How Long Can You Stay on Your Parents’ Car Insurance? (2023)

Getting your driver’s license as a teenager is a rite of passage. You can now go where you need to without relying on your parents. While you might not depend on your parents for rides anymore, you may want to stay on their car insurance. Doing so can be much cheaper than investing in your own policy.

If you do decide to purchase a separate car insurance plan, make sure to shop around before settling on the first company with a low price. Compare quotes online to see the cheapest car insurance rates and find the best coverage for your unique situation.

Save money by staying on your parents’ car insurance policy

While it may be tempting to be independent and purchase your own car insurance policy, it’s far more affordable to remain on a parent’s plan. This is because auto insurance rates are based on risk. Car insurance companies believe that a young driver with less experience behind the wheel is more likely to cause accidents and file more claims.

To mitigate their risk, auto insurance companies charge higher premiums for young drivers who purchase their own policies. Even though this might seem unfair, crash statistics and other data give these insurers reason to believe that teen drivers and young adults are riskier. In fact, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) found that compared to all other age groups, teens between 16 and 19 years old are involved in the highest ratio of fatal car crashes.

Rules for staying on your parents’ car insurance

Unlike health insurance, which requires you to get your own coverage once you turn 26, there are no age limits to how long you can stay on a parent’s car insurance. As long as you live at home or you’re a full-time college student, you may be added to their policy.

If you move out permanently and purchase your own vehicle, you’ll need a separate car insurance plan. The only exception to this is if you move because you’re headed to college or you’re traveling for a bit but have plans to return home.

Benefits of staying on your parents’ car insurance

The younger you are, the more you’ll spend on car insurance. On average, you can expect to pay between $3,819 and $4,048 per year as a teen driver. Once you hit age 25, however, your auto insurance premium will go down significantly. Despite this, it will still be more expensive to get your own plan.

When you turn 30, insurance companies will consider you to be much less risky of a driver. As long as you’re still living at home at that time, you can score the lowest rates by remaining on your parents’ policy. There are a few reasons it’s cheaper to stay on a parent’s auto insurance.

First off, your parents will balance out your high-risk level as a younger driver. Of course, this won’t be the case if they have a bad driving record full of accidents, speeding tickets, or other traffic violations. Also, insurance companies might offer multiple driver discounts for policyholders who insure multiple drivers through one policy.

If you’re on a parent’s car insurance plan, they’ll be eligible for this discount.

Removal from your parents’ car insurance policy

While you can stay on a parent’s auto insurance policy, there are some situations that may cause you to get removed from it. If you’re a dangerous driver with a poor driving history, for example, your parents will have to pay higher rates. They might choose to kick you off their plan and encourage you to get your own.

Also, a car insurance company may drop you and take away your insurance coverage completely. Since one accident can raise your car insurance costs by about $80 per month, multiple accidents or traffic violations can cost you and your parents hundreds or even thousands of extra dollars per year in premiums.

By making it a priority to be a responsible, safe driver, you’ll not only save a lot on your car insurance, but you’ll also convince your parents that they should keep you on the policy. Drivers with a clean record benefit from the lowest car insurance rates.

When you need to purchase your own auto insurance policy

Sometimes, you may have to purchase a separate car insurance policy as a teen or young driver. If you live in a state that requires the car title and auto insurance to be in the same name, you may be forced to purchase your own car insurance plan. Check your state’s car insurance rules and regulations to see if this applies to you.

Also, if you move somewhere else for a reason other than college, your insurance company will likely ask that you get your own policy. And if you attend college but don’t live at home with your parents, and the vehicle title is only in your name, you’ll likely need to invest in separate car insurance.

Pros and cons of staying on parents’ car insurance

The most noteworthy benefit of staying on a parent’s car insurance is lower rates. You’ll also be able to share driving responsibilities with other vehicles at your parents’ house. On the flip side, being on a parent’s policy requires you to continue living with them unless you go to college.

This can be a major drawback if you wish to be independent and move away from home to pursue a job or be with a significant other after high school. Also, any negative marks on your driving record will cause your and your parents’ rates to increase. If you prove to be an irresponsible driver, your parents may choose to drop you from their policy.

How to save money while on your parents’ car insurance

If your parents add you to their auto insurance policy, their rates will increase by a lot. Fortunately, there are some things you can do to reduce the rate hike. First and foremost, maintain a clean driving record free of accidents and violations. Also, make sure you have a safe and affordable vehicle, as its make and model can play a role in your car insurance rates. Driving a newer car with the latest safety features can lead to lower rates.

Additionally, search for discounts from major car insurance companies like GEICO, State Farm, and Allstate as well as smaller ones, as they can help bring down your premiums. If you’re a full-time high school or college student, you might land a discount for having good grades or a certain GPA. You can also qualify for a discount if you complete a defensive driving course or are temporarily away from home for college.

Depending on your parents’ car insurance company, you might be able to save money by agreeing to use a monitoring app. The app will track your driving habits, which will potentially lower your premium if you show a history of safe driving or drive less frequently during dangerous times, like rush hour.

What to do if you need your own car insurance

Make sure you understand your coverage options and the minimum requirements in your state if you can’t remain on a parent’s car insurance or decide you want your own policy for any reason. Then, shop around and get quotes from at least a few auto insurance companies before you commit to a policy.

Comparing car insurance quotes is the best way to ensure you’ve found the best and cheapest car insurance. Don’t forget to look for discounts and take advantage of any that apply to you. Discounts can save you a great deal of money, especially if you qualify for several.

You can save money with your parents’ car insurance

No matter how old you are, you can remain on a parent’s car insurance as long as you live with them. By staying on their policy, you can save money until you reach your mid-20s and are out of the high-risk years. If you continue to share car insurance with your parents, do your best to be a safe driver so that your parents don’t get stuck with higher premiums.