Expert: Doctor Settlement - 7/18/2006

Question
within my family, there are 4 drivers and 4 vehicles.  we all live in the same house.  all cars and drivers are covered by the same insurance policy.  is it true that all of the drivers in a house have to be listed on all of the cars?

Answer

Dear Mike,

Well, no, I have not run into a requirement of listing all four as principal drivers of all four cars.  

Usually we find that all four MUST be listed on the policy, but ONLY ONE is named the principal driver of a particular vehicle.  The others are secondary drivers on that vehilce.  But ALL are covered for ALL vehicles.  This is how it works with every company I have dealt with, but maybe if you shop around you can find one who does not require it.

Maybe some of our insurance agents who read these posts can come aboard and let us know if they are aware of any other way of treating this family situation.

If you look at it from the insurer's perspective, any of the vehicles could be considered "available for (the dirver's) regular use."  It does not matter whether or not your son never uses your vehicle, the definition of "available for regular use" brings your car within the ambit of that clause.  

Besides other companies, you might try your state insurance commissioner http://www.settlementcentral.com/links.php

Best Wishes,

Dr. Settlement, J.D. (Juris Doctor)
http://www.SettlementCentral.Com