In the case of shared custody, both parents may have legal responsibilities depending on the specifics of their custody agreement and state laws. Generally, the parent who has custody of the child most of the time is responsible for adding the child to their auto insurance policy. 

However, if both parents have joint custody and the child spends significant time with both, they may be responsible for ensuring the child is covered under their respective auto insurance policies when driving either vehicle.

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Written by:
Shivani Gite
Contributing Writer
Shivani Gite is a personal finance and insurance writer with a degree in journalism and mass communication. She is passionate about making insurance topics easy to understand for people and helping them make better financial decisions. When not writing, you can find her reading a book or watching anime.
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Reviewed by:
Laura Longero
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Executive Editor
Laura Longero is an insurance expert and Executive Editor at CarInsurance.com, where she specializes in helping consumers navigate the complexities of the financial and insurance industries. She has 15 years of experience educating people about finance and car insurance. Prior to joining CarInsurance.com, she worked as a reporter and editor at the USA Today Network. Her expertise provides readers with practical guidance, helping them make informed choices about their financial and insurance needs.
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What happens if only one parent adds the child to their car insurance policy in shared custody?

If only one parent adds the child to their car insurance policy in shared custody, the child may not be fully covered when driving the other parent’s vehicle. Insurance companies typically require the child to be listed as a driver on the policy of the parent with whom they primarily reside. If the child spends significant time with the other parent and drives their vehicle, the second parent may need to add the child to their own policy as well to ensure full coverage.

In the case of an accident, if the child is not listed as a driver on both policies, there may be issues with claims, as the insurance company could deny coverage if the child is considered an uninsured driver on the second policy. 

Can parents adjust their auto insurance policies if the child’s custody arrangement changes?

Yes. Parents can adjust their auto insurance policies if the child’s custody arrangement changes. For example, if a parent gains more time with the child or if the child begins spending more time with the other parent, the insurance company can update the policy to reflect the child’s new living situation. This may involve adding or removing the child as a listed driver or adjusting coverage to ensure the child is covered under both parents’ policies when driving either vehicle.

It’s important for both parents to communicate with their insurance companies to ensure there are no lapses in coverage as custody arrangements change. Keeping insurance policies updated according to the child’s living situation can help avoid complications in the event of an accident and ensure that the child remains adequately insured.

Final thoughts

Handling car insurance when parents share custody can be confusing, but it’s important to make sure the child is always covered. Both parents should talk to their insurance companies to update the policy whenever the custody arrangement changes. This helps ensure the child is listed on the right policies and covered no matter which car they’re driving. 

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Contributing Writer

Shivani Gite is a personal finance and insurance writer with a degree in journalism and mass communication. She is passionate about making insurance topics easy to understand for people and helping them make better financial decisions. When not writing, you can find her reading a book or watching anime.