Do co-signers have to be on the auto insurance policy?
A co-signer is generally not required to be on the auto insurance policy, but it might be wise to add them if the co-signer regularly drives the vehicle.
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Daniel Walker
Licensed Auto Insurance Agent
Daniel Walker graduated with a BS in Administrative Management in 2005 and has run his family’s insurance agency, FCI Agency, for over 15 years (BBB A+). He is licensed as an insurance agent to write property and casualty insurance, including home, life, auto, umbrella, and dwelling fire insurance. He’s also been featured on sites like Reviews.com and Safeco. To ensure our content is accura...
Licensed Auto Insurance Agent
UPDATED: Oct 18, 2023
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Editorial Guidelines: We are a free online resource for anyone interested in learning more about auto insurance. Our goal is to be an objective, third-party resource for everything auto insurance related. We update our site regularly, and all content is reviewed by auto insurance experts.
UPDATED: Oct 18, 2023
It’s all about you. We want to help you make the right coverage choices.
Advertiser Disclosure: We strive to help you make confident auto insurance decisions. Comparison shopping should be easy. We are not affiliated with any one auto insurance provider and cannot guarantee quotes from any single provider. Our partnerships don’t influence our content. Our opinions are our own. To compare quotes from many different companies please enter your ZIP code on this page to use the free quote tool. The more quotes you compare, the more chances to save.
On This Page
- Co-signers only share ownership if their name is on the title
- Anyone listed on the title can be held liable for an accident
- Any regular driver of a vehicle can be added to the auto insurance policy
The role of a co-signer on an auto loan is to provide the lender with extra assurance that the loan will be paid. However, it’s natural to wonder about any additional obligations you may have as a co-signer or vehicle owner.
There are two different questions you may be considering:
- Do co-signers have to be on an auto insurance policy?
- Can you co-sign for car insurance?
Here we’ll take a look at both questions and consider some additional information about insurance with a co-signer.
Are co-signers required to be on the auto insurance policy?
No, the co-signer on a car loan is not legally obligated to be on the auto insurance policy. Only those who actually drive the vehicle are required to be on the insurance policy. Anyone listed as a driver on your insurance policy is covered in the event of an accident, but you won’t need this coverage for your co-signer if they don’t drive your vehicle.
The co-signer’s responsibility is to ensure the loan is paid if the vehicle owner fails to make the payments. Beyond this, the co-signer has no obligation to be involved with insurance, registration, or any other process involving the vehicle.
However, it’s often a good idea to list the co-signer on an insurance policy under certain conditions:
Co-signers Who are Also Co-owners
A co-signer only has their name on the loan but none of the vehicle’s other documentation, such as title or registration. However, if the co-signer is also listed on the vehicle’s title, they are more than just a co-signer — they are a co-owner.
When this is the case, it’s wise to have both co-owners listed on the car insurance policy. In the event of an accident, the vehicle’s owner(s) may both be considered liable, regardless of who is driving. For this reason, consider adding a co-signer to an auto insurance policy when they are also a co-owner of the vehicle.
Co-Signers Who Also Drive the Vehicle
If anyone other than the vehicle owner is a regular driver of the car, then they should be included in the policy to avoid liability issues. This includes co-signers, as it’s fairly typical for a co-signer to drive the vehicle they co-sign for.
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Can you co-sign for car insurance?
There is no co-signer on a car insurance policy. Co-signing is a term that is strictly related to the loan used to purchase the vehicle. A co-signer often referred to as a co-borrower, is involved in the car-buying process but does not necessarily hold any ownership over the vehicle.
However, adding the co-signer as a driver on the insurance policy has possible financial benefits. For example, if the vehicle owner is a high-risk driver, adding the co-signer to the car insurance policy could reduce your insurance rates.
Do co-signers have to be on the auto insurance policy?
No, including the co-signer on an insurance policy is not required but often recommended. The co-signer’s obligation is only to the vehicle’s loan, so they are not required to be on an insurance policy. However, it’s often a good choice to add them anyway if one of these conditions is true:
- They’re also the vehicle’s co-owner.
- They regularly drive the vehicle.
Adding the co-borrower as a second driver on the policy can also help reduce monthly rates, but car insurance quotes will vary depending on each driver’s history.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do co-signers have to be on the auto insurance policy?
The requirement for co-signers to be included on the auto insurance policy can vary depending on the insurance company and the specific circumstances. In most cases, co-signers are not automatically required to be listed on the policy. However, it is important to notify the insurance company about the presence of a co-signer to ensure proper coverage and compliance with the policy terms. It’s advisable to check with your insurance provider to understand their specific requirements regarding co-signers.
Why would a co-signer need to be on the auto insurance policy?
While it may not be mandatory for co-signers to be on the auto insurance policy, there are situations where it is recommended or required. Some reasons why a co-signer might need to be included on the policy include:
- Ownership: If the co-signer is also a co-owner of the vehicle, it is generally advisable for them to be listed on the policy to ensure that they have the necessary coverage in case of an accident or damage.
- Financial Responsibility: In certain cases, lenders or financial institutions may require the co-signer to be listed on the insurance policy to ensure that the vehicle is adequately insured. This helps protect their investment in the event of an accident.
- Liability Coverage: Including a co-signer on the policy can provide an additional layer of liability coverage. This can be important if the co-signer may have financial exposure in case of an accident or if they are using the vehicle regularly.
What information is needed to add a co-signer to an auto insurance policy?
When adding a co-signer to an auto insurance policy, you will typically need to provide the insurance company with the co-signer’s basic information, such as their name, date of birth, contact details, and relationship to the primary policyholder. Additionally, the insurance company may request additional information, such as the co-signer’s driver’s license number or social security number, to properly identify and assess the risk associated with the policy.
Can a co-signer affect the cost of auto insurance?
Yes, the inclusion of a co-signer on an auto insurance policy can potentially impact the cost of insurance. Insurance companies consider various factors when calculating premiums, including the driving records and insurance histories of all individuals listed on the policy. If the co-signer has a poor driving record or a history of accidents, it could result in higher premiums for the policy. On the other hand, if the co-signer has a clean driving record and a good insurance history, it may have a positive effect on the cost of insurance.
What happens if a co-signer is not listed on the auto insurance policy?
If a co-signer is not listed on the auto insurance policy when they should be, it can potentially create issues in the event of an accident or a claim. Insurance policies typically have terms and conditions that require all individuals who have an ownership interest in the vehicle or who regularly use it to be listed on the policy. Failing to include a necessary co-signer could result in denied claims or insufficient coverage, leaving both the policyholder and the co-signer financially vulnerable. It is important to inform the insurance company about the co-signer and update the policy accordingly to ensure proper coverage.
Can a co-signer be removed from the auto insurance policy?
Whether a co-signer can be removed from an auto insurance policy depends on the specific circumstances and the policies of the insurance company. Generally, if the co-signer is also a co-owner of the vehicle, their removal from the policy may require transferring ownership or refinancing the loan. If the co-signer is not an owner but was added to the policy for liability or other reasons, their removal may be possible by contacting the insurance company and requesting the change. It’s important to consult with the insurance provider directly to understand their procedures and requirements for removing a co-signer from the policy.
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Daniel Walker
Licensed Auto Insurance Agent
Daniel Walker graduated with a BS in Administrative Management in 2005 and has run his family’s insurance agency, FCI Agency, for over 15 years (BBB A+). He is licensed as an insurance agent to write property and casualty insurance, including home, life, auto, umbrella, and dwelling fire insurance. He’s also been featured on sites like Reviews.com and Safeco. To ensure our content is accura...
Licensed Auto Insurance Agent
Editorial Guidelines: We are a free online resource for anyone interested in learning more about auto insurance. Our goal is to be an objective, third-party resource for everything auto insurance related. We update our site regularly, and all content is reviewed by auto insurance experts.