How to add a new driver to your car insurance policy
Maybe you and your significant other are finally moving in together. Maybe your kid is finally old enough to drive. Whatever the reason, if someone else is going to regularly use your car youl have to add them to your car insurance policy as another driver.
Adding a new driver to your car insurance isn’t very hard, but it pays to be prepared when shopping for financial products. It goes a lot smoother when you know what you want to get and why – especially when dealing with insurance companies. Here’s a crash course in adding new drivers to your car insurance policy:
Who can be added to your policy?
Insurers don’t place limits on who you can add to your policy. However, a new driver will be treated almost as if they are getting their own policy. They will be quoted based on their driving experience and history. If a company denies them coverage for having multiple serious traffic violations or other high risk factors, you won’t be able to add them to your policy. (If they’re that risky, maybe that’s for the best.)
Like any other insurance coverage, the driver’s risk profile plays a big part in determining how expensive a policy is. If you’re adding a new driver who is constantly pulled over, or who has had several fender benders, or is simply just young and inexperienced, be prepared to pay more for your coverage. In these cases, it can be a good idea to ask the new driver to their costs.
Information you need to add a new driver to your car insurance policy
The second driver needs to provide all the same personal information you did when the policy was taken out:
- Name
- Address
- Date of birth
- Marital status
- Employment information
- Your relationship to each other
- Driving history
- Insurance history
Call your insurance company to ask about specific procedures.
Is it right for you?
There’s a risk to adding a new driver to your car insurance. If you have a spotless claims record, you’re opening up the possibility of the new driver ruining that. But if someone is going to make regular use of your car over a long period of time, you should add them to your policy. If it’s just someone visiting, a temporary car insurance policy is usually available if you talk to your insurer.
Adding a second driver won’t work if you’re a young driver who just wants to save money by putting your car under your parent’s name. Companies are wary of having the same primary driver on two cars in one household. Either way, it’s considered fraud if the named primary driver isn’t actually driving the vehicle in question.
Adding a second driver to your policy is perfect for when your teen gets their licence and occasionally borrows your car. It’s also good for when you get married or move in with your significant other.