by Vulpes » Tue Jan 04, 2011 01:40 am
In an attempt to talk to in-laws, I told them that I recently switched my Illinois driver's license into a Utah one. And it turns out they have an odd belief.
They believe that since I have a driver's license, I must be insured or I have to give my license back to the DMV.
Reason I don't have insurance: I don't drive, don't have a car, and walk/bus/other people drive me to places.
Is there any place where if they harass me about it in the future, I could show them that this is not the case? It's hard to find evidence supporting a claim that something does not exist.
Thank you very much!
They believe that since I have a driver's license, I must be insured or I have to give my license back to the DMV.
Reason I don't have insurance: I don't drive, don't have a car, and walk/bus/other people drive me to places.
Is there any place where if they harass me about it in the future, I could show them that this is not the case? It's hard to find evidence supporting a claim that something does not exist.
Thank you very much!
Posted: Wed May 11, 2011 07:19 pm Post Subject:
I do not know of anything you can show them stating you do not need insurance if you do not have a car. However, it is a good idea for you to carry a non-owners insurance policy even if you do not have a car. This will ensure that you are covered by at least the state required minimum liability coverage. It is good thing to have in case you drive someone else’s car and have an accident. It will also keep you from having a lapse in insurance, and having higher premiums, if and when you do have a vehicle of your own. You are not legally required to have insurance if you do not have a vehicle, but it is a good idea.
Posted: Thu May 12, 2011 12:27 am Post Subject:
You are NOT required to carry insurance simply because you have a driver's license. There is no state in the country that requires this... period.
If you have a vehicle registered in your name, that's a different story. As well, you need to make sure that you're covered if you DO drive. That situation is dependent on the policy that's on the car you're driving. Most policies contain what known as an "Omnibus" clause... most agents call this the "Permissive Use Doctrine." This says that "insurance follows the car."
Most policies will allow the policyowner to let anyone with a valid driver's license and their permission to drive a covered vehicle insured under the owner's name. That means you are covered just as the owner of the vehicle is covered- their insurance will cover your driving activities. Just make sure you check the policy- not ALL policies will cover permissive use.
Tell the grandparents that they're wrong!
InsTeacher 8)
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