Ask an Agent

Have a question? We're here to help.

Ask an agent for free

Question

Do I have to tell my car insurance company about my lien?

When I sign up for insurance, they are aware of the lien on my vehicle and who the lienholder is right?

Mar 2, 2026 Buffalo, NY

Answer

Author profile picture
Director of Insurance Content

Ava joined The Zebra in 2016 as a licensed insurance agent and writer. She now serves as director of insurance content, leading coverage strategy and…

Credentials
  • 9+ years of Experience in the Insurance Industry

You must report a lienholder to your insurer


Insurance companies do not know who the lienholder is without it being explicitly provided, but many insurance agents will ask for it when they write the policy if you mention that your vehicle is financed. In general it's always recommended that you be as transparent as possible when getting car insurance quotes.

Also keep in mind the lienholder – aka lender, which can be a bank or other financial institution – will likely require that you list them on your car insurance policy until your loan is paid off, and may even require that you purchase a certain type of vehicle coverage. Hope this helps!

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.

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.

Step 3: Compare your quotes

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

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 insurance rates today!

Pin
Shield checkmark No junk mail. No spam calls. Free quotes.

Related Questions

Other people are also asking...

Why would insurance repair a damaged roof instead of replacing it?

With Merchants Insurance Group, the decision to repair or replace a roof usually isn’t random: it’s based on the damage and your policy, as well as what the adjuster identifies onsite.After a storm, the adjuster looks at how much of the roof was actually damaged. If only part of the roof was affect…
Mar 24, 2026 Utica, NY

How do I remove a car from my insurance policy?

You can remove a vehicle by contacting your insurerDepending 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 thr…
Mar 2, 2026 Austin, TX

Do I need international motorcycle insurance?

Several companies will insure you with an International driver's license. Remember that most companies will add a surcharge to the policy because they cannot verify your driving history. The surcharge will vary by company and typically they will require you to show proof of your International licen…
Mar 18, 2026 Niagara Falls, NY

Can a lender dictate what my deductible is?

Unfortunately, the terms of your loan can dictate what your coverage deductibles must be. Your lienholder may not necessarily notice right away if you change your deductible, but if they catch on they will add force-placed insurance, also known as collateral protection insurance, as a part of your …
Aug 13, 2024 Jacksonville, FL