08/12/2026
đ Have a Teen Driver or Another Licensed Driver Living in Your Home? READ THIS!
One of the biggest misunderstandings we see with auto insurance is:
âTheyâre not on my policy, but insurance follows the vehicle, so theyâre still covered if they drive it.â
â ď¸ That is NOT something you should assume!
If you have a teenager or any person of driving age living in your household, your insurance company needs to know about them. Depending on the company and situation, they may need to be listed, rated, or excluded from your policy.
That can include:
⢠Your teenage children
⢠Adult children living at home
⢠A boyfriend, girlfriend, or spouse
⢠Roommates
⢠Other relatives living with you
⢠Anyone else in the household who has access to your vehicles
Simply leaving someone off the policy does not mean you can let them regularly drive your vehicle and expect your insurance company to cover an accident.
So when CAN someone who isnât on your policy drive your vehicle?
Generally, permissive use is intended for an occasional driver who does NOT live in your household and is temporarily borrowing your vehicle. Think of letting a friend or family member borrow your car once in a while, not someone who lives with you and regularly has access to it.
If someone lives in your household but will never drive your vehicles, some insurance companies may allow them to be listed as an excluded driver. That means exactly what it sounds like: they are NOT covered to drive the vehicle.
đ¨ And this is especially important with teenagers!
As soon as your teen reaches driving age, gets a permit, or becomes licensed, CALL YOUR AGENT. Donât wait until after thereâs an accident to find out they should have been disclosed to the insurance company.
Every insurance company has different rules, so when your household changes, let us know. Weâd much rather answer the question now than have you discover a coverage problem after a claim.
â¤ď¸ Your local La Junta insurance agent
Tabitha Reeves