Reader’s Question:

Can I maintain insurance under my name in Detroit Michigan if I am only 17 years old?

Naomi

Detroit, MI

The Department of State for Michigan states that there is no age requirement for titling a car in Michigan and no minimum age for acquiring auto insurance.

It is unlawful however to knowingly sell a car to an unemancipated minor without written permission from a parent or guardian. The seller must have a written consent form completed by the parent or guardian of the teenager at the time of the sell. By law, the seller is required to keep this consent form for three years.

If you are 17, and thus still a minor or a teen, you will also need a parent or guardian to sign on any other legal documents like an insurance policy since insurance carriers normally will not permit you to sign by yourself until you are 18 and considered as an adult. So the insurance policy may be in your own name at 17 but with the consent of a parent or guardian since they may be held liable for your actions as a teenager if you fail to fulfill your obligations.