Reader’s Question:

Hi, I’m from Washington. My 16-year-old daughter is currently covered in my insurance but because of the increasing rates though my daughter has not been in an accident or received any tickets, and with the same level of income I get, I can no longer pay her insurance. In this regard, I have to remove her from my car insurance policy for at least 5 months until my income increased. The insurance company however told me that my daughter should turn in her license before they could do this. Does she really have to do this? -

Jen

Seattle, WA

In Washington, drivers must be insured. This is the reason why a proof of insurance is required in a test for a driver’s license. Usually, all household members who are likely to drive the car are required by the insurance provider to be included on the policy.

The concern of the insurance company on turning in your daughter’s license is because the company may be liable for possible damages particularly when the car is being driven without an insurance on the driver and the driver is still with the household of the policy owner.

Most of the laws on insurance of the state allows insurer to include drivers, who are within the households, of an insured car. Your child, for example, can be considered even with a learner’s permit or her first license as a driver.

The office of the Washington Insurance Commissioner can give your more information regarding the laws on insurance.