CarInsurance.com Insights
- A household member is someone living with you, related or not, who could reasonably access and use your car.
- Most insurers require you to list all licensed drivers in the home, even if they don’t drive your vehicle often.
- Not disclosing household members can be treated as misrepresentation or fraud, leading to claim denial.
- Roommates, adult children, and partners may need to be listed depending on driving frequency and insurer rules.
- People with their own insurance may still need to be listed or excluded formally on your policy.
In general, an immediate or extended family who lives with you as well as non-family household members who drive your vehicle, such as a roommate, can be considered a member of your household by a car insurance carrier.
However, the definition of a household member can vary from one insurance company to the next due to different underwriting rules and guidelines that each carrier has in place and the language (terms) of your auto insurance policy.
What is a household member in auto insurance?
In insurance terms, a household member is anyone who resides at your address and may have regular access to your vehicle. This includes:
- Spouses
- Domestic partners
- Children (licensed or not)
- Roommates or relatives
Even if someone has their own car or policy, their presence in your household makes them relevant to your insurer’s risk evaluation.
Why insurance companies care about household members
Auto insurance rates are based partly on who has access to your car. If a household member drives your vehicle and isn’t listed, it can distort the insurer’s understanding of your risk profile.
If that person causes an accident, your insurer may deny coverage due to nondisclosure.
Who must be listed on a policy?
Insurers typically expect you to list:
- All licensed drivers in your household
- Teen drivers who just got their license
- Adult children living at home
- Spouses, even if they don’t drive often
Some companies also ask about unlicensed residents for context, though they usually won’t affect rates.
Do you need to list a roommate?
If your roommate never drives your car and has their own, you might not need to list them. But if they occasionally borrow your car or live with you long term, it’s safer to disclose their presence and confirm with your insurer.
What happens if you don’t list someone on your policy?
Failing to disclose a household member who later causes an accident can result in:
- Claim denial
- Increased premiums
- Policy nonrenewal or cancellation
It’s better to list someone and exclude them formally (if needed) than omit them entirely.
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How do you exclude drivers from your policy?
If you don’t want someone covered by your policy — for example, a high-risk roommate — you can often request to exclude them in writing. This means:
- They’re not allowed to drive your insured vehicle
- You won’t be covered if they do and crash it
Exclusion must be approved by your insurer and varies by state.
Final thoughts on household members
By contacting your state’s insurance regulator, you can see if your state laws dictate who is defined as a household member or if it is up to the individual insurance company. Once you know state laws, compare insurance companies to see which can give you the best rates for your household.
FAQ: Household members and car insurance
Do I need to list my teenager if they only have a permit?
Yes, in most cases. Some insurers offer practice driver provisions, but others require disclosure once a permit is issued.
Can someone with their own insurance still affect my policy?
Yes. Living under the same roof may still make them relevant. Your insurer wants full transparency.
Do I have to list my spouse even if they don’t drive?
Usually yes. Spouses are typically required to be listed or excluded on joint policies.
How do I list or exclude someone?
Call your insurer. You’ll likely need to provide their name, license info, and relationship. For exclusions, a signature may be required.
Is failing to list someone considered fraud?
It can be. If done intentionally or to get a lower rate, it may be treated as misrepresentation.
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