Can My Insurance Company Add Someone to My Policy If They Share My Address?

Short answer: Yes — and they just might.
If someone lives in your household, your car insurance company may automatically assume they have access to your vehicle. That can mean being added to your policy — with or without your say-so.

Here’s what that really means, why it happens, and how to protect yourself (and your premium).

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👀 Why Insurance Companies Care About Your Address

To insurers, a car isn’t just about who owns it — it’s about who could be driving it.

If someone lives at your address, insurers assume they might hop behind the wheel at any time. This is especially true for:

• 🧑‍🎓 A teen who just got their license

• 💍 A new spouse or partner who just moved in

• 👯‍♂️ A roommate who shares the driveway

• 👵 A parent or relative under your roof

Insurance rule of thumb: If they live with you and could drive your car, they’re a potential risk — and insurers want them either added or formally excluded.

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⚠️ Can They Be Added Without Your Permission?

Not always — but sometimes, yes.

Most insurers will send a notice asking you to confirm who lives in your home. If you ignore it or don’t respond:

• ✅ They may automatically add anyone they believe has access to your car

• 💵 Your premium could rise, especially if that person has a poor driving record

• 📃 You may need to provide documentation (like a lease or proof of insurance elsewhere) to remove them

Example: You have a roommate with a DUI on record. Even if they never touch your keys, your insurer might flag their presence at your address and raise your rate — unless you take action.

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🛡️ How to Protect Yourself (and Your Wallet)

✅ Exclude Them by Name

Most insurers allow you to file a Named Driver Exclusion — a legal way to say:

“This person lives here, but they’re not allowed to drive my car.”

💡 Bonus: This helps keep your premiums from ballooning because of someone else’s record.

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📞 Be Proactive

Don’t wait for your insurer to “catch” someone at your address.
If you:

• Just got married

• Have a new roommate

• Have an adult child who moved back home
  … call your insurer and clarify their driving status.

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📤 Provide Proof If Needed

If someone lives with you but has their own insurance or doesn’t drive, send proof:

• Their own car insurance policy

• A note that your car is stored and unused

• Lease terms showing they’re a tenant without access to your garage

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🎯 Bottom Line

Your insurance company can — and often will — look at who you live with, not just who’s on the title.

To stay protected:

• List household drivers honestly

• Exclude non-drivers in writing

• Keep your insurer in the loop

👉 The goal is simple: Avoid surprise additions. Prevent premium hikes. Keep your policy clean.