I have a driving permit, but am I allowed to drive a car without being having insurance to that car?

Question

I live in Indiana, and I have a learner's permit. Do I need to be insured to the car I am driving in order to drive it? Hypothetically, If I get into a car accident while driving with a parent, will insurance take care of the cost of the damages even if I myself are not insured to the car, or will my parent have to pay for it straight up?

Answer 1

Most companies don't require you to be on the policy until you have your license.

Answer 2

If you have a permit and not a license, there must be an adult with you at all times in the front passenger seat. You cannot get car insurance without a valid license so your parents should have made arrangements for you to be covered. One way is for them to contact the insurance company and tell them that you will be learning to drive in their car. They may need more liability coverage than they currently have. Another way is to make sure they have a policy with a permissive use clause. Either way, if you are in an accident the burden will fall on them. Their rates may go up, but insurance should cover damages if they have full coverage. If they only have liability coverage, their insurance will only cover the damage to the other vehicle. However if you are deemed at fault, and can be considered "reckless" they will possibly be responsible for all the damages. I assume that since you are learning to drive that you are a minor. If you are legally an adult, and not a minor, then you might end up being legally and financially responsible for any damages that you may have caused.

I think you should speak to your parents about what kind of policy they have and whether that needs to be changed/updated. Also, it would be good for you to review any and all applicable local laws relating to accident responsibility. You can find that information for free at your local courthouse, city-county government building, or public library.

Good luck!!

Answer 3

Yes, you're allowed to drive a car without being insured for it provided the car owner is the one that is insured.

If you get into an accident, whether or not your parent will have to pay depends on your parents' insurance since they are the insurer of the car.

When I was learning to drive I practiced with my parents' car with one parent always with me.  I was never  added to my parents' insurance during this time.

I didn't get my own insurance until after I had bought my own car eleven years later.

Answer 4

Okay, most companies require that you be on the insurance, once you are able to drive on your own. Check with your parents insurance company. MOST companies will cover you if you are in an accident as long as you were driving legally (even if it is an uncle, aunt, neighbor down the street's car)