Named Driver

[fourteen85]

My wife is a named driver on her elderly aunts car policy. If Auntie passes away does the car policy also lapse or could my wife use aunties car to aid in sorting the estate?

[dannyk13]

If the policy holder passes away then the insurance becomes void.

[bookbinder]

It might be best if your wife asks the relevant insurance company for their advice.

[fiction-factory]

It may be better if Auntie asks- the insurance may not speak to your wife as it's not her policy

[bookbinder]

Good point, fiction-factory.

[dannyk13]

Auntie might be a bit miffed if her niece is asking what happens when she dies.

[woofgang]

I was actually in this position with my late husband's car although I didn't want to drive it, just keep it insured till it was sold, also his motorbikes. both insurers needed sight of death certs and agreed to allow the policy to run until I sold the vehicles or until the year expired. Insurers are used to speaking to relis and executors of their deceased customers. not sure about the driving bit but if the insurance is to continue, then it should be possible although there may be an extra payment to be made. If your wife is the executor then this expense should be paid by the estate.

[diddlydo]

The policy dies with the policy holder unless agreed with the insurer in advance.

[EDDIE51]

This came up a week or two ago. The aunt is the policyholder, you are just a named driver on your aunts policy. As soon as the policyholder dies the any car insurance they hold is void. If your Aunt passes her policy is void, including you being her named driver.So you need to arrange a new insurance policy before you drive her car again. That gives another problem,on her death the car is also no longer hers but part of her estate.It will be 'part of her estate' until it pases to whoever she leaves it to,or it is sold.

[woofgang]

EDDIE I can say for a fact that while the voiding of the policy may happen if nobody does anything, both of the insurers of my late husband's vehicles agreed NOT to void the policies...in fact when I sold his final motorbike, the buyer was allowed to test drive it based on the fact that the bike was insured and that he also was insured.

[fourteen85]

Thanks for all your replies. It seems the safest way is for my wife not to drive on her aunts policy.

[playersdigger]

I am sure the insurance will lapse on the death of the Aunt and your wife no longer insured,however I suggest if this sad event ever happens your wife contacts the insurance company at once and explain the position. They may transfer it to your wife for a fee of course.