We get a lot of questions and this one is definitely one of the most common one’s. Please feel free to contact us with any other insurance questions/concerns so we can help answer them for you.
How can the insurance company add my 18-year-old to my policy without my permission?
If your child is still living in the home, the insurance company may request information on them. Do they have a policy with a different company elsewhere? Are they still in the household? One of the most expensive items for insurance companies is young undisclosed drivers. Rates are determined by many numerous factors and your rate with an 18 year old on your policy will not be at the same premium as without them. As an 18-year-old, they still lack driving experience and young drivers have a much greater chance of getting into an accident than someone with 20+ years’ experience. The insurance company will send you numerous notifications allowing you the time to answer their questions but, if you fail to respond, they will add this person to your policy. It’s important that you do not ignore emails or mailed notifications from your insurance company. It’s common for the Agent not to be notified of these notices so your extra set of eyes won’t be present. If they add a person, they can backdate it as well so that premium can go up quickly. The insurance company will allow you to prove the person doesn’t live in your home and most companies will give you the option of excluding the person. Just know if you sign an exclusion form, that means there is no coverage if they drive one of your vehicles.
Remember, it’s not your insurance company picking on you. All insurance companies are looking for undisclosed drivers and that means your mother in law may show up as well. However, if she has a policy elsewhere you’ll just send in proof and be done with the situation. We hope this information helps answers some of your questions and please make sure you don’t ignore your mail. Contact us with any questions. Thank you!