Can someone insure a car that is not in their name? (leasing, car insurance)

[second right]

Does anyone know the laws in North Carolina.

Scenario: My friend has an adult son in his late 40's who just bought a new car. The car is being financed and is allegedly in the adult son's name and of course the finance company's name. According to my friend, her name is not on the title at all.

My friend apparently has insured the car and listed her son as the primary driver. I'm befuddled as it's been my understanding that the car must be insured in the name of the car owner (unless it's a teenage driver or college student).

Can anyone shed light on this for me? My friend's adult son does not live with her yet it is possible he uses her address for mail.

I'm not trying to be nosey just confused and concerned that this might not be legal.

Thanks for replies.

[lovesMountains]

Originally Posted by second right

Does anyone know the laws in North Carolina.

Scenario: My friend has an adult son in his late 40's who just bought a new car. The car is being financed and is allegedly in the adult son's name and of course the finance company's name. According to my friend, her name is not on the title at all.

My friend apparently has insured the car and listed her son as the primary driver. I'm befuddled as it's been my understanding that the car must be insured in the name of the car owner (unless it's a teenage driver or college student).

Can anyone shed light on this for me? My friend's adult son does not live with her yet it is possible he uses her address for mail.

I'm not trying to be nosey just confused and concerned that this might not be legal.

Thanks for replies.

So...just how long has your friend been an enabler making foolish choices?

(you could try calling an insurance agent just to inquire about this is you want an expert opinion )

[zthatzmanz28]

I would think it wiser to insure it in his name and pay the bill...just because one is an enabler doesn't mean they have to accept responsibility / liability...

[MrRational]

OP: Either your friend is confused by facts or in denial of them.

Anyone can write the check to pay an insurance bill...
Nationwide or State Farm will be happy to process the payment;
But the POLICY itself will be in the registered owners name.

[CHTransplant]

Given that leased cars are generally insured in the name of someone other than the owner of the car, one would think that what you ask is possible.

[jlm2k]

You can pay anyone's bill... I can pay my sister's car insurance if I want to (not). But the car needs to be insured by the owner - hence, an "insurable interest". When you lease a car, the leasing company is listed as an insured interest, but it's not the named insured.