Does your auto insurance and vehicle registration need to be under the same name? (2024)
In 49 states, your auto insurance and vehicle registration don't need to be under the same name. You can also consider non-owner coverage to insure a car not registered to you. We'll help you understand whether you can insure and register your car under different names and how to change your name on car insurance.
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Chris Abrams
Licensed Insurance Agent
Chris is the founder of Abrams Insurance Solutions and Marcan Insurance, which provide personal financial analysis and planning services for families and small businesses across the U.S. His companies represent nearly 100 of the top-rated insurance companies. Chris has been a licensed insurance agent since 2009 and has active insurance licenses in all 50 U.S. states and D.C. Chris works tireles...
Licensed Insurance Agent
UPDATED: Oct 25, 2024
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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.
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 25, 2024
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
Does your car insurance and registration have to be under the same name? In all states except New York, your auto insurance and vehicle registration don’t need to be under the same name.
However, many of the best auto insurance companies require that the names on both match to avoid complications when filing a claim, though there are some exceptions.
Need a name change for car insurance? Below, we’ll explain more about this and help answer the question, “Does insurance and registration have to match?”
Shop for cheap non-owner auto insurance from several providers by entering your ZIP code into our free quote comparison tool above.
- All U.S. states, except New York, allow differing names on insurance and registration
- Having two different names on car insurance and registration can complicate claims
- Buy non-owner coverage or get added to a policy to drive a car you don’t own
Registration and Insurance Name Can Differ in Some Cases
Does the name on registration and insurance have to match? In 49 states, there is no legal requirement to register and insure a car under the same name. New York is the only state that require the name on your car insurance policy and registration to match.
While it might not be against the law to have different names on these important documents, most top providers require them to match, as mismatching names can often cause issues when filing claims.Tracey L. Wells Licensed Insurance Agent & Agency Owner
Here are some exceptions where insurers will accomodate drivers with different names on insurance and registration:
- Family or Multi-Driver Policies: Does registration and insurance have to match for family car insurance policies? Insurers will usually cover several drivers from the same household, even if they’re not all on the car’s registration. (Read More: Cheap Auto Insurance for Families With Multiple Drivers)
- Leased Vehicles: Does insurance have to match registration on a leased car? Though the leasing company is listed on the car registration, its driver can secure the best auto insurance for leased vehicles in their name.
- Financed Vehicles: Does car insurance and registration have to match if you’re financing a vehicle? No, the names on a financed car’s insurance and registration can differ since your lender’s name may appear on the registration.
So now that you know the answer to, “Does your insurance have to match your registration?” we’ll go over ways to insure a vehicle you don’t own.
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Ways to Insure a Vehicle That’s Not Registered in Your Name
There are some situations where you may want to insure a vehicle that is not registered to you. If you often borrow your friend’s car to drive to work, you may need insurance to cover these situations.
Read More: How to Get Insurance for a Car Not in Your Name
In scenarios like this, although you cannot insure the vehicle on your own, you should be listed as a driver on the owner’s insurance policy. If you are involved in an accident in the borrowed car, the owner’s insurance policy will cover you during the claims process. Learn more about how to add someone to auto insurance for one week.
Another way to insure a car that’s not registered in your name is non-owner car insurance. These policies offer protection when someone is driving another person’s vehicle by providing liability coverage in an accident that causes personal injury or property damage that is not covered under the existing liability insurance policy.
Check out the table below to see how much non-owner coverage costs from the top providers:
Non-Owner Auto Insurance Rates by Provider
| Company | Rates |
|---|---|
| Progressive | $20 |
| State Farm | $24 |
| Nationwide | $26 |
| USAA | $27 |
| Travelers | $29 |
| Allstate | $33 |
| Farmers | $35 |
| Geico | $38 |
| Liberty Mutual | $30 |
| Erie | $32 |
| National General | $31 |
| Hartford | $34 |
| Auto-Owners | $36 |
This type of coverage is ideal if you regularly drive someone else’s car, such as a chauffeur or nanny. Liability car insurance pays for others’ damages in an accident you cause, meaning it doesn’t cover your car or injuries.
However, if you don’t want to get a non-owner policy, you might wonder, “Does insurance and registration have to be in the same name?” No, but adding a driver to auto insurance is essential if they plan to drive a car that isn’t registered in their name.
Why Using Different Names Can Cause Issues
Does car registration and insurance have to be in the same name? No, but having one name on the car’s insurance and another on the registration can lead to headaches and hassles. For example, using different names for registration and insurance can confuse your insurance company and make the car insurance claims process a lot more complicated.
Car insurance companies conduct thorough investigations after an accident.
If your insurer finds that the insured driver is not the same as the person on the registration, it may delay the payment while everything is sorted out. So while your car insurance company may still pay for a claim in certain instances, it’s best never to assume that your insurer will automatically do this.
In addition, you must update your registration and car insurance with a name change, such as if you get married or divorced. You should bring the appropriate documents to your state’s department of motor vehicles or similar agency to update your registration, then do the same with your insurer. States typically require that people update their registration within a set number of days. In Arizona, for instance, you have 10 days to complete this task.
How to Change Name on Car Insurance Policy
Can I change the name on my car insurance? Yes, changing your name on car insurance or adding an additional driver is simple. Follow the steps below to change name on car insurance:
- Gather Documents: Collect legal documents necessary for a name change on car insurance, such as a marriage certificate or court order. If adding a driver, you’ll need their name, date of birth, driver’s license number, and driving history.
- Contact Your Insurer: Call your insurer about your insurance policy name change or intent to add a new driver. Some providers also allow you to complete this process online.
- Update the Policy: Submit the required documents to your insurer to process the name change in your car insurance policy and ensure you get a copy of your auto insurance card.
Learn More: Can you drive a car if your name is not on the insurance?
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Having Different Insurance and Registration Names Is Possible
Does your car registration have to match your insurance? While it’s technically possible for the names on your car registration and insurance to be different, it’s not always a wise move and can cause you plenty of headaches. When you need to include non-owners on your insurance, do it correctly so you don’t have any issues filing a claim or getting registered.
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— AutoInsurance.org (@AutoInsurance) March 14, 2024
If you have questions about your insurance coverage requirements, contact your agent to ensure you have everything set up correctly.
Comparing your auto insurance doesn’t need to be difficult. Simply enter your ZIP code in our free quote comparison tool below.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does car insurance need to be in name of the registered owner?
Many readers may wonder, “Can car registration and insurance be in different names?” Yes, most states allow drivers to have car registration and insurance in different names, though many insurers require them to be the same.
Generally, we recommend the name on your car registration and insurance policy to match. However, there are some circumstances where they may need to be different, such as in multi-vehicle households or for drivers with financed cars.
Learn More: Best Auto Insurance Companies for Multiple Vehicles
While it may not be a legal requirement in all jurisdictions, having matching names can simplify the claims process and ensure smooth communication with your insurance company.
Why is it important for the names to match on car registration and insurance?
Having matching names on your car registration and insurance policy is important for several reasons:
- Verification and identification: Matching names make it easier for the insurance company to verify your identity and ensure accurate record-keeping. It helps avoid confusion or potential delays when processing claims or addressing policy-related matters.
- Claims process: If you need to file an insurance claim, having matching names can streamline the process. It helps establish a clear connection between the registered owner of the vehicle and the policyholder, reducing the chances of disputes or complications during the claims process.
- Communication: Matching names facilitate effective communication with your insurance company. When names differ, it can lead to miscommunication or difficulties in addressing policy-related matters, making it harder to manage your insurance effectively.
However, can insurance and registration be in different names? It is possible for them to be different in certain cases.
Are there situations where the names on car registration and insurance can differ?
While it is generally recommended for the names to match, there may be certain circumstances where the names can differ:
- Co-ownership or joint ownership: If you co-own a vehicle and have separate insurance policies, the names on the car registration and insurance may be different. However, it’s important to inform your insurance company about the co-ownership arrangement to ensure both owners are adequately covered. Read on to find the best joint ownership auto insurance.
- Leased or financed vehicles: In some cases, the registered owner of a leased or financed vehicle may be a leasing or financing company. In such situations, the name on the car registration may differ from the name on the insurance policy, as the lessee or borrower is typically listed as the insured party.
- Legal name changes: If you have legally changed your name and need to update your car registration or insurance policy, it is important to notify the relevant authorities and your insurance company to ensure accurate records.
Now that you know the answer to, “Does car insurance have to be in the same name as registration?” enter your ZIP code below to instantly compare quotes from the top providers near you.
Can I add someone to my insurance policy if their name is not on the car registration?
Insurance companies allow you to add individuals to your policy even if their name is not on the car registration. This is commonly done for family members or household residents who regularly use the insured vehicle. However, it’s important to check with your insurance provider about their specific policies and any requirements for adding additional drivers.
What should I do if the names on my car registration and insurance do not match?
If you realize that the names on your car registration and insurance do not match, auto insurance policyholders should take the following steps:
- Contact your insurance company: Notify your insurance provider about the discrepancy in names and explain the situation. They will guide you on the necessary steps to address the issue and update your policy if needed.
- Update car registration: If the name on your car registration needs to be changed, contact the appropriate local motor vehicle agency or department to initiate the name change process. Provide them with the required documentation, such as proof of name change, to update your car registration.
If you’re wondering, “Is registration the same as insurance?” keep reading to learn more.
Is insurance and registration the same thing?
So, is vehicle registration the same as insurance? No, vehicle registration and car insurance aren’t the same. Vehicle registration is a legal requirement to name you as the car owner, whereas insurance offers protection against financial loss after an accident.
Does it matter whose name is on a car title for insurance?
Does the name on title have to match insurance? While some insurers require the owner to be listed on car insurance, some may make exceptions in certain cases. Exceptions include when a family member drives the vehicle or if the car is leased/financed.
Does your car insurance and registration have to be under the same name in NY?
New York auto insurance laws require registration and insurance to be under the same name. However, the state has exceptions for leased and financed vehicles.
Does your car insurance and registration have to be under the same name in California?
California drivers must have insurable interest in vehicles they own, but the names on insurance and registration don’t always need to match exactly.
Learn More: California Auto Insurance
Does your car insurance and registration have to be under the same name in SC?
Does the insurance have to be in your name to register it in SC? South Carolina auto insurance laws don’t prohibit having different names on car insurance and registration.
Does your car insurance and registration have to be under the same name in Texas?
No, your Texas auto insurance policy and registration don’t have to match exactly, but the owner must have insurable interest in the vehicle.
Does your car insurance and registration have to be under the same name in PA?
No, your insurance and registration don’t have to match in Pennsylvania. However, Pennsylvania auto insurance law requires the owner to have financial responsibility for the car.
Does your car insurance and registration have to be under the same name in Georgia?
Georgia auto insurance and registration don’t have to be under the same name. However, vehicle owners must maintain continuous car insurance on their vehicle.
Can I insure a car not in my name with Progressive?
Yes, Progressive sells non-owner car insurance for drivers looking to insure a car not in their name.
Learn More: Progressive Auto Insurance Review
Can I insure a car not in my name in Michigan?
Can someone else insure my car if the title is under my name in Michigan? Yes, you can insure a car not registered to you, but you must have insurable interest in the vehicle.
You might also wonder, “Does your car insurance and registration have to be under the same name in Michigan?” No, but the policyholder must demonstrate insurable interest.
Can you register a car in someone else’s name in Florida?
Florida drivers may wonder, “Can someone else register my car for me in Florida?” Yes, another person can register a car for you in FL if they have a notarized power of attorney from you. In addition, they must submit required documents, including the title and proof of Florida auto insurance coverage.
So, does your car insurance and registration have to be under the same name in Florida? No, Florida doesn’t require the names to match, but the owner must carry valid insurance for the car and list all drivers on the policy.
Can I register a car if the insurance is in someone else’s name?
Can I register a car in my name but it’s insured by someone else? Yes, but you must be listed as an insured driver on the policy.
Does car insurance have to match registration state?
A top question readers ask is, “Can you have car insurance in a different state than your registration?” Yes, you can get auto insurance in a different state than registration. However, we don’t recommend it unless you’re moving or living temporarily in another state.
Learn More: How to Change Auto Insurance When Moving Out of State
Does car title and registration have to match?
Yes, the title and registration must match as they both identify the car owner.
However, can someone else insure my car if the title is under my name? Yes, but the person must have the consent of the insurance company and car owner.
Where can I get my plate sticker?
You can get your license plate sticker from the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). Usually, there are options to renew your plate online, in person, and by mail. Some states also allow you to renew at kiosks located in public places.
Free Auto Insurance Comparison
Enter your ZIP code below to view companies that have cheap auto insurance rates.
Secured with SHA-256 Encryption
Chris Abrams
Licensed Insurance Agent
Chris is the founder of Abrams Insurance Solutions and Marcan Insurance, which provide personal financial analysis and planning services for families and small businesses across the U.S. His companies represent nearly 100 of the top-rated insurance companies. Chris has been a licensed insurance agent since 2009 and has active insurance licenses in all 50 U.S. states and D.C. Chris works tireles...
Licensed 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.