How to insure a car if you have no permanent address - Reader's Digest (2024)

When you are registering and insuring your car, you need to provide the authorities with a permanent address. What happens if you don’t have a permanent address, perhaps because you’ve retired and moved to France or Spain? Is it possible to have temporary car insurance as a non-resident?

A permanent address is required by law

Under the current legislation, it isn’t possible to register or insure your car without providing an address.

In order to register your car, you need to prove your current address in the UK. Gov.uk states that you need to do this by providing one of the following:

  • Recent utility bill (within the last 3 months)
  • Recent bank or building society statement (within the last 3 months)
  • Medical card
  • Council tax bill for the current year

When seeking for car insurance, your address must match the address in your vehicle registration. This means that you must have a permanent address in the UK prior to insuring your car.

Read more:Which insurance group is my car?

Not a permanent resident?

You might not be a permanent resident in the UK, but spend holidays in the country. Having your own car can be cheaper than renting a vehicle.

There are ways to insure a car without permanent residency in the UK, although a number of UK insurance companies won’t provide insurance unless you have a permanent address in the UK.

Read more: What your car hire company won't tell you

Temporary car insurance

Your first option is to look into the possibility of obtaining temporary car insurance. Although many insurance companies don’t provide this service for non-UK residents, you can use car insurance comparison websites to find insurers who do.

How to insure a car if you have no permanent address - Reader's Digest (1)

Keep in mind that temporary car insurance might not run for more than 28 days and the insurance premium is typically higher than normal car insurance.

Read more: How to cut the cost of your car insurance

European car insurance

Another alternative to consider is looking for car insurance quotes for European car insurance. If you still have permanent residency in the UK, but you travel frequently to the continent, you can insure your car with European insurance.

You can find cover for shorter trips or for a more extended period, for example, if you spend long periods abroad. If you are non-resident to UK, you can check insurance companies in your country and see if they provide European car insurance that allows you to drive freely in the UK.

Shop around and check with insurers

Whether you are after temporary car insurance or European car insurance, remember to compare car insurance quotes to get the best deal possible. You need to make sure that the insurance you get is tailored for your specific needs, so you don’t end up paying too much or find you have inadequate cover in the event of an accident.

In addition, it might be a good idea to check with insurance companies directly and explain your circ*mstances to them. You might not find appropriate cover from websites, even though the company might have the right kind of package for your needs.

Car insurance comparison websites often have a limited range of policies available, so contacting insurance companies directly can help you find insurance to suit your needs.

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How to insure a car if you have no permanent address - Reader's Digest (2024)

FAQs

Can I insure two cars at different addresses? ›

In most instances, the basic stipulation is that all the vehicles must be kept at the same address. Otherwise, the rules vary. Certain insurers only give a discount if the insured vehicles are insured by members of the same family, while others state that they just need to be at the same address.

Can I insure myself and not my car? ›

Can you get car insurance without a car? You can buy a car insurance policy if you don't own a car, but plan to drive another vehicle. A non-owner car insurance policy will provide liability coverage for injuries or damages you cause in an accident.

What do you think taking an insurance is important if you own a vehicle? ›

Without insurance to cover the costs, it might be difficult to pay for repairs to your vehicle. Car insurance also protects you against a lawsuit, even if you cause significant damage to someone's property. The insurance safeguards you and helps you with claims that others make against you in accidents.

Which of the following can impact the rate of an auto policy? ›

Some factors that may affect your auto insurance premiums are your car, your driving habits, demographic factors and the coverages, limits and deductibles you choose.

Can you insure someone who doesn't live with you? ›

Most insurers will also allow you to share a joint car insurance policy with a friend by adding both sets of cars to the policy. If your friend doesn't live with you, they usually cannot be added to your policy.

Can two different car owners be on the same insurance policy? ›

Do both owners of a vehicle need their own insurance policies? No, both owners do not need their own insurance policies. As long as the two owners of a car live at the same address, they can share a single insurance policy.

Can you insure something you don't own? ›

No, you typically can't insure a house you don't own. Insurance companies verify that you have an insurable interest in a property, which typically means you own the home.

What is comprehensive insurance? ›

Comprehensive car insurance is a coverage that helps pay to replace or repair your vehicle if it's stolen or damaged in an incident that's not a collision. Comprehensive, sometimes called "other than collision" coverage, typically covers damage from fire, vandalism or falling objects (like a tree or hail).

Will USAA insure a car not in my name? ›

Yes, USAA offers non-owner car insurance for people who do not have access to a household car. USAA non-owner car insurance is a good investment for drivers who frequently borrow or rent cars, or those who need to file an SR-22 or FR-44 with their state to prove they have insurance.

What are the 5 tips for buying car insurance? ›

  • Step 1: How Much Coverage? ...
  • Step 2: Review Your Insurance. ...
  • Step 3: Check Your Driving Record. ...
  • Step 4: Solicit Competitive Quotes. ...
  • Step 5: Gather Company Information. ...
  • Step 6: Work the Phones. ...
  • Step 7: Look for Discounts. ...
  • Step 8: Assess the Companies.

Can I add my boyfriend and his car to my car insurance? ›

Most insurers allow you to add a significant other, such as a boyfriend, girlfriend, fiancé, or domestic partner, to your car insurance policy if you live together. Depending on the insurer, a significant other can also add their vehicle to a joint policy if both cars are kept at the same permanent residence.

Why is it critical to always have auto insurance? ›

Auto insurance helps protect your passengers.

Medical payments coverage and personal injury protection may help pay for your medical bills if you're injured in an accident. It also may help cover your passengers' expenses due to the accident. This coverage may help pay for hospital visits, doctor bills and surgery.

What makes you high risk for auto insurance? ›

Some insurers may consider you a high-risk for an auto accident if you have any of the following: At-fault or no-fault accidents on your motor vehicle report. Traffic violations, including a DUI or DWI. Multiple comprehensive claims.

Who normally has the cheapest car insurance? ›

State Farm is the cheapest large auto insurance company in the nation for good drivers, according to NerdWallet's 2023 analysis of minimum coverage rates.

What is the biggest factor in car insurance? ›

What factors are most important for car insurance rates?
  1. Age. Age is a very significant rating factor, especially for young drivers. ...
  2. Driving history. This rating factor is straightforward. ...
  3. Credit score. ...
  4. Years of driving experience. ...
  5. Location. ...
  6. Gender. ...
  7. Insurance history. ...
  8. Annual mileage.

Can I insure my daughters car if she lives in another state? ›

No, you need to have car insurance in the state where you live.

Does my live in boyfriend need to be on my car insurance? ›

You live together: If you and your partner live together, you will be expected to add them to (or specifically exclude them from) your insurance policy. If you don't add your live-in partner to your insurance and they are in an accident in your car, your insurance company could potentially deny the claim.

Is it illegal to have life insurance on someone without them knowing? ›

When you're getting life insurance, the person whose life will be insured is required to sign the application and give consent. Forging a signature on an application form is punishable under the law. So the answer is no, you can't get life insurance on someone without telling them, they must consent to it.

How many drivers can you have on insurance? ›

If you are renewing your insurance policy, the provider will ask you how many additional drivers you would like to add. The maximum amount of named drivers is usually four.

Why is car insurance cheaper for two people? ›

California insurance companies offer 9% cheaper rates to married drivers, on average. Most insurance companies offer slightly cheaper rates to married drivers because married drivers tend to be safer drivers.

How many cars can you have on the same insurance? ›

How many cars can you have on one insurance policy? Most insurance companies have a limit of four or five cars per insurance policy. This is more than enough for most people, but some drivers have big families or lots of cars and need additional coverage.

What items Cannot be insured? ›

Some commonly uninsurable items include:
  • Currency and other financial instruments.
  • Hazardous materials.
  • Gemstones.
  • High-value items, which may have a lower coverage limit than other items; for example, FedEx limits the value of artwork, antiques, and flat screen TVs to $1,000.

Can I insure myself with my own money? ›

If you're self-insured, you're not paying an insurance company every year to carry the risk of replacing your income if something happens to you. That's a huge benefit to you because you're saving money! And we're all about saving money where we can—especially on insurance premiums.

Can I insure a car that is not in my name progressive? ›

Can I insure a car that's not in my name? In most states, the answer is yes. However, the vehicle must be parked regularly at your residence overnight for Progressive to insure it on your policy.

Is it better to have a $500 deductible or $1000? ›

A $1,000 deductible is better than a $500 deductible if you can afford the increased out-of-pocket cost in the event of an accident, because a higher deductible means you'll pay lower premiums. Choosing an insurance deductible depends on the size of your emergency fund and how much you can afford for monthly premiums.

What does not comprehensive insurance cover? ›

What damage is not covered by comprehensive coverage? Comprehensive coverage does not cover damages caused by hitting another vehicle or object. These incidents are covered under collision coverage. It will also not cover normal wear and tear on your vehicle.

What is a good collision deductible? ›

Before you choose a deductible, most insurance professionals recommend you figure out what you can afford to pay if your car is damaged in an accident. If your budget allows for a maximum out-of-pocket expense of $500, you probably should not choose a deductible higher than $500.

Can car insurance be in anyone's name? ›

Yes, you can buy auto insurance coverage for someone else, as most companies allow the driver and policyholder to be in different names. This is fairly common for teen drivers, as parents generally are the auto policyholders until dependents can purchase their own vehicle and own insurance.

Does USAA auto insurance follow the driver or the car? ›

If I let someone borrow my vehicle, does my insurance cover them? Your policy covers anyone who has permission to use your vehicle or reasonably believes they have permission to use it. If a driver regularly uses your vehicle for more than 60 days, you should add that driver on your policy.

Who is eligible for USAA insurance? ›

Who can join USAA? Our products and services are open to current and former military and their spouses. Children of USAA members can join, too.

What are 3 types of insurances you should buy when owning a car? ›

Physical Damage Coverage pays the cost of repairs or replacement of your car, minus your deductible.
  • Collision covers damage to your car from an accident with another car or a physical object, such as a deer.
  • Comprehensive covers damage to your car from events other than a collision, such as theft, fire, or vandalism.

What are three ways to cut the cost of car insurance? ›

Here are some ways to save on car insurance1
  • Increase your deductible.
  • Check for discounts you qualify for.
  • Compare auto insurance quotes.
  • Maintain a good driving record.
  • Participate in a safe driving program.
  • Take a defensive driving course.
  • Explore payment options.
  • Improve your credit score.

What are the five 5 things to know before getting insurance? ›

The first 5 things you need to consider are:
  • Assess your insurance needs. ...
  • Compare insurance policies. ...
  • Choose a cover that you can afford. ...
  • Evaluate the future of your insurance policy. ...
  • Check the claim settlement history of the insurance company.

Can I get insurance underneath my BF car that is not in my name? ›

Yes, you can insure a car that's not registered in your name. But it depends on your insurance provider and its underwriting guidelines. You may be able to add your name to the car's title. Another option is to buy non-owner liability insurance that protects you while you drive a vehicle that's not yours.

Is your spouse automatically covered on your car insurance? ›

No. Being married doesn't give coverage to spouses or their vehicle on the other's car insurance policy. To add a spouse and their vehicle to an insurance policy, the insurance company must be notified.

Can my boyfriend join USAA? ›

Broadly speaking, U.S. uniformed personnel — including retirees — and their family members are all eligible for USAA membership. This includes: Active-duty officers and enlisted personnel. National Guard and Reserve officers and enlisted personnel.

What are 3 things about auto insurance? ›

Here are some important auto insurance facts you should know so you can feel confident in your policy.
  • Fact #1: Your credit score affects your rates more than you think. ...
  • Fact #2: Insurance rates vary by state. ...
  • Fact #3: Your age, gender & how you drive affects how much you pay. ...
  • Fact #4: Discounts can lower your rates.
Mar 16, 2023

What is the most important reason for insurance? ›

Insurance plans are beneficial to anyone looking to protect their family, assets/property and themselves from financial risk/losses: Insurance plans will help you pay for medical emergencies, hospitalisation, contraction of any illnesses and treatment, and medical care required in the future.

What are the four factors that can change your insurance premium? ›

Some factors that may affect your auto insurance premiums are your car, your driving habits, demographic factors and the coverages, limits and deductibles you choose.

What six factors should you consider when you are buying auto insurance? ›

6 Factors that Affect Your Auto Insurance Rates
  • Your driving records. Your driving record carries a lot of weight. ...
  • The type of car you have. Your car can also play an important role in your auto insurance rates. ...
  • Your level of coverage. ...
  • Your deductible. ...
  • Whether or not you leverage discounts. ...
  • Your location.

What are the 5 factors of auto insurance? ›

5 Factors That May Impact Your Car Insurance Rate
  • Factor #1: Make & Model of Your Car. The type of car you drive can have an impact on how much you're required to pay for coverage. ...
  • Factor #2: Zip Code. ...
  • Factor #3: Your Car's Age. ...
  • Factor #4: Your Driving Record. ...
  • Factor #5: Marital Status & New Drivers.

How many claims before State Farm drops you? ›

There is no limit on the amount of insurance claims you can file, but most experts say filing more than one claim per year could result in an insurance company canceling your policy.

Who is cheaper Geico or Progressive? ›

Is Progressive Cheaper Than Geico? Both Geico and Progressive offer cheap car insurance to drivers across the country. Geico's rates are typically lower overall, but Progressive tends to offer better prices to high-risk drivers.

What is best auto insurance? ›

Based on our research, the best car insurance companies are:
  • Best overall: Geico.
  • Best overall: Amica.
  • Best for military-focused coverage: USAA.
  • Best for added perks: Safeco.
  • Best for discounts: Auto-Owners.
  • Best for local agents: State Farm.
  • Best for digital policy management: Progressive.

Does credit affect car insurance? ›

If you've ever applied for a credit card, leased a car or gotten a mortgage for a home, you know that credit scores count. You may be surprised to find out they can also affect your car insurance premiums much the same way your driving record, marital status and payment history can.

What are the factors that determine insurance? ›

Common factors include:
  • Driving record. ...
  • Garaging of the vehicle. ...
  • Gender and age of drivers. ...
  • Marital status. ...
  • Prior insurance coverage. ...
  • Miles driven and use of vehicle. ...
  • Make and Model of vehicle. ...
  • Licensed drivers in your household.

How does insurance work if you have multiple cars? ›

If you have more than one vehicle that you keep at the same address, you can add them all to your policy. Some insurance companies may state that they must be "garaged" at the same address, but an actual garage isn't required. It just means the cars must be parked at or near the same address.

Can I insure 2 cars in 2 different states? ›

No, there's no such thing as a separate multi-state car insurance policy since a standard car insurance policy generally provides "out-of-state" coverage in all 50 states. There's also no such thing as a multi-state car insurance policy that originates from two or more states.

Can you have 2 cars in 2 different states? ›

Can I have two cars registered in different states? Yes, if you reside in two different states, it's legal for you to have two cars registered in those states. For example, if you live in Illinois and Arizona, you can register one vehicle in each state.

Is it better to have multiple cars on one policy? ›

Combining auto insurance plans into a multi-car insurance policy can provide better coverage for all of your household's cars, while the discounts for multiple vehicles help offset the costs of that better coverage.

Can you have two insurance policies? ›

Having dual coverage is perfectly legal—you just need to coordinate your two benefits correctly to ensure your medical expenses are covered compliantly. If you're new to dual insurance, you've come to the right place!

What is full coverage insurance? ›

Full coverage refers to a collection of coverages that include liability insurance as well as additional forms of coverage, such as collision insurance, comprehensive insurance, MedPay, and personal injury protection.

Can a car be registered in one name and insured in another in Florida? ›

Some require the names on a car's insurance policy and registration to match. If they do not, then you won't be able to insure that car. Other states, such as California and Florida, do not have that rule, making it possible to insure a car that is not in your name.

Can I register a car in Florida with an out-of-state license? ›

Yes. You can register your vehicle in Florida with an out-of-state driver's license. You may be required to provide proof of a valid Florida auto insurance policy, the vehicle's title, and the bill of sale.

What is underinsured motorist coverage? ›

Uninsured motorist insurance protects you if you're in an accident with an at-fault driver who doesn't carry liability insurance. Underinsured motorist coverage steps in when you're in an accident with an at-fault driver whose liability limits are too low to cover the medical expenses of any injured people.

How many cars can be under your name? ›

How many cars can you register in your name? Federal law doesn't limit the number of vehicles you can register in your name.

Is it cheaper to be on a family plan for car insurance? ›

Is it cheaper to get car insurance as a family? A family car insurance plan is cheaper than individual coverages, as most providers offer significant discounts for insuring multiple vehicles.

Is it cheaper to share car insurance? ›

Pros. It could be cheaper to share one policy than own separate policies because you'll split the cost of insurance. You're usually covered when driving each other's cars. With some insurers, including Progressive, roommates can get a multi-car discount for having more than one car on a policy.

What is the easiest state to register a car in? ›

South Dakota is one of the easiest states to register a car in. You can register online if you have a South Dakota driver's license.

Can I live in California and have a car registered in another state? ›

It is illegal to live in one state and register your car in another state unless you have good reason. In general, the car needs to be registered where it is garaged, which usually means where the owner lives.

What happens if you don t transfer a title within 10 days ca? ›

If the buyer doesn't transfer the title within 10 days, the car's registration is suspended.

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