Can I remain on someone else’s insurance policy if I don’t live with them?
A few years back, I purchased a car that is registered to my mom, who co-signed for it. While living with my mother-in-law, she included me, my partner, and my car on her insurance policy since we all used it. However, my partner and I have since moved out into our own place in a different city, but still within the same state.
I’m wondering if it’s a problem that my car and I are still covered under her policy, even though we no longer share an address. The car is still registered at her address since I haven’t updated it yet. Would this create any issues if I needed to file a claim? Should I consider removing myself from her policy now that I’ve moved out? I want to avoid any gaps in coverage, so I’d appreciate any advice!
Also, my partner and I aren’t legally married, just to clarify, and we are currently in California.
It’s great that you’re looking into this to make sure you’re properly covered! In California, insurance policies generally require that all drivers be residents of the same household as the policyholder. Since you and your partner have moved out and are living separately, this could potentially create issues with your coverage, especially if you need to file a claim.
Here are a few things you might want to consider:
Contact the Insurance Company: The best approach is to contact your mother’s insurance company directly. Explain your situation, including that you and your car are still listed on her policy but no longer live together. They can provide guidance on whether your current coverage is valid and what steps you need to take.
Update Registration: If your car is registered to your mother’s address while you’re living elsewhere, it would be a good idea to update the registration to reflect your current address. This can help avoid any complications down the line.
Explore Your Options: Depending on your situation, you might want to consider getting your own insurance policy, especially since you’re living independently now. This way, you ensure that you have coverage that fits your current living situation.
Claims Considerations: If you were to file a claim while not living at the same address as the policyholder, it could potentially be a red flag for the insurance company. They might question the validity of the claim, which is why it’s essential to clarify your situation proactively.
Ultimately, keeping open communication with the insurance provider is key to ensuring you have the coverage you need without any surprises in the event of a claim.