Borrowed Cars & Big Moves: Does Your Policy Still Cover Your Child?
Can My Child Stay on My Auto Policy After Moving Out of State?
As parents, we often want to help our adult children get started in life—especially when it comes to practical needs like car insurance. One question we hear regularly is:
“If my child moves to another state, can I keep them on my Ohio auto policy—and will that policy still protect them if they borrow a friend’s car?”
It’s a good question—and one that deserves a careful answer.
How Auto Insurance Typically Works for Household Members
Most personal auto policies (including those issued in Ohio) extend coverage to:
- You (the named insured)
- Spouses living in the same household
- Relatives who reside with you, like a college student living away temporarily
If your child lives with you or is temporarily away for school, it’s typically fine to keep them on your policy. They’re considered a “resident relative”—and that’s the key term in the policy language.
What Changes When Your Child Moves to Another State?
Once your child establishes a new residence, your ability to cover them on your policy changes dramatically.
For example, if your child:
- Takes a full-time job out of state
- Rents or buys a home in their new location
- Gets a driver’s license in the new state
…they’re likely no longer considered a resident of your household—and that means your policy may no longer cover them at all, even if you’re still listing them.
What If They Borrow a Friend’s Car?
Let’s say your child is still listed on your Ohio auto policy but now lives in another state. They borrow a friend’s car and get into an accident. Here’s what could happen:
- If your insurer determines your child is no longer a resident relative, they may say the policy doesn’t apply—even though your child is still listed.
- The friend’s auto policy may provide primary coverage, but if it’s not enough, your child might be left exposed.
- You, as the policyholder, could be accused of misrepresentation for keeping a non-resident listed on your policy.
A Better Option: Non-Owner Auto Insurance
If your child doesn’t own a vehicle in their new state but still drives regularly, a non-owner auto insurance policy is a smart and affordable option.
This type of policy provides:
- Liability coverage when driving cars they don’t own
- Often required to satisfy SR-22 needs or maintain continuous coverage
- Peace of mind for both the driver and you as the parent
We can help your child get their own coverage that fits their new situation—without putting your own policy (or wallet) at risk.
Final Thoughts
Auto insurance follows the vehicle, but liability follows the driver—and the definition of who is insured depends heavily on where they live. If your child has moved out of state, it’s time for a conversation about their own policy.
Need help figuring out the next step? We’re happy to guide you or your child through it. Whether it’s a non-owner policy or a fresh start with their own vehicle, we’re just a phone call away.