How do you handle car insurance when student goes away for college?

Question

Okay, so I am in Orlando, FL for college and my Mom is moving to California. Is there anyway I can be on her insurance in California, and still drive here? If I'm listed under insurance for living in Orlando, our insurance goes from $138 a month to almost $400 a month. My mom, nor myself, can't afford this. My job is a delivery job, so I HAVE to be insured. Any help here? I want REAL answers from someone who KNOWS what they are talking about. My Mom put it last year that I wasn't driving in Orlando, but isn't that illegal? She wants to do it again, but it's illegal, and they'll know it when they do my taxes. I keep telling her this, but she says not to worry about it. She's just concerned because she can't afford it. There has to be something we can do...

Answer 1

The first thing that stuck out here was that you are using your vehicle for commercial purposes.  Any time  you "deliver" with your auto, this type of use is excluded from your personal auto policy.  You may be uninsured and not even know it.  

In regards to the college thing, the main rule of thumb is that you MUST live in a dorm and on campus 9 months out of the year to be considered "still in the parents household".  The car must be titled to her (or co-titled between her and you), and registered as such.  If none of this applies, you must get your own policy.  

The laws in the No-Fault state of Florida are very different than the laws in California.  I caution both you and Mom not to play the out-of-state game to save a buck or two.  I guarantee that in the event of a claim, you will definitely have problems arise and possibly get your claim denied.  Don't take the gamble and buy what you can afford.

Answer 2

Yes, but for a CA policy, the car will need CA plates.  She's just as well off to keep the FL plates and the FL insurance on the car.  

In either case, the car has to be listed with the proper driver - you - and the proper garaging address - Orlando.

Plus, a personal car insurance policy specifically excludes coverage for "delivery vehicles".  So whether it's pizza, or courier work, or newspapers, you're not covered ANYWAY, under a personal auto policy.

Yes, what your mom did, saying you weren't driving, is called "insurance fraud".  Don't feel bad, if you have an accident, the insurance company doesn't have to pay out, because of that fraud.  That means, you're not covered.  If you think you can't afford the premiums for insurance, just wait until you get in a bad accident, and can't afford  the $40,000 in hospital bills.