What Is Broad Form Car Insurance Coverage?

Last Updated on December 29, 2025

Broad form auto insurance (also called a named operator or named driver policy) is a driver-based policy that typically provides liability-only coverage for one specific driver. It’s often cheaper than a traditional policy, but it comes with major limitations that can leave you paying out of pocket after a loss.

The big difference is what the policy “follows.” Most auto policies are built around the vehicle. Broad form coverage is built around the driver—so it can be appealing for people who drive multiple cars, borrow cars, or want the minimum required coverage at the lowest price.

That said, broad form coverage is not available everywhere, and it’s not a great fit for most households. Below is how it works, what it covers, the biggest gaps to know, and when it might (or might not) make sense for you.

Key Takeaways

• Broad form auto insurance is usually a driver-based, liability-only policy that covers one named driver rather than one specific vehicle.
• It typically does not cover other drivers, and it usually does not include collision or comprehensive coverage for the car you’re driving.
• Broad form coverage is only available in select states and may not be offered by every insurer—even where it’s legal.
• It can be cost-effective for solo drivers who never share vehicles, but it can be financially risky if you can’t afford the gaps.

What Is Broad Form Auto Insurance?

Broad form auto insurance is typically a minimal policy designed to satisfy state-required liability coverage. Think of it as the simplest form of liability coverage—but written for a named driver instead of being built around one specific vehicle.

Even though it can be inexpensive, broad form coverage often comes with tradeoffs that can be financially brutal after an accident or theft. Before buying, it’s worth remembering that the cheapest insurance isn’t always the best insurance—especially if it creates gaps you can’t afford to cover yourself.

How Broad Form Auto Insurance Works

Broad form insurance is designed to cover the named insured driver while operating eligible private passenger vehicles for personal use (rules vary by state and insurer). It generally does not cover a household of drivers.

This is the opposite of how most policies work. Traditional auto insurance generally follows the vehicle first, then the driver as a secondary layer in many situations. If you want the full breakdown, see does car insurance follow the car or the driver?

What Broad Form Coverage Typically Pays For

Broad form policies are usually limited to liability-related losses you cause to others, such as:

• Bodily injury liability (injuries to other people)
• Property damage liability (damage you cause to someone else’s vehicle or property)

Some carriers may allow add-ons in certain states (or include certain coverages where required by law), but broad form is generally designed to be “bare bones.”

What Broad Form Auto Insurance Usually Does Not Cover

Broad form insurance is best understood by its exclusions. Depending on your state and carrier, common gaps include:

No Coverage for Other Drivers

Broad form insurance typically covers only the driver named on the policy. If someone else drives the car, they’re usually not covered by your broad form policy. This is a big risk if you ever share your vehicle—learn more about whether someone can drive your car if they’re not on your insurance.

No Collision Coverage for Your Vehicle

Broad form policies usually don’t include collision coverage, which means you’re typically on the hook for repairing or replacing the vehicle you were driving if you cause an accident.

No Comprehensive Coverage for Theft, Vandalism, or Weather

Broad form policies typically don’t include comprehensive coverage, which is what pays for non-collision losses like theft, vandalism, falling objects, fire, hail, and animal damage.

Often Limited (or Excluded) for Business Use and Commercial Driving

Broad form coverage is usually meant for personal driving. If you use a vehicle for deliveries, rideshare, or business driving, you may need a different policy structure. Here’s when commercial auto insurance may be required.

Uninsured Motorist Coverage May Not Be Included

Many broad form policies focus on liability only. Depending on your state, uninsured motorist coverage (and underinsured motorist coverage) may be optional, required, unavailable, or offered only as an add-on. Don’t assume you’re protected—confirm what your policy includes.

Broad Form vs. Standard Liability vs. Non-Owner Insurance

These policy types can sound similar because they’re often “liability-first” and budget-friendly. Here’s a simple way to compare them:

If you own multiple vehicles, broad form can look appealing. But many households can still get competitive pricing with a standard policy (and better protection) thanks to multi-car discounts.

Who Should Consider Broad Form Auto Insurance?

Broad form insurance tends to make the most sense in narrow situations, such as:

• You are the only driver who will ever operate the vehicle(s)
• You’re comfortable paying out of pocket if the vehicle you’re driving is damaged, stolen, or totaled
• You need a minimal policy to maintain continuous coverage and meet state requirements (such as for reinstatement situations)

If you have a spouse, partner, roommates, teenage drivers, or anyone who might drive your vehicle even occasionally, broad form coverage can be a risky mismatch.

States Where Broad Form Auto Insurance May Be Available

Broad form auto insurance is only offered in select states, and not every insurer in those states sells it. It’s currently available in:

• Colorado
• Delaware
• Idaho
• Iowa
• Maryland
• Mississippi
• Nebraska
• Nevada
• Ohio
• Tennessee
• Washington

Because insurance laws and accepted policy forms can change, always confirm whether broad form meets minimum requirements where you live by checking state-by-state auto insurance requirements and reviewing your DMV guidance.

Pros and Cons of Broad Form Auto Insurance

Pros

• Often lower cost than standard policies because coverage is limited
• Simpler for a single driver who drives different eligible vehicles
• May help maintain continuous coverage when you’re between vehicles or need a minimal policy

Cons

• Only one named driver is typically covered
• No protection for your vehicle in most cases (no collision/comprehensive)
• Often limited for business use (deliveries, rideshare, commercial driving)
• May not meet lender/lease requirements if you have a financed vehicle
• Limited availability (only offered in certain states and by certain carriers)

FAQs on Broad Form Auto Insurance

Final Word on Broad Form Auto Insurance

Broad form auto insurance can be a low-cost way to carry basic liability protection in certain states, especially for a solo driver who never shares vehicles. But it’s also one of the easiest ways to end up underinsured.

Before you buy, confirm (1) it’s available in your state, (2) it meets your legal requirements, (3) it covers the types of driving you actually do, and (4) you’re financially prepared for what it doesn’t cover.