Is it cheaper to add an additional driver?
Asked by: Amie Walter | Last update: August 31, 2025Score: 4.9/5 (28 votes)
Is it cheaper to have 2 named drivers?
In general, it can often be cheaper to have two drivers on the same policy due to potential discounts, but it really depends on the specific circumstances of the drivers and the vehicle. To get the most accurate answer, it's best to compare quotes from multiple insurance providers.
Is it better to add more drivers on your policy?
You should consider adding to your policy anyone who has access to your household vehicles on a regular basis to help ensure you're protected in the event of an accident. The good news is that adding a driver to your car insurance is a fairly simple process.
Does it cost more money to add a driver?
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.
Does adding an additional driver cost more?
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.
Should you add a second driver to your insurance policy?
Should I add my 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.
How much does budget charge to add a driver?
Fees for Additional Drivers
In most U.S. states, the fee for additional drivers is $13 per day per driver. The maximum charge for each additional driver is $65 per rental. In California, there are no additional driver fees for a parent, sibling or child of the renter.
Can my son drive my car if he is not insured?
Most insurers cover someone else driving the policyholder's car with their permission once in a while. But, if you're going to start driving one of your parent's cars regularly, you'll need to be added or named on their auto insurance. You can't legally drive your parents' car without any insurance at all, either.
Why did my insurance go down when I added a driver?
In some cases, adding an older driver with a clean driving record could actually reduce your premium, especially if you're a driver under 25 or someone with infractions on their license.
Can my son drive my rental car?
In California, additional driver fees do not apply to a parent, sibling or child of the renter. Some additional drivers are always exempt from extra fees, as long as they meet the basic requirements for an Avis renter: they must have a valid license and be at least 25 years old.
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.
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 cheaper to insure one driver or two?
Your monthly premium will reflect the added risk of multiple drivers using one vehicle — so you'll most likely pay more than you would for a single-driver policy. However, a multiple-driver policy is usually cheaper than purchasing two individual auto insurance policies.
How much does insurance go up when adding a new driver?
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.
Can I add someone to my car insurance that 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.
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.
When should I add a driver to my car 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.
Who normally has the cheapest car insurance?
Geico, Nationwide and Travelers are among the least expensive for car insurance. Americans are paying a lot for car insurance these days: Average annual rates for a full coverage policy are up to $2,638 per year, while minimum coverage averages $767 per year.
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.
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.
Can my wife drive my car if she's not on my 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.
What happens if someone who isn't on your insurance crashes your car Progressive?
If an unauthorized driver not on your insurance causes an accident, your liability coverage may not apply. However, with collision insurance, it covers damages to your vehicle if a friend crashes it.
Should you pay for additional driver?
Car rental companies don't just charge the additional driver fee because they can, even though it might feel that way. Like a young driver fee, the extra charge offsets potential risk and insurance costs associated with multiple drivers. The car company takes on more risk if more than one person drives the vehicle.
Does it cost extra to add a driver to insurance?
The cost of adding a driver to your car insurance or sharing a policy varies based on factors like the driver's age and their motor vehicle record. For example, many insurance companies offer a discount if you have a teen driver or a good student listed on your policy.
Can I drive someone else's rental car?
Any additional driver (excluding a spouse or domestic partner) will pay a daily fee. Renter's spouse or domestic partner who meet the same age and driver's license requirements of the renter are authorized drivers at no additional charge.