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Anon
By AA | Moderator | 844 Posts | 26 January 2011 at 10:11am

Can a 16 year old purchase car insurance or does an adults name have to be on the policy?

Ivy

From the "Ask Jack" archives - 30 August 2009

jbiddle
By jbiddle | Community Member | 1657 Posts | 26 January 2011 at 10:36am

There is no legal reason why a 16 year old can't purchase car insurance.

If however, the 16 year old is driving a car the majority of the time but is not the registered owner, then he/she should be named on the insurance policy as the main driver.

Many parents take this step when they own a vehicle but their children are the main drivers. It may mean an increase in the policy cost due to the heighten risk for the underwriter, but it beats any unpleasant surprises for the policy holder in the event of an accident.