Do I have to add my roommate on my car insurance policy?

Question

My roommate and I each have a car but we don't share the same insurance policy. He has his own and I have mine. I just got car insurance for my new car and the agent was telling me that I should add people living with me, but his driving record is bad and I don't want it to raise my premium. The agent said that someone who doesn't live with me can drive my car and they'll be covered, but because my roommate lives with me, he won't be covered even though he has a different policy.

Answer 1

Your carrier cannot force you to add him if he has his own policy elsewhere.  They should only need proof that he has his own insurance.  As far as him being covered, he will be through the permissive use but it will effect your record not his b/c you are the only one on the policy.

Answer 2

if your roommate has his own full coverage insurance and you have full coverage insurance and he has permission to drive your car---then you don't have to add him to your policy.  just tell your agent that your roommates have their own vehicles and never use yours.  he's just trying to get a bigger commission

Answer 3

Is he going to drive your car?  If so, then he needs to be added as a driver on your policy?  If not, then you don't need to add him.

Answer 4

Your agent is giving your horrible advice.  I would not put your roommate on your policy or for that matter let him drive your vehicle, especially if he has a bad driving record.  I would go with another agent.

Answer 5

Your insurance agent is doing his job by looking out for the insurance companies he represents.  Most insurance companies require you to cover people who are regular drivers of your vehicle.

If your roommate has his own car and rarely drives your car then no you don't need to list him on your policy. If your roommate drives your car week in and week out, then he is a regular driver on your policy.  If he drives on a regular basis and gets in an accident, the insurance company can investigate. If they find he was a regular driver, they have grounds for denial of coverage or may set you up for non-renewal.

Answer 6

I don't know how the law works in your state, but in VA you're supposed to list everyone in the household onto your policy, even if they have their own isurance.  Like Progressive for example, you can list them and provide proof of their insurance and they will not have to be rated or you charged premium for them.  If they drive your car and have an accident without being rated on your policy, some companies have a clause in their policy not to cover them.  You would be responsible for the damages. I would see if the company you are with can only LIST him/her in the household with proof of their insurance and not be charged for it.  If not, check with Progressive:)

I've bookmarked this site to go back to...

http://insurance.deal4-you.com

All the best to you.

Answer 7

he should be on your policy if he lives in the same home, but it is NOT required as long as he has his own policy.  If it was your wife or another relative, I would require it, but with a roomate situation, I don't.

Answer 8

He needs to be listed as a member of your household, but if he shows proof of his own auto insurance he won't be rated on your vehicle.  He is listed, but won't affect your rates.

Of course if he has an at fault accident while driving your car, your auto insurance would have to pay and your premium would most likely raise.  Insurance follows the auto not the driver.