Named Driver
Adding a named driver to your car insurance policy is a great way to save money on your premiums.
What Is Named Driver Car Insurance?
Named driver insurance, also known as additional driver insurance, is an add-on to your car insurance policy that covers additional drivers. You (the main driver) and any named drivers will be able to legally drive your car if you have named driver car insurance.
There are numerous reasons to add extra drivers to your car insurance policy. For example, if you are a parent whose children are beginning to drive on their own, you can add them to your policy.
One of the most significant advantages of adding a named driver is that it lowers the cost of your car insurance and makes insurance for other drivers in your household more affordable.
Key Points
- With named driver car insurance, the main driver and any named drivers will be able to legally file for a claim.
- The named driver will get to enjoy the same level of cover as the main driver, as specified in the policy.
- When adding an extra driver to your policy, try to avoid fronting.
How Much Coverage Will the Named Driver Recieve?
The named driver will get to enjoy the same level of cover as the main driver, as specified in the policy. As with all car insurance policies, there are 3 types of covers:
- Third party covers – this is the minimum level of cover that protects you against damage you caused to another driver and their property.
- Third party, fire, and theft – this also protects you against damage you caused to another driver and their property. However, it also protects your own vehicle against theft and fire damage.
- Comprehesive – This is the most expensive cover. You will be covered if your car is stolen or damaged by collisions, fire, natural disasters, and more.
How do I add additional drivers to my car insurance policy?
There are 2 options for adding a named driver after getting the consent of the driver that you want to add.
When you’re renewing your policy – It is possible to add a maximum of 4 named drivers upon policy renewal. Make sure to tell your insurer or broker if you want to add any drivers to your policy upon renewal.
When you have already got car insurance – If you have already purchased an insurance policy, you can contact your insurer and tell them that you want to add another driver to the policy. In most cases, you will have to pay a fee for making changes to your policy. However, the price of your premium won’t typically change. Keep in mind that every insurer has the right to reject an extra driver if they think they are high risk.
One of the main benefits of adding a named driver is that it drives down the price of your car insurance.
What Happens to My No-Claims Bonus?
No claims bonuses are unlikely to accumulate overtime for named drivers, even though they’ve been driving on your policy for years, they’ll have to start over when they get their own benefits. If the additional driver causes an accident in your vehicle and you have to file a claim with your insurance, you will usually lose your no-claims bonus.
Some insurers may allow named drivers to accumulate a no claims bonus on rare occasions. There will, however, be some restrictions. You may, for example, be compelled to remain with the insurer.
The coverage provided by named driver insurance will be identical to that provided by your primary policy.
What to Avoid When Adding Additional Drivers to My Car Insurance?
When adding someone else to your car insurance policy, you should try to avoid ‘fronting.’
Fronting is when you name someone, usually someone older and more skilled, as the primary driver on your car insurance policy in order to get lower premiums. It is mostly done by new and young drivers who sometimes name older and more experienced drivers, such as their parents or older brother.
Although doing this will reduce the premium costs, it is not advisable, nor it is recommended. Fronting is illegal, and if you are proven to have done fronting, your policy will become invalid.
When the named driver eventually becomes the primary driver, you have to notify the insurance company. However, it is not possible to change the primary driver halfway through the policy. You will usually have to cancel the policy, and the named driver will have to get their own car insurance. In this case, you can be listed as a named driver only on their policy.