered (unless he is explicitly excluded). Insurance applies to the vehicle, not to the driver. Adding a teen to a policy is typically an insurance company requirement solely for the purpose of milking you for higher premiums.

I don’t think this is correct information.

[Anonymous]

https://www.bankrate.com/insurance/car/add-child-to-auto-insurance/

Yes, you should add them or formally exclude them.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:How can I tell if DH (we are separated) really added our son (18) to the insurance policy that is under DH's name? Shouldn't he (son) receive an insurance card or something? DH is very cheap and complains about money all the time but he's been strangely quiet about what should be a large premium increase. So I'm worried that son isn't actually covered but he's driving everywhere. I now have my own car and policy and don't allow this son to drive mine because I can't afford to add him, and don't want him driving my new car.

At least make sure your son is explicitly exempted from your own policy, especially if he is living in your household. If not, and your insurance company finds out (e.g., through inquiring with the DMV), your premiums could skyrocket anyway.

Otherwise, if your son is driving a car that is insured, then he is covered (unless he is explicitly excluded). Insurance applies to the vehicle, not to the driver. Adding a teen to a policy is typically an insurance company requirement solely for the purpose of milking you for higher premiums.

I don’t think this is correct information.

From USAA, and mirrored by most other companies:

If I let someone borrow my vehicle, does my insurance cover them?
Your policy covers anyone who has permission to use your vehicle, or reasonably believes they have permission to use it. If a driver regularly uses your vehicle for more than 60 days, you should add that driver on your policy.

Note: There is no coverage if a driver you allow to use your vehicle:

1. Loans the car to another person.
2. Is involved in an accident as a pedestrian.
3. Is injured as a passenger.
4. Rents or borrows a vehicle not on your policy.
5. Acquires a new vehicle.

Insurance follows the vehicle.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:You can't tell. The insurance card doesn't tell who the drivers are. That is on the declaration form that comes with the bill. Yes, adding a teen should about double the insurance premiums. If your husband did not add him and there is an accident the insurance company could deny coverage.

We have Geico. All drivers, including the teens are listed on the insurance card.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Did your son not have to provide verification of insurance when he got his license?one did.

You don't have to do this in VA. You never go back to the DMV after you get your permit, and you don't need insurance when you're driving with a learner's permit. So, no you never have to show proof of insurance.

[Anonymous]

OP it's your kid.

Put him on your insurance or don't let him drive.

If he is driving Dad's car with no insurance dad's uninsured motorist part of the policy covers him. That is between them.

Honestly, you and your DH are crappy parents.

This is all information you should have gone over with your child before they got their license.

And you already know the answer. Get your kid insurance

[Anonymous]

Have your son call the insurance company and check if he is on his dad's policy. Not like the insurance company won't tell him if he's on the policy.

OMG you both are horrible.