Do the Names on Your Registration and Insurance Have to Match?

Every state requires drivers to register their motor vehicles, and most states require a minimum amount of liability car insurance. While most states don’t require that the name on your insurance policy match the one on your car registration, some insurance companies do.

In this guide, you’ll learn about state laws regarding the names listed on auto insurance policies and vehicle registrations, complications you may face using different names, and alternative ways to insure a car not registered in your name.

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What does the law say?

Most states don’t require the name on an auto insurance policy to match the name on a vehicle’s registration. Only New York requires matching names on an insurance policy and vehicle registration.^[1] Contact your state’s DMV for more details on vehicle registration, title, and car insurance laws.

While most states don’t require matching names, that may not be true with all insurance companies. Each insurer sets its own guidelines and may require the names to match.

“Vehicle owners need to be listed on the vehicle registration issued by the state where you reside,” says Mark Friedlander, corporate communications director at the Insurance Information Institute. “An auto insurance policy needs to list everyone covered by the policy, which may include minor children, adult children, and other family members that are not vehicle owners.”

When would you insure a car not registered in your name?

In certain situations, someone might insure a car not registered in their name. Here’s a look at some of the more common scenarios when you may want to do so:

Minors living at home

One instance where you might want to insure a vehicle that isn’t yours is “if you had a minor child who purchased their own vehicle living in your household,” says Ben Guttman, a broker at North Central Insurance Agency in Parkland, Maryland.

Parents may also want their children to share financial responsibility if they regularly use a family vehicle. You may ask your child to purchase their own car insurance policy that covers a family car registered under your name.

Borrowing a vehicle

Suppose you regularly borrow a friend’s or family member’s vehicle or act as the caregiver for the owner of the car you drive. In that case, you may want to buy car insurance without being the vehicle’s registered owner. Keep in mind that in most states, you’ll need to be able to provide proof of insurance if you get pulled over.

Newly married couple

Another scenario where you might need insurance on a vehicle that isn’t yours “is if you got married and are waiting on updated documents,” says Guttman. It can take time to process all the paperwork when you get married, especially if you change last names or need a new driver’s license or Social Security card.

Disadvantages of using different names for your registration and insurance

While it may not be legally required to have matching names on your vehicle registration and car insurance policy, having different names on each can lead to some complications. 

Insurable interest

Car insurance companies may require you to prove insurable interest to take out an insurance policy. Insurable interest shows the insurance company that it’s in your best interest to prevent damage to the vehicle you’re insuring.

Having your name on a vehicle’s registration automatically indicates insurable interest. Without it, getting approved for a policy could be more challenging.^[2]

Insurance claims

Car insurance claims can get complicated if the insured party is not the same as who’s on the vehicle’s registration. If the vehicle is damaged or totaled in a serious car accident, there’s a chance that the insurance payout goes to the person with the insurance policy, not the owner of the vehicle.

You might also encounter communication issues between the insurance company, the insured driver, and the vehicle owner.

Alternatives to insuring a car not registered in your name

You may want to consider the following alternatives to insuring a vehicle you don’t own:

Get added to the insurance policy

If the primary driver lives at the same address as the vehicle owner, they may be eligible to get added to the vehicle owner’s existing car insurance policy. Some insurers allow exceptions for college students who live away from home. However, adding another driver to your car insurance policy will increase your premiums.

Add your name to the registration

Generally, you can add more than one name to a vehicle registration. The owner could add you to the registration if you regularly drive the vehicle. Adding a name to your vehicle registration varies depending on your state.^[3]

Get nonowner car insurance

You can purchase nonowner car insurance, which provides liability coverage for a person driving someone else’s car in the event of bodily injury or property damage not covered under the owner’s existing car insurance policy.

Not all insurance companies offer nonowner insurance policies, though. In some cases, it might not be necessary, especially if the vehicle owner’s existing policy covers occasional use by other drivers.

How to find cheap car insurance

Regardless of what type of car insurance coverage you need, start by shopping around to find the best premiums. Compare quotes from several insurance companies, considering factors like:

• Coverage type

• Coverage limits

• Available discounts

• Deductibles

• Monthly premiums

• Customer service

Determine your specific coverage needs and look for companies that offer insurance coverage to match, not just cheap premiums.

Name on registration and insurance matching FAQs