How Long Can You Stay On Your Parents’ Car Insurance?

Policyholders must notify their auto insurer of all licensed drivers who live in their household and who are away at school, regardless of whether those licensed drivers have their own insurance.

You can remain on your parents’ policy as long as you live in their house and drive vehicles owned by them. Your parents can insure a co-owned car that has both your name and their name(s) on the vehicle’s title. However, if yours is the sole name on a title, you will need your own insurance policy.

Can I stay on my parents’ car insurance if I’m married?

Yes, provided you, your spouse, and your parents are living at the same residence. Any vehicles owned by you or your spouse must be added to the policy, which will increase the premium.

When to get a policy

There are many reasons you might want your own auto insurance policy. Ask yourself these questions:

  • Are you planning to move out of your parents’ house in the next six to twelve months?
    Your parents cannot insure a car that is not kept at their home address. Moving can be stressful; consider purchasing your new policy beforehand and notify your insurer about the new address your vehicle will be kept at.

  • Are you planning to buy, finance, lease, or change the title of a car to your name?
    You can’t insure a car you don't own — and neither can your parents. If you move and take your parents' car with you, you will have to change the title.

  • Will you declare residency in another state?
    Auto insurance doesn't follow you if you establish permanent residency in another state.

  • Are your parents looking for ways to save money on their premium?
    Young drivers can face higher insurance costs than older drivers because they have a higher risk of being involved in a crash.

  • Have your parents had more accidents in the past three years than you?
    If your driving record is better than your parents’, you may save money by having your own policy.

  • Are you aging out of your parents’ health insurance coverage?
    In most states, a child can only remain on their parents’ health insurance until age 26. If your parents chose Health Insurance Primary, your health insurer would pay first and your auto insurer would provide secondary coverage through Personal Injury Protection (PIP). If you are no longer on your parent’s health insurance but still reside in the household, this could result in a change in their policy to PIP Primary and including additional deductible and co-pays. You can avoid this change by obtaining your own health insurance or obtaining your own auto policy.

Benefits of staying on your parents’ policy

  • Receive discounts such as multi-car or home and auto bundle.
  • You could save money on your premium if your parents are safe drivers.
  • Often, the cheapest way to insure teen drivers is to include them on a parent’s policy.

If you are away at college, you can stay on your parents’ auto insurance as long as your permanent address is still your parents’ home. You may even receive a discount if you attend a school more than 100 miles away and don't have your car with you.

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The information and descriptions on this site are general in nature. The coverage afforded for a particular loss depends on the specific facts and the terms, exclusions, and limits of the actual policy. Nothing on this site alters the terms or conditions of any policy, as the policy controls coverage. Coverage options, limits, discounts, deductibles, and other features are subject to underwriting criteria, state availability, and effective dates. Coverage provided and underwritten by NJM Insurance Company and its subsidiaries, 301 Sullivan Way, W. Trenton, NJ 08628.