Can the main driver be different to the policyholder?

Asked by: Dr. Velva Wuckert  |  Last update: July 18, 2023
Score: 4.3/5 (25 votes)

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'.

Can you be the main driver but not the policy holder?

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.

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.

Does it matter who the primary driver is?

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.

Does a named driver have the same cover as the main driver?

A named driver is someone who is insured to drive a vehicle in which another person does most of the driving. When driving that vehicle, the named driver will have the same level of cover as the main driver. They may also be referred to as an additional driver.

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41 related questions found

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 the 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 primary driver on car I do not own?

Primary drivers

In simple terms, the primary driver is the person who drives the insured vehicle more than anyone else. The primary driver does not have to be the owner of the vehicle.

Can I change main driver on 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".

Does it matter who owns the car for insurance?

No matter who the driver is, as long as they have the car owner's consent to drive the car, the owner's policy will offer coverage. The car owner's insurance coverage should cover injury and property damage. Exceptions do occur, which is why it's critical to discuss them with an insurance agent.

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 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.

What is a primary driver?

The primary driver is the person who drives the car most. The automobile insurance company uses information about the primary driver and the vehicle to determine the amount of your insurance premium for the coverage.

Can a secondary driver have a different address?

Yes if you don't live in the same home and it's not often. But it is advisable to get added onto their insurance if you drive their vehicle regularly.

Is fronting illegal?

Fronting is illegal, carrying serious consequences that can include a criminal record. Find out what this form of insurance fraud is, how you might accidentally do it, and why it should be avoided.

Does the named driver have to own the car?

So, if you are a named driver on your parents' vehicle, but you also have your own car with which you are the main driver, then of course, you will need a separate insurance policy to cover you for your own vehicle before driving.

Will additional driver lose no claims if main driver has accident?

Your level of no claims discount won't be affected, even if you add a named driver with absolutely no car insurance history. But, if a named driver has an accident whilst driving your car, it will affect your no claims discount in exactly the same way as if you, yourself, had been behind the wheel.

Can you be a named driver without your own insurance?

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.

Can my wife and I have separate car insurance?

Yes, you can have two separate policies. This can have its benefits in some cases. However, you will still need to be listed on each other's policies as household members/spouses but you can be excluded. Being excluded means you would not be covered under the policy at all.

How does 2nd driver insurance work?

Named driver insurance (sometimes called additional driver insurance) is cover for extra drivers added to your car insurance policy. It means the people you add can legally drive your car – you don't have to be in it either. Named drivers usually have the same level of cover as the policyholder.

Does registered keeper have to be policyholder?

Does a registered keeper have to be a policy holder? Technically, the registered keeper of a car doesn't need to be the insurance policy holder for that car. But some insurers won't let you be the policy holder unless you're the registered keeper.

Can my boyfriend take my car if it's in his name?

Under the law, all of the vehicles that are in your name will be considered yours. This is not to say that he will not have any claims here, just that as a threshold matter they are in your name therefore the law considers them to belong to you.

Can I drive someone else's car with their insurance?

As we've seen, driving other cars (DOC) insurance isn't usually included as part of a fully comprehensive policy. Unless your policy states otherwise, you'll only be able to drive your partner's car if they've added you as a named driver or have a family or any driver car insurance policy.

Can a car be insured twice for different drivers?

The short answer is 'no'. The long answer is that there's generally no advantage to having double policies for your car insurance. The only time you might want an extra insurance policy is if you have two cars or are driving someone else's.

Can you add a car you don't own to your insurance?

Here are some of the best ways to get insurance for a car that's not registered to you: State an additional interest: You can add the owner of the vehicle to your own insurance policy as an additional interest. This is the easiest and most common way to get insurance for a vehicle that isn't yours.