Why am I paying insurance on someone else's vehicle?

Question

I'm 18. I own a motorcycle and pay insurance on it through Progressive. My parents own a car and a van and they have them insured through State Farm. Because I live with them still, state farm wants me to pay money on their car, even though I barely drive it (I mean, I ride my bike even in hurricane season).

I don't understand. I have my own vehicle and my own insurance policy. I may live with my parents, but I'm paying rent to do so. The car belongs to my parents, and I wouldn't drive it at all if I wasn't paying $200 a month on it. There are plenty of other things tearing money out of my paycheck; I can't afford this!

Answer 1

State Farm isn't requiring you to pay any premiums but if you live in the same household as your parents and drive their cars they have a perfect right to demand you be included on the policy and the premiums will increase accordingly. The only way out will be for your parents to EXCLUDE you as a driver on their cars, which will mean if you ever drive and crash one there will be no coverage of any kind.

Answer 2

i agree with u u need 2 talk 2 ur parents its not right u should be paying even if u do drive it now and again . its fair 2 say if u use it u should pay for petrol but u shouldnt be paying that amount a month y does ur parents take this from u ?

Answer 3

They may be able to have have you listed as "excluded" from coverage on the car, but you could never, ever drive the car after that.  

Answer 4

because youare 18 and live in the same house they ASSUME you drive the car and they are going to charge your parents  either way.

Its been that way as long as i can remember.

Answer 5

Because of the amount of people lying about their kids driving, the insurance companies had to come up with a standard.  The standard is that anyone under 25 must be rated on an AUTO policy somewhere.  MC doesn't count as realistically you can't drive it in severe weather and isn't normally an everyday vehicle.  Therefore, you are rated as a driver on their policy - because you have the potential - and, be honest, the need - to drive that vehicle even on an occasional basis.  And, unfortunately, you saying that you wouldn't drive it if you wouldn't be paying for it is truly stretching it a little.  You know that there would still be times that you would need a car instead of a MC.

You don't say what state you are in, so beyond that I can't help you.  Except to maybe check and see if you are rated as an occasional operator and if you are on the car you drive when you borrow it.  Also, get a quote if you weren't on at all and then get the price with you on - technically, you should only be paying the difference since your parents would be paying for the base price (without you) anyway.  And, see if there are any discounts you'd be eligible for.