Reader’s Question:

I am a resident of Connecticut and I was wondering if a teen have to have car insurance to drive their parent’s car.

Elizabeth

New Haven, CT

Normally, it is not state law that requires a parent to add a newly licensed child to their car insurance policy but instead the insurance provider’s guidelines that require the teen to be added.

Most all insurance carrier require that you list all licensed motorists living in your household on your insurance policy so that they will be properly covered to operate your vehicles. If your teen has just acquired their permit you should contact your insurance broker to see if you need to add your child now or if you can wait until they are fully licensed before adding your teenager to the policy.

If the insurance carrier is not informed of the licensing status of your teen and is not added and then he or she uses your car, it may be possible for the insurance company to deny a claim. Some insurance company may cover the claim but then charge you for the premiums that should have previously been paid for the teenager to be on the insurance policy.