Does insurance go up if you add a driver?

Asked by: Susie Koss I  |  Last update: February 15, 2025
Score: 5/5 (9 votes)

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.

Will adding another driver increase my premium?

Yes, adding a named driver to your policy would affect your insurance premium to account for the named driver insurance risk factor. Additionally, if the named driver gets into an accident, for instance, the claim would go under your shared vehicle policy, impacting your overall premium.

What happens when you add someone to your car insurance?

Adding a driver to your policy means they're covered under your policy when they drive your car. If they get into an accident, your insurer is more likely to cover the damage. Sharing a car insurance policy, on the other hand, typically means both of your vehicles are covered under one policy.

Does it cost extra to add a driver to insurance?

In some cases, adding a driver to your policy can affect your premium, but not always. Many factors determine the cost of adding a driver, like driver relationship, age, driving history, past claims, and driving records.

Why did my insurance go up when I added a driver?

Adding a driver to your car insurance can increase your premium. Younger and less experienced drivers usually have higher premiums and can increase your premiums, while a clean driving record can help keep costs down.

Should you add a second driver to your insurance policy?

20 related questions found

How much will my insurance go up with a new driver?

Be sure to weigh your options carefully. By state, those in California experience the highest average percentage increase. Adding a 21-year-old driver boosts the cost of insurance by an average of 191.4%, from $2,062 to $6,009, or $3,947. It's followed by North Carolina (154.8%) and New Jersey (144.1%).

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.

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

When it comes to insurance coverage, policies in California typically follow the vehicle, meaning that your policy would cover damages even if someone else was driving your car. However, there are exceptions to this coverage, which we will discuss in the following subsections.

When should you add a driver to your insurance?

You can usually add a driver to your insurance policy at any time. However, you may need to wait until your child gets their full license to include them on your policy.

Can I add a driver to my insurance who doesn't live with me?

You typically will not be able to add a non-related driver who does not live in your home to your insurance policy. If you and a friend own a vehicle together but do not live at the same address, you may have trouble obtaining an auto insurance policy.

Can my husband drive my car if he is 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.

What is the difference between named insured and additional driver?

A named insured is entitled to 100% of the benefits and coverage provided by the policy. An additional insured is someone who is not the owner of the policy but who, under certain circumstances, may be entitled to some of the benefits and a certain amount of coverage under the policy.

Do all household members need to be on car insurance Progressive?

Many insurers, including Progressive, require you to add a spouse to your car insurance policy if you're both living in the same household (unless your state gives you the option to exclude your spouse). Adding your spouse to your policy ensures that you're both covered in the event of an accident.

Why is additional driver so expensive?

How much adding a driver might cost you depends on the insurance company and the kind of driver you're adding. Younger, inexperienced drivers or those with past claims and convictions, could result in your prices going up.

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

While there are exceptions, car insurance generally follows the car and not the driver. Allowing another licensed driver to borrow your vehicle is known as "permissive use," which means you give someone, who isn't listed on your car insurance policy, permission to operate your vehicle.

When should you add your child to your car insurance?

In most cases, you will need to add your teen to your auto policy when they receive their driver's license. If they receive a learner's permit first, this might also be the time to do so. Most states require all licensed drivers to carry insurance. So, once your teen gets an ID, add them to coverage.

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

Some states require the car owner's insurance to cover any accidental damage, so if they're not insured or don't have the right coverage, as the driver you may end up being liable.

Why did my insurance go down when I added a driver?

If you add on someone with a poor driving record or of an age the insurance company considers a risk, your premium could increase. On the other hand, if you add a driver with a great driving record, it could actually cause your premium to decrease.

Can you add someone to your car insurance without being married?

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.

What happens if someone borrows my 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.

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.

Can my daughter drive my car on my insurance?

Most insurers allow permissive use, so your child can drive your car occasionally with permission, even if they aren't on your policy. If your child lives with you and drives your car regularly, they may need to be added to your policy to ensure coverage.

How much does it cost to add a driver to insurance?

Most car insurance companies won't charge a fee to add more drivers to your policy, but each driver that you add to your policy impacts your policy price.

Can I add my 20 year old son to my car insurance?

Adding a child to your car insurance is required in most cases. If your child has a driver's license, lives in your household and drives a car that is registered to your home, they will need to be added to your car insurance policy.

When to add a new driver to insurance?

You can typically make a change to your policy at any time to add a new driver at your residence, such as a teenage child, or a driver that just started driving your car regularly. Adding a driver to your insurance policy means they're an insured driver under your policy when they drive your car.