Does it matter who the main driver is?
Asked by: Piper Christiansen | Last update: October 3, 2022Score: 4.5/5 (37 votes)
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 the policyholder 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.
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 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.
"Do you treat Max differently to other drivers?"
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 insure a car but not be the main driver?
It depends. Some insurance providers will only insure you as the main driver if you're the car's owner or registered keeper. If you're having trouble getting cover from one insurance provider, it's worth contacting others for a quote.
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".
Does being named driver affect my main policy?
Does being a named driver affect my own insurance? No, it doesn't. Your inclusion as a named driver is completely separate from your existing car insurance policy. If you get into an accident driving a car whose insurance you are named on, it will be under their policy.
Can I be the main insurer on someone else's car?
Yes, you can take out a separate car insurance policy on someone else's car. Just tell the insurer you're not the owner or the registered keeper of the vehicle when you apply.
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 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.
Does policyholder or main driver get no claims bonus?
Does your bonus apply to the car or policyholder? It is attributed to the policyholder, but although you may assume that the NCB is entirely linked to your skills as a driver it actually only applies to a single policy for one vehicle.
Is the registered keeper of a car the owner?
A car's owner and registered keeper are often assumed to be the same thing, because they are usually the same person, but in fact they can be different people. 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.
Can my parents 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 a car have two owners UK?
' Yes, it can. To get car finance, you don't necessarily have to be the keeper or registered owner of the vehicle – there are a selection of products available that will enable you to acquire finance in your name but have a different person nominated on the V5 registration document.
Does second driver get no claims?
Yes. Some insurers offer what's called a named driver no-claims bonus. This means you get a discount if you're insured as a named driver on someone else's policy and haven't claimed.
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.
How do you get caught fronting?
Fronting will most likely be discovered when a claim is made. If it is the named driver who is involved in a collision, for example, an insurance provider may launch an investigation. Should the insurer conclude that fronting has occurred, it may refuse to pay for any damage.
Is it cheaper to add a second driver to insurance?
Adding a named driver to policy can reduce your premiums, as well as making it cheaper for the named drivers to be insured, especially if they're a young driver. Some insurers will allow you to add up to three named drivers to your policy.
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.
What happens if a named driver has an accident?
Named driver claims (and how they affect the policyholder)
Named drivers are people you add to your policy so they can drive your car from time to time. If they have an accident in your car, it'll mean a claim on your policy - even if they have their own car and insurance. This affects your no-claims bonus, not theirs.
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 is the penalty for fronting?
According to the Act, individuals that had actual knowledge or who were in a position where they ought to have had actual knowledge of a fronting practice can face criminal sanctions, which include a fine and/or up to 10 years' imprisonment. Companies can face an administrative penalty of up to 10% of annual turnover.