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Can I get my own car insurance at 16?
I’m not sure if my parents will add me to their insurance policy. I just got my driver’s license, so could I get insurance myself?
Emily Maracle · Updated on
Reviewed by Shannon Martin, Licensed Insurance Agent.
A 16-year-old may be allowed to buy their own
car insurance
if they're emancipated or their parent signs the policy.In general, anyone under the age of 18 can't legally enter into a contract—including a car insurance contract. But if you're emancipated and you own your own car, that law doesn't apply to you, so you can legally purchase insurance.
If you're not emancipated but you own a car and still want to have your own policy, you'll need your legal guardian to co-sign the insurance policy, granting permission for you to enter into the contract.
That said, if you buy a car insurance policy at the age of 16, it will be extremely expensive—up to $7,000 a year or more. It would be much cheaper if your parents added you to their policy, so consider offering to pay them the difference rather than buying a policy on your own.
If they're still hesitant about the additional costs, let them know that the average user saves over $800 a year with the top-rated insurance comparison app
Jerry!
Need to know: If you’re driving a vehicle owned by your parents, you won’t be able to get your own policy. Their policy covers that vehicle, and you’d have to be
added as a driver on that policy
.It is possible to buy, title, and register your own car at age 16. If the vehicle you drive is registered to you, you can get your
View full answer
- Gregory R.
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