Auto Insurance Claims: coverage for college student, auto insurance policy, time driver

Question
Dear Bennie719,

 My son is a Junior in college in a different city than us.  He just occasionally drives our car when he comes home on vacation. Can we legally take him out of our auto insurance policy and let him drive as a guest WITH OUR PERMISSION, on his visits home for the holidays? What are the ramifications of doing this? thanks. Joya.

Answer
Hi Joya,
For the length of time that your son is away from home attending college, he is considered a LEGAL resident of your household.
In order for ANY coverage to apply, since he is a legal resident, he must remain listed as a driver on your policy.
This means that he is covered when home and driving your car, it also covers him while entering into, riding in or alighting from a motor vehicle (described by your policy as a 4 wheel motorized land vehicle).  This means that he is covered when riding with a friend at school or simply walking across the street.  There are also situations (restrictions apply) when he would be covered while driving a friends car at school.

If he is attending college at least 150 miles from home, most insurance companies will remove all charges but still keep him listed as a driver because they realize that his use will be infrequent due to his distance from home.  If he spends the three month summer break at home, you may find it necessary to add him back to the policy as a paying driver for that period of time.
If school is less than 150 miles away, he must remain as a paying part-time driver all year long.

If your son is 150 miles or more away from home, telephone your agent and thoroughly discuss this matter with him.  Keep written notes of the date, time and discussion.

I hope this information has been of help.
Your feedback by rating my answer will be appreciated.
Sincerely,
Bennie
San Francisco Bay Area