Can Someone Else Insure My Car?

Key Points:

• Someone else can insure your car if they are included on the vehicle’s registration (a co-title).
• You can add someone else to your existing policy, but you will be the primary policy owner.
• Many insurers offer non-owner policies that enable coverage for vehicles a person doesn’t own.

Auto insurance companies have strict rules when it comes to who can purchase a policy for a vehicle. Typically, the policyholder should be the person who owns the car and is listed on the vehicle’s title. This is because insurance companies want to know that the person insuring a vehicle has “insurable interest,” which signifies some level of ownership and a vested interest in taking care of it.

So most of the time, you will need to insure your own car. However, there are special circumstances where the auto insurance provider may work with you.

In this article, we’ll detail what you should know about car insurance and vehicle ownership. We’ll also provide recommendations for a few of the top car insurance companies, based on our extensive industry research.

Can Someone Else Insure A Car I Own?

It depends on your circumstances. While the person who owns the car is usually the one who insures it, most states will allow someone other than the owner to pay for a car insurance policy. However, many insurance providers will only insure a car if the policyholder and car owner are the same.

Below are a few ways in which it might be possible for someone else to insure your car.

1. Transfer the registration. If you transfer the registration to someone else, they can then insure the vehicle. But doing this also typically involves signing over the title, which makes them the owner of the car.
2. Get a co-title. A co-title indicates that more than one person owns the vehicle. As co-owner of your car, someone else may be able to insure it.
3. Add them to your existing policy. You can add someone else to your policy and remain the primary insured driver. Adding someone to your policy simply means they are covered to drive your vehicle.
4. Add the owner to your policy as an additional insurable interest. This essentially extends coverage to someone who has a financial claim to the vehicle.
5. Have them purchase non-owner car insurance. A non-owner policy includes liability coverage and is intended to cover someone who doesn’t own the car but drives it occasionally.

If you want to have someone else insure your car, we recommend talking directly with an insurance professional, as the rules and nuances can be complex and confusing.

What Is Insurable Interest And Do You Need It?

For you to insure a car, insurance companies look for “insurable interest.” This is a reasonable concern for a person to protect any property or vehicle with an insurance policy. In other words, you’ll be financially impacted if the car is damaged. When you own a vehicle, the interest is clear and obvious.

However, if you don’t own the vehicle, auto insurance companies may not trust that you’ll take the proper steps to keep the car safe and free of damage.

Trying to insure a car that is not yours may also raise a red flag for insurance fraud. If anyone could insure any car, they could receive benefits when the vehicle becomes damaged, instead of the person who actually needs the coverage to cover repairs.

---

Do You Need Insurance To Drive Somebody Else’s Car?

No–most of the time, the insurance follows the car. So if you get into an accident when you’re driving a friend or family member’s car, their existing auto insurance policy will cover the losses, as long as the owner gave you permission to drive the car.

If you cause excessive property damage that their insurance policy can’t cover, you may be held financially responsible. That’s where a non-owners policy can come in handy. This type of insurance coverage can protect you when you’re a pedestrian, and when you’re driving someone else’s vehicle or a rental car.

Can You Register A Car In Someone Else’s Name?

This depends on the state, but typically no. The vehicle needs to be registered by the owner listed on the title. Check with your local Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) to learn the specific requirements for registering a car in someone else’s name.

---

Can Someone Else Insure My Car?: Our Take

While it is possible for someone else to insure your car, it can be a complicated process. Unless it’s absolutely necessary, we recommend insuring your vehicle yourself. 

As the policyholder, you’ll be able to adjust coverages to ensure that the vehicle is always properly protected. If you have extenuating circumstances, and need to have someone else insure your car, be sure to talk with an insurance professional to make sure everything is above board.

---

Our Recommendations For Car Insurance

It’s always a good idea to get car insurance quotes from multiple providers. That way, you can compare quotes, as well as what each company offers in terms of customer service, coverages, and discounts. Check out two of our top providers, and use our quote tool below to get free, personalized quotes.

State Farm Insurance: Best Overall Provider

State Farm is the largest auto insurance carrier in the nation according to the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) and is known for its customer service and wide availability of local agents. 

If you need help insuring someone else’s car or having someone else insure yours, State Farm agents are a great place to start. They can help answer all your questions and ensure that both you and your vehicle are properly protected.

Read more in our State Farm insurance review.

Geico Insurance: Best For Basic Coverage

Geico is primarily known for its affordable rates. The insurer offers many discounts, including those for senior citizens, members of the military, good students, and more. It has a variety of extra coverage options like roadside assistance, rental car reimbursement, and mechanical breakdown insurance. While you may not be able to insure a car you don’t own with Geico, you can purchase a non-owners insurance policy through the company.

Read more in our Geico insurance review.

---

Can Someone Else Insure My Car?: FAQ

Here are some frequently asked questions about whether someone else can insure your car.

---

How We Rate Auto Insurers

Our review team extensively researches auto insurance providers to deliver informed and unbiased assessments of leading companies. We evaluate several key rating factors that are important to consumers to determine which providers are the best in the industry:

• Reliability: It’s important that an auto insurer is able to meet its claims obligations. Companies with a strong financial strength rating from AM Best score best in this category. Established insurers with a long history of reliable service also receive positive marks.
• Availability: Insurance companies that offer wider availability to consumers in terms of state availability and few eligibility requirements are more likely to meet consumer needs.
• Coverage: To determine our coverage score, we look at the number of coverage options available as well as coverage limits and deductible options. Our ratings also take into account additional services and benefits like roadside assistance.
• Pricing: Cost can be difficult to compare between insurers because so many factors impact annual premiums. The cheapest insurer for one driver may not be the cheapest for another. To determine our cost score, we look at insurance rate estimates generated by Quadrant Information Services, discount opportunities, and consumer reports.
• Service: We comb through customer reviews on sites like the Better Business Bureau (BBB) to learn about customer experiences. Insurers with a low volume of complaints score well in this area. We also consider the claims process, giving higher ratings to car insurance providers that offer a smooth experience.
• Technology: Providers with an online quote tool, easy-to-use claims app and a usage-based insurance app score best in this category.

*Data accurate at time of publication.

---