[CA-USA] Do I need to include my dad as a co-owner for car registration?
I’m currently listed as a driver on my parents’ auto insurance policy. My car is jointly registered in both my dad’s and my name.
I’m planning to purchase a new car soon and I want to know if I can register it solely in my name while remaining on my parents’ auto insurance. Do I need to keep my dad as a co-owner for that to work? I will be the primary driver and will continue living with them, so the car will still be registered at the same address.
Just for context, I’m in California and we have USAA insurance.
Thanks!
In California, it’s typically acceptable for you to register your new car in your name only and still remain covered under your parents’ auto insurance policy, especially since you will be living with them and the car will be garaged at the same address. However, insurance companies generally want to know who the primary drivers are on the policy and may require that all regular drivers of a vehicle be listed on the insurance.
Since you’ll be the primary driver, it’s a good idea to notify USAA about the new registration to ensure that you maintain coverage without any issues. While having your dad as a joint owner isn’t strictly necessary from a registration standpoint, it might provide additional clarity for the insurance company about who has rights to the vehicle.
It’s best to confirm this directly with USAA to ensure that all your specific details and circumstances are taken into account. They may have their own policies regarding how vehicle ownership and insurance coverage work together.