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Can I insure a car if the V5 isn’t in my name?

For customers wondering whether they can take out or keep a Marshmallow policy when they are not the registered keeper of the vehicle.

Updated over a week ago

Do I need to be the registered keeper?

Not always — but you must have a valid connection to the vehicle. This means that if the car was damaged or lost, you’d suffer a financial loss. This is known as insurable interest.

We can accept policies where the V5 is in the name of:

  • You, the policyholder

  • Your spouse, civil partner, or cohabiting partner

  • A parent, only if you live at the same address

  • A vehicle leasing company (12+ month lease)

  • Your employer, excluding roles in healthcare or fast food

We cannot accept V5s in the name of:

  • Friends

  • Extended family (siblings, grandparents, etc.)

  • Parents who live at a different address

  • Companies you or your partner don’t own


What happens if my situation isn’t acceptable?

If the V5 is in the name of someone who doesn’t meet the accepted criteria:

  • You won’t be able to start or continue a policy with us

  • We may cancel or refuse to insure the vehicle unless you change the ownership to an acceptable name

  • You’ll need to either update the V5 or cancel your policy


What if I’m in the process of changing the V5?

If you’ve recently bought a vehicle and are waiting for the V5 to be updated:

  • Please upload the green slip or a proof of purchase

  • Let us know you’ve applied for the V5

  • You must not delay — we can’t provide cover indefinitely without proof that the ownership is changing

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