While there’s no fee for adding a driver to your car insurance policy, it may change your rates. Your rates may go up or down depending on who that driver is.
For example, adding an experienced driver with a clean record to your car insurance policy typically will not cost you more money. However, your insurer may charge you more if you add a driver with recent accidents or traffic violations to your policy. How much more will depend on how risky your insurance company considers the additional driver to be.
If you are a parent and you add a young driver to your policy, it will likely cost more to insure them on your policy. Insurance companies consider teens and drivers younger than 26 high-risk drivers, so they pay higher rates than other age groups.
- Adding a driver to your car insurance policy can affect your premiums based on factors like the driver’s age, experience and driving record.
- To add a driver, contact your insurance company directly, either online, through their app or by phone.
- Young, inexperienced drivers or those with a history of accidents typically increase insurance costs.
Can you add a driver to your car insurance policy?
Yes, you can add a driver to your car insurance policy. This is commonly done when someone, like a family member or a friend who uses your car regularly, needs to be covered under your insurance.
To add a driver, contact your insurance company and provide them with the driver’s information. Your insurance company will then review this information and adjust your policy accordingly. Depending on the new driver’s driving record and other factors, this might change your insurance premium. Adding a driver ensures that everyone who drives your car is covered in case of an accident.
What will insurers need to know about the additional driver?
When adding a driver, your car insurance company will typically want to know the following about the person you are adding to your policy:
- Name
- Age
- Marital status
- Address
- Occupation
- Driving record, including tickets and accidents
- Driver’s license number and state
When you provide this information, the insurance company can tell you how the new driver will affect your rates.
Who should be listed as an additional driver?
Listing an additional driver on your car insurance policy is important if someone regularly drives your car. Here’s a look at who you should add.
- Household members: Anyone who lives with you and may drive your car should be listed. This includes family members or partners.
- Frequent borrowers: If you have a friend or relative who regularly borrows your car, it’s wise to list them.
- Teen drivers: If you have teenage drivers in your household, they must be listed once they get their driver’s license. Insurance companies generally require that all licensed family members in a household be listed on the policy.
- Occasional drivers: Depending on your insurance policy’s terms, those who might drive your car occasionally, such as a friend borrowing it for a short trip, probably do not need to be listed. They will be covered under permissive use. However, if this becomes a regular occurrence, they should be added.
“If a child is away at college or school but will be operating the vehicle occasionally, they can be added to the policy. If someone does not live at the same address or state, they can still be added to the policy if they will have regular access to the vehicle or intend on driving the vehicle occasionally,” says Lauren McKenzie, an insurance broker/agent at A Plus Insurance.
When should you add someone to your car insurance?
You should consider adding someone to your car insurance policy in the following situations:
- If someone in your household drives your car regularly, they should be added to your policy.
- Once your teenager gets a driver’s license, you must add them to your policy to ensure they are covered.
- If your partner lives with you and uses your vehicle frequently, adding them to your policy is wise. Once you’re married, your insurer might require you to be on the same insurance policy.
- If you have a friend or relative staying with you long-term who uses your car, consider adding them to your insurance.
In general, anyone who regularly uses your car and lives with you should be listed on your policy to avoid issues with coverage in the event of an accident. It’s always a good idea to check with your insurance provider for specific guidelines and requirements.
How do you add a driver to your policy?
You can usually add a driver to your policy by calling your insurance company or using their website or mobile app.
The insurer may require documentation to prove the new driver’s identity or details about their driving record. Adding another driver can change your insurance premium. The insurer will assess the risk associated with the new driver based on factors like age, driving experience and driving record.
Review your policy regularly and update it as necessary, especially if the driving situation for any of the listed drivers changes.
Will my car insurance go up if I add a driver to my car insurance?
Adding a driver to your car insurance policy could increase your premium. Younger drivers, especially those under 25, are typically seen as higher risk and can cause a significant increase in insurance costs due to their statistically higher accident rates.
If the new driver has a history of traffic violations, accidents, or DUI/DWI convictions, these factors can also lead to higher premiums due to the increased risk.
Inexperienced drivers, regardless of age, are often more costly to insure. In some states, a driver’s credit history can also impact insurance rates. Adding a driver with a poor credit score might increase premiums.
What happens if a driver is not listed on an insurance policy?
Some insurance policies may deny coverage if an unlisted driver is involved in an accident. This could mean that the costs of damages and injuries may not be covered, leaving the policyholder or the unlisted driver legally and financially responsible for the damages.
An unlisted driver using your car may be considered a violation of the policy terms. It could result in a premium increase, policy cancellation or nonrenewal of the policy.
Can I add a driver to my car insurance temporarily?
Temporarily adding someone to your car insurance isn’t difficult – you can add drivers or vehicles to your policy at any time.
How do insurers calculate the cost of adding a driver?
Insurers determine the cost of adding a driver to a car insurance policy by evaluating several factors related to the new driver and their overall risk. One of the primary considerations is the driver’s age and experience; younger drivers and those with less driving experience are typically seen as higher risk, which can increase the premium.
The new driver’s driving record also plays a crucial role—drivers with a history of accidents or traffic violations will increase insurance premiums due to their higher perceived risk.
Final thoughts
Adding a driver to your car insurance policy can influence your premiums. Factors such as the driver’s age, experience and driving history play a crucial role. For instance, younger drivers or those with a history of accidents may lead to higher insurance costs compared to older, more experienced drivers or those with clean records.
Since each situation is unique, contact your insurer for a precise quote to understand how much adding a driver will affect your policy’s cost.
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Laura Longero is an insurance expert and Executive Editor at CarInsurance.com, where she specializes in helping consumers navigate the complexities of the financial and insurance industries. She has 15 years of experience educating people about finance and car insurance. Prior to joining CarInsurance.com, she worked as a reporter and editor at the USA Today Network. Her expertise provides readers with practical guidance, helping them make informed choices about their financial and insurance needs.
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