Auto insurance for the college student?

[Joony]

So i'm back home for about 3 months for summer break. I'm going to drive my parents cars around here and there and I need insurance right, as in my own insurance card?

My family has State Farm auto insurance, so my pop called and the agent said that I can just drive the car since the car is already insured by my parents, without incurring any additional costs. Is that how it works?

 

[imported_Trippin315]

I assume the agent would a better idea than most of us.

 

[xanis]

Yes, you need your own insurance. IIRC, there must be insurance on the person and the car.

 

[MrWizzard]

Hey Joony be careful each state has it's own rules on how the coverage works.

So someone here might give you right advice for his or her state but it will not apply in yours.

Here is the scary thing your Dad's state farm agent may say you are covered for no additional cost and you might be. Although it's highly unlikely, unless you are already listed as a driver on the policy though that you will have the full amount of coverage. Find out if you are. If you are not be careful. Have you ever heard of an Insurance Company giving away free coverage for 3 months?

Maybe you are covered for only a minimal amount but your parents for the full amount of the policy limits. This is the way most policies automatically cover non-listed permissive drivers. It all gets really complicated on who is responsible if you crash the car.

In CA the registered owner is responsible. If that is true in your state too then, yes your parents will be covered to the full policy limits but you personally will only be covered for a very minimal amount. Hope you don't have any savings or anything in your name.

If the agent is wrong and something happens it could get really ugly. It may even come down to the Agents E&O insurance. If the agent has any.

Hope your Dad trusts his agent.

A safe way to go may be for your Dad to call the agent and say, "I want my son listed as a driver on the declarations page for my cars." There may be a fee associated with it but at least you know you and your parents are covered the same.

Good Luck and be careful.