I’m mostly thinking about insurance here. I’ve been told conflicting information. I live in Florida.

I live with someone who has a driver’s license and a car, but I don’t have either. I’ve avoided getting one because I have no interest in car ownership, and I feel like if I started driving regularly I’d probably die - I have driven before but I really don’t think it’s something I’d ever get good at.

It’s undeniable that having one would be convenient though - for rare occasions like emergencies at a minimum but also other scenarios.

I know almost nothing about how this stuff works. If I get a license, am I required to acquire and pay for insurance, even if I don’t own a car or regularly drive? Or will the person I live with have to pay more for their insurance? Are there any other costs or downsides associated with it that I might not be thinking of?

Thanks.

  • RBWells@lemmy.world
    5·
    11 months ago

    I am in Florida and my policy covers incidental driving of my car by other licensed people who are not related to me. But when my daughter got a license (we had 3 cars and 3 drivers and she made it 3 cars and 4 drivers) the cost almost doubled.

    If you are not driving the car the license is not going to affect the insurance, and yes the car would still be covered if you had to drive your roommate to the hospital or go get him because he was drunk or whatever, you don’t need to be on the policy.

    Car insurance is SO expensive here partly because there is no public transportation so everyone and their Grandma is on the road crashing into each other. Another example of trying to save on social cost but increasing everyone’s cost and risk so it ends up costing more not less.

    • trexman@sh.itjust.works
      English
      6·
      11 months ago

      Fun fact for Florida: when you begin a policy, you need to list every member in your house of driving age regardless of if they drive your vehicle or they drive yours. Otherwise, insurance can deny a claim if one of them is injured in your vehicle. I listen to a lot of talk radio and an injury attorney shared this a few weeks ago. Relevant info: https://www.berryinsurance.com/blog/who-to-list-auto-policy-video