Ask an Agent
Have a question? We're here to help.
Ask an agent for free
Question

How do I know if I'm covered and what coverage I have if I'm not the primary policyholder?

I'm financing a car. The auto insurance policy started with full coverage for my car and with an endorsement with me as an added driver to a liability insurance policy. Two months later, it was cancelled due to non-payment and a new policy was started through the same broker, but with a different named company.

The broker deals with numerous companies. After six months, in March of this year to be exact, it was time to renew and we did. Since day one, the primary policy holder had liability for their older vehicle which is paid off. My car is still being financed. I was recently in a car accident where the at-fault driver had no insurance. My insurer states my financed car has only had liability auto insurance all this time which I recently found out. Only the primary policy holder's signature is on the contract. I am on the insurance card. Can you please help?

May 6, 2022 San Antonio, TX

Answer
Author profile picture

Ross Martin

Manager, Content Quality

Credentials
  • Licensed Insurance Agent — Property and Casualty

Ross joined The Zebra as a writer and researcher in 2019. As a licensed insurance agent, he specializes in writing insurance content to help shoppers…

We are sorry to hear that you were involved in an accident and to hear about your current predicament.

Does the primary policy holder have the written policy so that you can see what cars are covered on it and for which coverage? If not, you may want to contact the broker that sold the insurance policy and have them look up the day the policy was sold. If sold via phone, they should be able to pull the call and see if it was mentioned that your vehicle needed comprehensive and collision coverage.

If it was not mentioned or you don't see it on your policy, then you likely have not been paying for comprehensive or collisision coverage and you may have to pay for your damages out of pocket unfortunately. Going forward, you can now add these to your insurance coverge. You may also want to consider uninsured motorist insurance in case this same type of incident happens again. 

Ask an Agent
Have a question? We're here to help.
Ask an agent for free

Insurance is complicated, but it doesn't have to be.

The Zebra searches all of the top insurance companies, in one place, so you can compare the cost and coverage you need to protect your car, home and other property.

Step 1: Tell us a little about yourself

Choose an insurance product and enter your zip code to get started. No phone number required.

Step 2: Sip your coffee while we find the best quotes

Enter the necessary information and then sit back while we find quotes from 100 top insurance carriers.

Icon Fill Form

Step 3: Compare your quotes

Compare quotes side-by-side to find the right match for you, whether it's home, auto, or more.

Icon Agent

Step 4: Let our agents do the hard work for you

Once you pick your policy, our agents are here to get you over the finish line. Then just relax and enjoy your savings.

Compare auto insurance rates and save up to $670 per year!

Location pin icon
No junk mail. No spam calls. Free quotes.

Related Questions

Other people are also asking...

Is a hit and run a comprehensive or collision claim?

It would be covered under collision coverage. Collision covers damages anytime the car collides with another object. Comprehensive coverage will cover other damages to the car that does not involve a collision such as, fire, theft, or vandalism. Since it was a hit and run, you can also use uninsure…
Jan 12, 2019 Denver, CO

How do I remove a car from my insurance policy?

Depending on your insurance company, there are a few ways to remove a vehicle from your policy. Many major providers allow some policy changes to be made digitally— either through their website or mobile app. Others may only allow modifications through customer service, so you may need to call your…
Jan 18, 2022 Austin, TX

How can I get a not at fault accident charged off my driving record?

If your insurance company has to pay out on a claim, it will impact your rates. If you have uninsured motorist coverage, the accident will only stay on your record for 3 years and will not impact your rates as much as if you don't. If you don't have uninsured coverage, but do have collisi…
Oct 3, 2018 Houston, TX

I swerved to miss a deer in the road, wrecked my car, and now my insurance company is saying that I'm considered at fault. Why is that?

Hitting an animal in the road falls under the category of a comprehensive insurance claim because animals do not follow road laws and can't be expected to avoid cars or roadways. It's the same general principle as hail damage. The incident changes to an at fault accident when you swerve t…
Apr 10, 2016 Newton, KS