Is it illegal to drive my dad’s car without being on his insurance policy?
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Is it illegal to drive my dad’s car without being on his insurance policy?
He lent me his car one day and I got pulled over for “following too closely” and “missing proof of insurance”.
Asked on August 5, 2015 under General Practice, California
Answers:
SJZ, Member, New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 8 years ago | Contributor
No, it's not illegal if you're not a member of his household--a car owner may lend his car to another person on an occasional basis without it being necessary for the people to whom he lends it to be listed on his policy as additional drivers. (If you are a member of his household, live with him, or otherwise borrow it frequently, however, then you must be listed on the policy.)
However, even if you are not on the policy, you must carry or the car must have (e.g. in the glove compartment) the insurance card, showing that the car is insurered. Otherwise, as you saw, you may be ticketed.
SJZ, Member, New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 8 years ago | Contributor
No, it's not illegal if you're not a member of his household--a car owner may lend his car to another person on an occasional basis without it being necessary for the people to whom he lends it to be listed on his policy as additional drivers. (If you are a member of his household, live with him, or otherwise borrow it frequently, however, then you must be listed on the policy.)
However, even if you are not on the policy, you must carry or the car must have (e.g. in the glove compartment) the insurance card, showing that the car is insurered. Otherwise, as you saw, you may be ticketed.
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