New teen driver or a new car? How to add them to your policy in North Carolina
It's one of the questions we hear most: someone new in the house started driving, or you bought another car. The short answer is the same for both: tell us before you drive, not after.
If someone new will drive your car
- A teen who just got a license, a relative who moved in, your partner: the North Carolina Department of Insurance says you should list everyone who will drive the car on the policy. If you don't list them up front, you'll likely have to pay for them later.
- The issue isn't only price. When there's a claim, the carrier looks at who lives in the home and who drives. A driver who wasn't on the policy can complicate the claim.
- To add them we need their full name, date of birth and license number. If the license is from another country, we can help with that too.
If you bought another car
- In North Carolina, every registered vehicle must have continuous liability insurance from a company licensed in the state (NCDMV doesn't accept out-of-state policies), so call us the day you buy it, or before.
- Some carriers give you a few days to report a new car, but every policy is different. Don't risk driving it before you confirm with your agent.
- We need the VIN, year, make and model, and the lender's or dealer's name if you financed it.
- If the new car replaces another one, tell us which car comes off. And remember: turn in the old car's plate at NCDMV before you remove its insurance. Here's why that order matters.
Will my payment go up?
It depends. Carriers price each driver's record, where you live and the type of car, among other things. An agent can tell you the exact change before you make it, and compare other companies if the increase doesn't work for you.
This guide is general information, not legal advice, and every policy is different. A licensed agent can review your situation and your policy with you. Call 1-888-311-4660 or get a quote.