Do I have to list other drivers on my insurance?

Asked by: Mrs. Shayna Kuhic  |  Last update: February 13, 2025
Score: 4.3/5 (58 votes)

You should add any regular drivers of your car to your insurance policy so that damages from accidents are covered. Also, you can add any drivers that live at your permanent address, and most insurance companies will require it. Some states may allow you to exclude a driver from being covered by the policy.

What happens if you don't add a driver to your insurance?

A driver who lives in your household and isn't listed on your auto policy may be denied coverage if they borrow your vehicle and are involved in an accident. Family members who live in your household and drive your vehicle, including a teenager or your significant other, should be listed as drivers on your policy.

Do household members have to be listed on your insurance policy?

In general, everyone that is 14 years and older who resides within your household should be listed on your policy, regardless of whether or not they have a driver's license. Any other regular operators of vehicles, including children away from home or in college (licensed or not), should be listed as well.

Do I need to list additional drivers?

Yes, all drivers who you expect will repeatedly drive your car should be listed, apart from learner drivers who are not required to be listed.

What happens if my friend is driving my car and gets in an accident?

Insurance Coverage: Generally, the car owner's insurance policy will cover the damages if someone else is driving their vehicle with permission. This means that the insurance could pay for repairs to the car, medical expenses, and liability for damages to other vehicles or property.

Should you add a second driver to your insurance policy?

21 related questions found

What happens if a driver is not listed on an insurance policy?

You regularly allow a family member or friend to drive your car, but they aren't named on your auto policy. If this person gets in an accident while driving your car, your insurance company will likely deny your claim, leaving you liable for the damages.

What if my boyfriend drives my car and has an accident?

If you let someone else drive your car and they get in an accident, your insurance company would likely be responsible for paying the claim, depending on the coverages in your policy. The claim would go on your insurance record and could affect your car insurance rates in the future.

Do you have to be listed as a driver on insurance?

If you don't add a regular driver to your insurance, your insurer may deny coverage for any claims involving that driver or even cancel your policy. If you didn't add a regular driver to your insurance and they get into an accident, you will likely be held financially responsible for all parties.

When should I add another driver?

Teen drivers and college students need to be added to your policy if they have a learner's permit or a valid driver license. Roommates who live in your household and regularly operate your vehicle should be added to your policy.

Does it cost more to add a driver to your insurance?

Typically, adding drivers to your policy can increase your premium. For example, there is a reason adding a teenage or newly licensed driver to an auto policy can result in an increase in insurance premiums.

Do I need to add my friend to my car insurance?

You should add any regular drivers of your car to your insurance policy so that damages from accidents are covered. Also, you can add any drivers that live at your permanent address, and most insurance companies will require it. Some states may allow you to exclude a driver from being covered by the policy.

Does it matter whose name is on an insurance policy?

Insurance Credit Scoring

As you may or may not know, credit makes a huge difference for many insurance company's when determining rates for policies like your auto and home insurance. In many instances, the insurance company will only run an insurance score based on credit on the name who is listed first on the policy.

Can my wife drive my car if she's not on my insurance?

Usually, yes. Your car insurance coverage should be able to extend to anyone else driving your car. Even if someone isn't listed on the policy, they can operate your vehicle. If you explicitly name someone as an excluded driver in your policy, however, none of this applies to them.

Can I drive my boyfriend's car if I'm not on his insurance?

If you're specifically listed on the car owner's insurance policy, you'll be covered when driving that car – even if it's not your own. If you're not on the owner's policy, applicable coverage will again depend on consent.

Do I have to list my roommate on my car insurance?

To ensure coverage, your roommate should be listed as a driver on your policy before they drive your vehicle. Damage to your vehicle may be covered if you've given your roommate permission to drive your car and they aren't listed on your policy, but it will depend on the situation and the insurer.

What is the difference between named insured and listed driver?

If you have a named driver car insurance policy, the only drivers covered in the event of a crash are those specifically listed on the auto policy. If you allow your friend — unlisted on the named driver policy — to borrow your vehicle and they get into an accident, you would have no coverage.

What happens if I don't add my teenager to my car insurance?

Failing to add your teenager to your auto insurance can lead to coverage denial, legal penalties and policy cancellation. Lack of driving experience and perceived higher risk contribute to higher car premiums for teen drivers.

Is it worth adding an additional driver?

Is it worth adding an additional driver? Adding an additional driver for the short term is likely to cost you more than it's worth, however in the long run and with the right additional driver – it can certainly be a good way of reducing what you pay for your car insurance.

Can I drive my friend's rental car?

Yes. If the renter wishes to add an Additional Driver, the renter and potential Additional Driver must both present themselves at a rental location with their valid driver's license and credit card. The Additional Driver must meet standard rental requirements.

What happens if I don't list a driver on my insurance?

Penalties for not listing drivers on car insurance can include fines, license or registration suspension and even legal consequences like jail time.

What happens if someone borrows your car and gets in an accident?

Vehicle Owners Are Liable Under California Law

This law holds a vehicle's owner responsible for collisions caused by the driver of the vehicle – even if the driver is not the owner. Liability is determined by identifying the actual owner of the vehicle.

Does it matter who is listed as the primary driver?

Whoever primarily drives the vehicle the most should be rated as the principal or primary driver on the policy. Being the primary driver of one of your household vehicles will affect your policy premium rates.

Who is liable if someone else is driving your car?

Usually, a car insurance policy covers the vehicle itself, not the person driving it, and that means the liability coverage (which is required by California law) should cover the friend. California is an at-fault state, which means the driver responsible for an accident is the one whose insurance will be the primary ...

What happens if someone else wrecks my car?

If your friend or any family members get into an accident while behind the wheel of your vehicle, liability will also take into account whether or not they had driver's permission. California's laws on insurance coverage mean that the car insurance will follow the vehicle, no matter who is driving it.

How does insurance work when driving someone else's car?

Car Insurance Coverage When You Drive Someone Else's Car

In general, car insurance will typically follow the car no matter who is driving it (assuming the driver has permission to drive it).