Can someone else be the primary driver of my car?

Asked by: Prof. Angelina Walker  |  Last update: August 6, 2023
Score: 4.1/5 (32 votes)

Primary Driver Is Not Owner
Someone may be listed as the primary driver on an auto policy and not own the car. Furthermore, primary driver status does not mean the driver is responsible for paying the car loan.

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.

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.

Does the owner have to be the main driver?

The main driver (or vehicle policyholder) is the person who drives the vehicle most often and earns no claims discount. They do not need to be the principle policyholder but they must live at the same address as them.

2017 Car Insurance Coverage | Can Someone Else Drive My Car

21 related questions found

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 I be the registered keeper of a car but not own it?

The registered keeper should be the person who is actually using / keeping the vehicle and this is not necessarily the owner of the vehicle or the person who is paying for it.

Can I share car insurance with someone else?

If both cars are kept at the same address overnight, you can share a policy, even if you drive different vehicles or don't share a last name. Adding a roommate to your auto insurance will raise the cost of your individual policy, but it could be lower than the combined cost of two separate policies.

Can I add my friend to my car insurance?

Generally, you can add anyone that you'd like to your auto insurance policy. Often, drivers listed on the policy must live in the same household as the policyholder, but that's not always the case. Generally, anyone who has frequent access to your vehicle should be added as a driver.

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.

Can I change the main driver on my car insurance?

Letting someone borrow your car

With most car insurance policies, you can let other people drive your car by adding them as a named driver. But if they start using it more than you, that could be a problem. The person who does the bulk of the driving needs to be listed as the "main driver".

Can you be a named driver on your own car?

Does a named driver need their own insurance? No, you do not need your own insurance policy as a named driver. The entire point is that named drivers can be added to an existing policy. The only time you would need your own insurance, is if you wanted to be the main driver of your own car.

What happens if you are caught fronting?

Fronting is car insurance fraud, and it's against the law. The consequences are severe – voided or cancelled policies, substantial fines, up to six points on your driving licence and a potential driving ban. The main driver should be the person who spends the most time in the car.

What are primary drivers?

The primary drivers, sometimes referred to as “key drivers,” are system components or factors which contribute directly to achieving the aim. Secondary drivers are actions, interventions, or lower-level components necessary to achieve the primary drivers.

What happens if someone wrecks your car and they aren't on your insurance?

That means any damages to the car you've borrowed won't be covered by your insurance and you may need to pay out of your own pocket. The car owner's insurance is not likely to cover the damages unless you're a named driver.

What is the definition of primary driver?

A primary driver is the main user of a vehicle. They are the person who, in most cases, leases or purchases a vehicle and takes out a policy. Primary drivers use the vehicle the majority of the time. Every insured vehicle is assigned a primary driver.

Can I add someone who doesn't live with me to my car insurance?

No, you cannot add someone who doesn't live with you to your car insurance in most cases. College-aged students who aren't living at home but still use their parents' home as their permanent address are the biggest exception to this rule.

Can someone else insure my car if the title is under my name?

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.

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.

Do you need to have the same address to be on the same car insurance?

Generally speaking, your car insurance address must be the same as your vehicle registration address. While specific requirements can vary by state, it's always a good idea to use the same address for your car insurance policy, vehicle registration and driver's license.

Can I drive my girlfriends car on my insurance?

You can drive someone else's car if you have DOC insurance or you are a named driver, but otherwise you mustn't do so.

Does a named driver have to live at same address?

Does a named driver have to live at the same address as the main driver? No, someone does not have to live at the same address as you to be added as a named driver to your policy.

Can I drive a car not registered in my name?

You can only legally do so if you have DOC cover in place or you're already insured on the other person's car. If you're not, you won't be legally permitted to drive the car – even in an emergency.

What is the difference between the owner and registered keeper?

The owner is the person who bought the car or the person who has been gifted the vehicle. The registered keeper is the main user of the car. A company car is a common example of when a registered keeper and owner are different. The company owns the car and the employee who drives the car is the registered keeper.

Can someone drive my car if they are not on my insurance UK?

Myth 2: Other people can drive my car if I've said I don't mind. FACT: Many people may think it's just a case of giving permission, but it's not as simple as that. If someone else wants to drive your car, they will need their own car insurance with driving other cars cover. They will not be covered under your policy.