How Long Can You Stay on Your Parent’s Insurance?

When it comes to protecting your family from the unforeseen hardships that can happen in our lives, insurance is top on the list.

When you’re researching insurance companies and insurance policies, find an insurance company that has the right options for you and your family. Each person’s situation and needs are different, and their insurance should match that. Whether it’s renter’s insurance, a homeowner’s policy, medical insurance, car insurance, life insurance, or a combination, find what works best for your family.

Bosworth Insurance, in Tyler, Texas, was founded in 1939 and is an excellent example of the type of insurance company you want to find for you and your family.

You want to know your insurance company will be with you through all life’s ups and downs and will be there to protect you and your children from life’s unexpected.

…But how long can you stay on your parent’s insurance?

And for parents, how long can you keep your children on your insurance policy?

The answer isn’t simple across the board and depends on both your insurance provider and the policy itself.

How long can I stay on my parent’s health insurance?

The general rule is that you can stay on your parent’s health insurance until age 26. However, there are sometimes exceptions, and it’s important to talk with your insurance provider to find out exactly what they stipulate.

When it comes to staying on your parent’s health insurance, you are eligible to stay on it even if certain circumstances change, such as getting married, no longer being claimed on your parent’s taxes as a dependent, or graduating from college.

Before you turn 26, it’s important to research exactly when your parents’ insurance policy ends for you. It may be the moment you turn 26, or at the end of the month, or even the end of the year. Knowing the end of coverage date ahead of time is important so that you don’t have any gaps in coverage. This is especially true if you’re on medication and/or have preconditions.

It’s important to research the insurance age and details depending on what state you live in, as different states have their own guidelines for health insurance and age.

If you’re turning 26 and facing losing your health insurance, don’t panic.

There are many other insurance options available, depending on certain factors such as your job, budget, and annual income.

Contact your insurance provider soon if you’re about to age out of your parent’s health insurance plan. Your experienced local insurance agent can answer your questions and help you find a health insurance policy that’s right for this exciting new chapter in your adult life.

How long can I stay on my parent’s car insurance?

Unlike health insurance, car insurance generally does not have an age limit.

Many people are living with their parents for more extended periods of time these days, and sharing an address is generally a stipulation for shared car insurance. In this instance, it can be helpful to have everyone in the household on the same car insurance policy, as you might be eligible for a lower premium.

Much of the details after that depend on your insurance provider.
Do you own your own car, or is it still under your parent’s name?

Car ownership can make a difference in not only the insurance but how much it costs. If it’s less expensive to stay on your parent’s policy than to get your own, it might be a good option for the time being. If you move out of your parent’s home to go to college, or for any other reason, it’s important to check with your insurer to make sure you’re still covered under your parent’s policy. This is especially true if you live in another state.

If it’s possible to stay on your parent’s car insurance policy, it can make a difference in how much you/they pay on the policy. Many insurers charge slightly higher rates for people younger than 25, as they statistically are more likely to get in an accident.

If you’re on your parent’s insurance but want to be conscious about not raising their rates, there are things you can do to help prevent this from happening, such as:

• Asking your insurance provider what student etc. discounts might apply to your policy
• Maintaining a good driving record

What other policies cover children?

If you have children, an umbrella policy is a good idea to consider and discuss with your insurance representative. It’s another protection layer for you and your family against unexpected events.

While individual coverage such as home insurance, auto insurance, farm and ranch owner insurance, etc., should cover you or your children in the event something happens, there can still be gaps in that coverage—particularly if you deplete your original policy or need coverage for an issue such as privacy invasion, false arrest, slander, libel, and/or other liability that your original policy doesn’t cover.

If you experience one of the unforeseen events, an umbrella insurance policy will cover you and your children.
Talk to your insurance provider about who they consider a member of the household covered by the umbrella insurance policy.

There’s nothing like the peace of mind that comes with knowing your family will be taken care of if something unforeseen occurs.

Contact your local insurance provider  today and find out how to make that happen.