Reader’s Question:

Ok so I am only 17 years old and I really want to drive. I have enough money to purchase myself a vehicle. But they said that I cannot have a vehicle until I turn eighteen. I would like to know if it is possible for me to get my own car insurance under my name even if it costs me more money? I live in New York New York.

Jane

New York, NY

The New York State Department of Motor Vehicles states that you must be 16 years of age or older to apply for title certificate and registration in New York State. So if you are under eighteen and therefore still a teen or minor you can register and title a vehicle under your name in NYS.

As for car insurance, if you are a minor under the age of eighteen years old then insurance carriers normally will require that a parent or guardian sign on your car insurance policy with you since it is a legal and binding document.

So, you can own a vehicle in your own name as a minor in New York however you would normally need a parent to buy auto insurance to place on the automobile.

Always remember that if you live with your parents and they permit you to obtain a vehicle it is usually cheaper to add you and the automobile to their car insurance policy than obtaining your own. But if you really want the vehicle and auto insurance in your own name then you will need to shop around for a cheaper price on insurance and find out the requirements of the insurance company regarding you being a minor in New York New York.