Why 2026 Could Be the Year Your Kids Lose Coverage...And How to Prepare Now

As the year winds down and a new one begins, many families take time to review their finances, benefits, and insurance policies. One topic that often creates confusion is knowing exactly when adult children need to transition off their parents’ insurance. Some parents keep them on “just to help,” while others assume their children will be removed automatically.

The truth is more nuanced, and understanding the rules now prevents financial surprises later. This transition is also an important step in helping your children take ownership of their health, transportation, and long-term financial security.

Below is a clear, detailed guide to help you make informed decisions as you plan for the year ahead.

1. Health Insurance: Age 26 is the definitive cutoff

Under the Affordable Care Act, children may remain on a parent’s health plan until the end of the month in which they turn 26. This rule applies regardless of marital status, employment, location, or dependency.

Once they reach that threshold:

• Coverage ends automatically.
• They must enroll in their own plan.
• The clock starts on a 60-day Special Enrollment Period to secure new coverage.

If they miss this 60-day window, they may have to wait until the next open enrollment period. This could leave them uninsured for several months, exposing them to high out-of-pocket costs if they have an unexpected medical need.

To prepare your child for this transition, consider the following steps:

• Review their upcoming birthday and note the month their coverage will end.
• Encourage them to explore employer coverage if available.
• If employer coverage isn’t an option, help them compare options through the Health Insurance Marketplace or a private agency like Glidewell.
• Discuss monthly premiums, deductibles, and out-of-pocket limits so they fully understand what they’re signing up for.

Early planning helps avoid gaps and gives them the best chance to choose a plan that matches both their needs and their budget.

2. Car Insurance: Residency and vehicle ownership determine eligibility

There is no specific age requirement for auto insurance, but there are clear guidelines based on where a person lives and who owns the vehicle.

Most carriers require that:

• Drivers on a policy reside in the same household, and
• Vehicles are primarily garaged at the policyholder’s address.

This means if your child moves out and takes their car with them, it’s generally time for them to have their own policy. Carriers use the location where the car is kept to rate risk, and inaccurate information can cause claims to be denied or premiums to increase later.

Key questions to consider:

1. 1. Where does your child live full-time?
      If they no longer live in your home, they may not qualify to stay on your policy.
   2. Who owns the vehicle?
      If the vehicle is titled in your child’s name, they will likely need their own policy.
   3. Where is the vehicle regularly parked or garaged?
      Insurance must reflect the true location of the car.

To help this transition go smoothly:

• Review the vehicle title and registration.
• Notify your carrier when a change in residence occurs.
• Help your child compare premiums and coverage levels so they understand liability limits, deductibles, and what protection they actually need.

3. Why this transition matters for your family’s long-term protection

Properly moving adult children off your policies isn’t only about following guidelines. It helps protect everyone involved.

For parents, it ensures:

• Claims are processed correctly
• Your policy accurately reflects your household
• You avoid future rate adjustments or coverage issues caused by outdated information

For your children, it provides:

• A clear introduction to managing their own coverage
• A sense of responsibility and independence
• Protection that is tailored to their specific lifestyle and needs

Supporting them through this process also helps them avoid missteps that could affect them financially for years, such as insufficient liability limits, lapses in coverage, or policies that don’t match their risk factors.

4. How to start the transition

Heading into a new year is the ideal time to review all family insurance policies. Here’s a simple process to follow:

Step 1: Review birthdays and key dates
Identify which children are turning 26 or who recently moved out.

Step 2: Communicate early
Give them time to prepare, research plans, and ask questions.

Step 3: Evaluate coverage options together
Walk through pricing, coverage levels, and what each policy actually provides.

Step 4: Update your policies
Notify your insurance agency about changes in residency, vehicle location, or household members.

Step 5: Support, don’t rush
This is a learning moment. Helping them understand the “why” behind these changes sets them up for success.

Transitioning your children off your insurance is a natural step as they move into adulthood. It ensures accuracy, protects your family, and gives your child the tools to manage their own health and financial well-being.

As you head into the new year, use this moment to review your policies, make any needed adjustments, and help your children step confidently into their next chapter. If you’d like guidance, a review of your current coverage, or help finding the right fit for your family, our team is always here to support you. Find the coverage you need HERE.