Auto Insurance Claims: Insurance occaisional driver, california drivers, own insurance

Question
I do not own a vehicle and I drive only from time to time. When I do, I am using my mom's on which she carries insurance that includes UIM coverage;when I renew my DL,as well as for accidents,stops, etc. does her auto insurance cover me legally or do I have to have insurance too? I'm lost with the whole California drivers must have min coverage law because technically, when I drive her car, I am insured, right? Yet, I'm concerned about providing the proof of financial responsibility at DMV when I renew license since I don't actually have a policy in my name. Is it true that every person that drives must have own insurance even if they don't own a car?

Answer
Hi Stacey,
Based on the wording of your question, I assume that you reside at home with your Mother. If that is the case, you MUST be a named listed driver on her policy in order to be covered by her insurance when driving her car.  If you live in the same household and are not named as a driver on the policy, then coverage will be denied for any accident in which you are involved.
If you actually reside with your Mother, you need to immediately call her agent and be added to her policy.  Depending on your age, number of years of driving experience and driving record this may cause an
increase in her rate but that's a lot cheaper than having to pay the claim out of her pocket.

If my assumption is wrong and you have your own separate residence
at a different location, then her policy will cover you when you drive her car UNLESS she has a restricted policy that only covers named drivers.
Such a restriction will not normally be found in first line companies such as State Farm, AAA, Farmers, Allstate, Hartford, Safeco, Travelers etc.,but is fairly common in the secondary market.
You should read her policy or call her agent to learn if such a
restriction applies to her policy.

You are not required to show proof of insurance when renewing
your California drivers license.  Such proof is only required
when registering a vehicle or renewing the license plate and any
time that you are involved in an accident or stopped by a police
authority for any reason.

I hope that you find this information to be helpful.  Your feedback
by rating my response will be appreciated.

Sincerely,
Bennie
San Francisco Bay Area