Can I Put My Brother On My Car Insurance?

Wanting to add a family member like a brother to your auto insurance policy is common. Doing so can provide coverage protection and even potentially lower your rates. However, insurance companies have specific requirements regarding who you can and cannot include on your policy. So can you actually add your brother to your car insurance?

The short answer is – it depends. There are a number of factors at play in determining if you can include your sibling on your auto insurance, such as your age, residence, and more.

Below we’ll explore when you can and cannot add a brother to your car insurance policy, steps for adding him, potential impacts on your rates, and more.

When Can You Add a Brother to Your Auto Policy?

There are a few key situations when auto insurance companies will allow you to add your brother to your existing car insurance policy:

You live together in the same household

If you and your brother share the same permanent address, most insurers will allow him to be added as a driver to your policy. Auto insurance generally follows the car, so those residing with you need coverage.

He regularly drives your insured vehicles

Even if you don’t live together, if your brother frequently operates your insured cars with your permission, you can usually add him as an additional insured driver. This ensures he’s covered when using the vehicles.

He’s financially dependent on you

If your brother is financially dependent on you – such as a student dependent still being claimed on your taxes – you may be able to insure him even if he lives elsewhere. Dependents are often eligible for inclusion on family auto policies.

Your state requires it

Some states mandate that all licensed drivers in a household be named on the auto insurance policy. So if you and your licensed brother live together, you may have to list him. Check your state’s specific requirements.

As long as one of those standard eligibility criteria is met, an insurer will generally allow you to add your brother as a driver on your policy.

When Might an Insurer Prohibit Adding Your Brother?

While there are clear cut cases when you can include your sibling, there are also times an insurer will forbid it:

• He is not financially dependent on you and lives in a different residence.

• He only occasionally borrows your car versus regularly driving it.

• He has very poor driving history that risks significantly raising your rates.

• Your policy specifically prohibits covering non-resident relatives.

• Your state doesn’t require household members be listed as drivers.

Unless your brother meets one of the eligibility criteria outlined above, an insurance company can legally decline to add him to your policy. Never try to sneak around restrictions, as doing so can get your entire policy cancelled.

Steps for Adding Your Brother to Your Car Insurance

If you’ve verified your brother is eligible, follow these steps to properly add him as a driver:

• Inform your auto insurance agent or broker that you want to add your brother. Provide details on his age, license status, driving history, residence, and relationship.

• Request a quote showing projected premium impact. Different drivers affect rates differently. Understand the cost change before proceeding.

• Have your brother sign any required forms. This may include a driver exclusion form if he has very poor driving history.

• Provide documentation such as proof of shared residency or financial dependency status as needed.

• Make any initial payment increases needed to add your brother and activate the coverage.

• Have your brother read the full policy so he understands covered benefits, exclusions, and obligations.

Following the proper process avoids problems getting claims denied down the road due to improper driver addition.

How Does Adding Your Brother Affect Your Premium?

The impact of putting your sibling on your auto policy can vary significantly based on these factors:

• His age and driving experience – younger new drivers increase risk more

• His past driving violations and accidents – more incidents equal higher rates

• Type of vehicle(s) insured – sporty cars cost more than family sedans

• Your current policy discounts – good driver, good student, multi-car etc. can offset increases

• Where you live – insurance costs more in dense urban areas

In some cases, your premium may actually decrease, such as if your brother has a perfect driving record or you gain a multi-car discount. But if he is considered high risk, expect your rates to rise, potentially significantly.

Have your insurer run a detailed quote comparing scenarios before deciding, so you understand the cost impact. Paying more may be worthwhile to have proper coverage.

When Can You Remove Your Brother From the Policy?

Just as there are rules around adding your sibling, there are restrictions governing when you can remove him as an insured driver:

• If he moves out and establishes a new permanent residence elsewhere, you can take him off the policy.

• If he is no longer financially dependent on you based on factors like age, employment, or marital status changes, you can remove him.

• If it’s discovered he falsely represented information like his driving record, insurers may mandate his removal.

• If his poor driving history results in non-renewal of your policy, you may have to exclude him to stay insured.

Always inform your insurer immediately when your brother becomes ineligible so he can be promptly removed and coverage issues avoided. Never just stop paying for his portion of the premium without taking formal steps to remove him from the policy.

The Bottom Line: Understand the Rules

At the end of the day, auto insurers have established rules regarding who can and cannot be added together onto a single policy. The key determinant tends to be whether you share a residence or your brother depends on you financially.

Before adding your sibling, read your policy terms closely and speak to your agent to confirm he’s eligible. Following proper procedures avoids headaches down the road. And be sure to weigh premium impacts and shop around if the rate increase seems excessive.