Can I change the main driver on my car insurance?

Asked by: Kade Johnston Sr.  |  Last update: October 5, 2022
Score: 4.8/5 (39 votes)

Unfortunately, you can't switch the car insurance policy from your name to his, but you can help him set up an insurance policy under his name. Car insurance is a legal contract between you and the insurance company.

Does it matter who the primary driver is on car insurance?

Insurance companies assign each car to one primary driver, and they use the primary driver's driving record and risk profile to calculate its rates. If your teenager is a primary driver of a car, you will likely pay more than usual because the teen poses a lot more risk than an adult driver.

Can you put someone else as the main driver?

Car insurance fronting – where someone declares themselves as the main driver of a car even though it will be someone else – is illegal.

How do I switch my car insurance to another person?

You cannot switch car insurance to another person, as the car insurance company will need to calculate a new premium for the other person before writing them a policy. Since car insurance rates depend on a person's individual characteristics, such as age and driving record, policies are not transferable.

Can the policy holder be different to the main driver?

Does the policyholder have to be the main driver? Generally, insurance policies are set up with the policyholder also being the main driver of the car. It's worth noting that it's illegal for anyone other than the main driver to be placed as the policy holder, this is 'fronting'.

Who Needs To Be Added As A Driver On My Car Insurance?

15 related questions found

Can you own a car but not be the main driver?

But the main driver doesn't necessarily have to be the owner or the registered keeper. This is pretty common for married couples. If you're married, one of you can own the car and be the registered keeper. But if your spouse drives the car more often than you do, they'll need to be listed as the "main driver".

Can I be the main driver and not the policyholder?

The main driver is the person that uses the car most frequently – they must be aged 70 years old and below, with at least 2 years' valid driving licence. He does not need to be the policyholder (car owner). He should be the person using the car most frequently.

Can you transfer insurance to a friend?

Car insurance follows the vehicle – not the individual. Your car insurance policy will provide liability coverage for yourself (say, if you're driving a friend's vehicle and cause injuries or damage), but your insurance will not transfer to a friend's car.

Is there a penalty for Cancelling car insurance?

If you cancel your insurance policy before your policy expiry / renewal date, your insurance company will typically charge a percentage of your total insurance premium for the year that is higher than the per day amount would be. This is called a short rate cancellation penalty.

Can you cancel your car insurance at any time?

Fortunately, auto insurance companies generally give you the right to cancel your policy at any time as long as you provide proper notice. While most auto insurers will likely refund your unused premium, some may charge a fee if you choose to cancel in the middle of your policy term.

Can you have 2 main drivers on the same car?

You and your partner can both take out separate policies for the same car. Car insurance policies are for both the vehicle and the driver, so it's perfectly fine, legal and common for two people to be insured on the same vehicle under separate policies. There are a few reasons why you might consider doing this.

Can a named driver be the main driver?

As a named driver you will be given the same level of cover as the vehicle's main driver. Named driver policies are only appropriate if the named driver is not the main driver (main user) or the owner of the vehicle. Named drivers should be careful to avoid 'fronting', a form of insurance fraud.

Can a car be in your name but insured by someone else?

While the person who owns the car is usually the one who insures it, most states will allow someone other than the owner to pay for a car policy. However, many driver's insurance providers will only insure a car if the policyholder and car owner are the same.

Is it cheaper to be insured as a second driver?

How much does car insurance cost with a named driver? Adding a named driver often makes the premiums cheaper because it's assumed you'll spend less time driving, since the car is shared. This reduces your probability of having an accident and making a claim, which is reflected in cheaper car insurance quotes.

What does adding a driver to your insurance do?

Adding a driver to your policy means they're an insured driver under your policy when they drive your car. So, if they get into an accident, your insurer is more likely to cover the damage than for an unlisted driver. Sharing a policy with someone typically means both of your vehicles are covered under one policy.

Is fronting illegal?

So it's understandable that a parent or carer might want to insure a car in their name when they're not the main driver, to help ease the financial burden a bit. But this is known as car insurance fronting. It's a type of car insurance fraud, it's illegal and could land you with a criminal record.

How much does it cost to cancel insurance?

You shouldn't have to pay a cancellation fee, although some companies may try to charge you. You do, however, have to pay for the days you've been insured. If you paid for the policy in one lump sum, you should get the rest of your money back. Your insurer might deduct the cost of the days you were insured.

Can I cancel my insurance if I sell my car?

Can I cancel car insurance? Simply put, yes you can cancel your car insurance. Whether you should or not depends on the circumstances. If you're selling your car, you should once it's been sold so you're not paying for a car you don't own — but also don't do it before it leaves your ownership.

Can I cancel my car insurance if I pay monthly?

Can I cancel my car insurance if I pay monthly? Yes. Plenty of people choose to pay their car insurance monthly, and there's nothing to stop you from cancelling. Just tell your insurance provider that you want to cancel and they'll arrange it for you.

Can I add my boyfriend to my car insurance?

Most insurers allow you to add a significant other, such as a boyfriend, girlfriend, fiancé, or domestic partner, to your car insurance policy if you live together. Depending on the insurer, a significant other can also add their vehicle to a joint policy if both cars are kept at the same permanent residence.

Are insurance policies transferable?

In short, no, home insurance cannot be transferred to a new owner because insurance providers rate each policy on a case-by-case basis. If you remove your name from your home insurance policy, your policy would cancel, meaning the new owner has to apply for their own insurance policy.

Can you be the main driver on two insurance policies?

The main and named driver have the same level of cover on the car. But a named driver could be the main driver on another vehicle. You can be the main driver of more than one car. But insurance companies will often question it... to check for fronting.

Can you be insured on a car you don't own?

You can insure a vehicle you don't own, but you must tell the insurer that you're neither the registered keeper nor the owner. The registered keeper is the person named on the registration certificate; the owner is the person who bought it. Often this is the same person but occasionally it isn't.

Can my dad insure my car?

You cannot be on your parents' car insurance if the car is in your name and you are listed as the sole owner. Your parents can't insure your car unless they are listed as owners. So if you are thinking about buying your own car, it is a good idea to ask for quotes from several insurance companies first.

Can insurance be under someone else's name?

Can a car be registered and insured in different names? Most U.S. states allow their residents to register and insure their vehicles under different names. However, using separate names for the registration and insurance of a car may confuse the insurer and affect payment of settlements to insured drivers.