CarInsurance.com Get Direct Auto Insurance
> ZIP code:  Click & Quote
CarInsurance.com Navigation

Get Free Quotes Now

Zip Code:
Save With CarInsurance.com!
Car Insurance Learning Center  Learning Center  Auto Insurance Questions & Answers   Questions & Answers  Professional Answers   Professional Answer

Car Insurance Question  Can a 16 year old have their own car title and have their own car insurance?

You may be able to buy a car and insurance in your own name at age 16 however you would normally be required to have a parent or guardian sign with you on any legal documents surrounding these items. The minimum age that one can buy a car and title it in their name and then obtain car insurance will differ depending upon state laws and insurance companies' guidelines.

So it will depend upon state laws at what age a person can legally have ownership of a vehicle. State laws vary obvious from one state to another regarding many things including the minimum age they will permit a person to own a motor vehicle. So your state may or may not allow you to title and register a car solely in your name at the age of sixteen (16).

In general though a juvenile cannot enter into a contract so thus cannot be a sole owner of a motor vehicle. A minor typically cannot own property, his or her parents technically own that property until the child becomes an adult. In many states if a parent will co-sign on a loan for a car, the juvenile can buy a car, but the parent will be the legal owner.

There can be exceptions to this generalization depending again upon state laws. So you will need to contact the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) for your state to find out at 16 if you title and register a car in your name only or if you will need a parent or guardian to sign on it with you.

Here are a few examples of state laws that we are aware regarding a minor owning a car. 

In Texas the TX Department of Transportation states there are no age restrictions in order for an individual to be recorded as the owner of a vehicle. However they also go on to say that insurance companies may impose age restrictions on persons they insure and may charge higher premiums for certain age groups. Since proof of financial responsibility (liability insurance) is a prerequisite to obtaining Texas registration, an individual’s ability to obtain this insurance may limit his ability to register his vehicle.

In North Carolina the DOT states that their laws do not set a minimum age limit as to ownership of a vehicle as long as the owner can sign their name on the application of title. However a plate cannot be issued without proof of owner having liability insurance on the vehicle.

The NCDOT goes on to note that insurance companies normally will require you to have a parent or guardian sign your insurance documents (contract) if you are under 18 years of age and thus still considered a minor in the eyes of the law.

Even those states that will permit a teenager to register a car may require a parent or guardian to sign on any legal documents or contracts since they are still a minor. For instance, the Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) states if you are under 18 and want to title a vehicle, your parent or legal guardian must complete a minor consent form. A parent or legal guardian must also accompany you when you appear in front of the Clerk of Courts title office staff to have a vehicle titled in your name in Ohio if you are a minor.

Once you find out your state's laws for titling and registering a vehicle as a minor at age 16, you then can contact insurance companies for quotes and for their guidelines on a minor obtaining a policy. Most insurance companies will require a parent or guardian to sign on an auto insurance policy with you since it is a legal document.

In general one must be an adult to obtain an insurance policy on their own, so over the age of 18. At age 16 you are still considered a minor thus in general state laws and insurance companies guidelines will require you to have a parent or guardian sign on legal documents, such as an insurance policy, with you.

To see if your particular state has any laws or regulations regarding the minimum age to buy an auto insurance policy and as a minor if there are any consent forms for a parent/guardian to sign, contact your state's insurance regulator. This state agency can tell you if there are any extra measures you may need to take to have a car insurance policy until you become 18 and considered an adult.

Share this on: Digg This StumbleUpon Add to Facebook Add to Del.icio.us Furl It Seed Newsvine
reddit this! Save to Ma.gnolia Save to Blinklist Technorati This Submit to Netscape Windows Live Favorites Add Google Bookmark
Related Questions
Car Insurance RelatedCan a seventeen year old have a car title in their name legally? And can the parent sign the title over to the seventeen year old?
Car Insurance RelatedCan a minor legally have ownership of vehicle?
Car Insurance RelatedI bought a car for my 17 year old son as a graduation gift. Can the vehicle/title be legally registered in his name in the state of Alabama? If not, what is the minimum age requirement for vehicle own...
Car Insurance RelatedIs it possible to have a car titled in a 16 year old's name in Ohio?
Car Insurance RelatedCan a 16, almost 17-year-old own a car in VA? Would the parents need to co-sign? Can the individual also obtain his/her own insurance?
Car Insurance RelatedCan a 16 year old have a car and insurance in their name?
Car Insurance RelatedCan a 17 year old female purchase auto insurance and also be sole owner on the tittle of a car in the state of Louisiana?
Car Insurance RelatedI am 16 years old currently with a junior license. I am buying a car this weekend. Am I legally by the state of New York allowed to be the primary holder of the title in my name? Or do I have to have...
Tell us what you think about this answer.
What did you think of this question and answer?

poor 
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10

 excellent
Tell us why you rated this car insurance question and answer this way:
Visitor Comments
car insurance commentsI had the exact same question. The answer helped a lot!!!
Question Details
This car insurance question was asked on 8/18/2008
This auto insurance answer was last updated on 8/20/2008
Katie requested this car insurance solution.
Rated 10 out of 10 based on 2 votes.
Helpful Tips
Print Car Insurance Answers Print this car insurance question and answer
Email Car Insurance Answers Email this auto insurance answer
Disclaimer: Answers and comments provided are for information purposes. They are not intended to substitute informed professional advice. These responses should not be interpreted as a recommendation to buy or sell any insurance product, or to provide financial or legal advice. Please refer to your insurance policy for specific coverage and exclusion information. Please read our Terms Of Use.
©2008 CarInsurance.com, Inc. - Online Insurance Marketplace™
safe and secure auto insurance   better business bureau car insurance   Tested, Safe, and Secure Car Insurance