Reader’s Question:

My 18 year old daughter lives at home and drives my vehicle that has full coverage. We have another vehicle with just PLPD. I’m the only person insured on them. Will my daughter be covered if she is not listed as driver? I’m in Redford, Michigan, a ‘no fault’ state. I was just thinking why I should have to list her if I’m already paying full coverage on the car and the older vehicle is insured. As long as, I pay my auto insurance and the vehicles are in my name, is it really necessary to list my teenage daughter on my policy as a driver?

Jane

Redford, MI

Right now, your cars are insured. However, they are insured for you – not your teen daughter. You will need to add your daughter as driver on your car insurance policy, or you run the risk of having your insurance company deny a claim for an accident. Insurance providers want you to list all of the household members who will be driving your cars. Insurance carriers also want you to list as drivers on your insurance policy those people who do not live with you but will be driving your cars on a regular basis. If they do not live in your household and they occasionally drive your cars, you may not have to list them to your insurance policy. The reason to add your teenage daughter (and other drivers) is it permits the insurance carrier know who will be driving your car(s) and permit them to collect the proper car insurance rate.

Physical damage coverage consists of comprehensive and collision coverage. Collision insurance generally covers damage to your car caused by collision with another object or by upset. Comprehensive insurance on the other hand covers damage to your car from vandalism, glass or theft breakage.) Most lien holders require physical damage coverage if you are leasing or financing your car. Also coverage is just that…coverage. It is not permission for a person to drive. Also, if your teen daughter is going to be driving your car(s), I suggest that you call your insurance provider in Redford MI as soon as possible to add your daughter on to your policy as a driver.