Who is affected if the named driver has an accident?

Asked by: Prof. April Hermann II  |  Last update: January 10, 2023
Score: 4.8/5 (57 votes)

While named driver insurance can have benefits for both parties, the policyholder is more at risk. This is because is the named driver on your policy crashes the car, it will be under your name. So, if you have built up a no claims history of five years, and your named driver crashes, you will lose it if you claim.

What happens if you are a named driver?

If you drive someone else's vehicle then you will not be covered by their (the main driver) motor insurance policy – you must become a named driver on their policy. As a named driver you will be given the same level of cover as the vehicle's main driver.

Do named drivers get no claims?

Named drivers can't usually build up a no claims discount, although they can accumulate their own if they're insured as the main driver on their own car. Some insurance providers may give a named driver a discount – provided they take out their own policy at a later date.

What happens to my insurance if a named driver has an accident?

If a named driver has an accident, the main driver or policyholder will need to make a claim on the policy and this will affect their no claims discount. If a named driver on your policy has an accident the claim will be against your policy even if you are nowhere near the car or accident itself.

Is a named driver fully comp?

If you have comprehensive insurance, your named driver will almost always have comprehensive cover, too. Check the policy details to make sure you have the level of cover that you both need. Your named driver should also be covered for any extras you add to your policy, for example: Breakdown cover.

Uninsured Drivers are you Covered Against them?

45 related questions found

What happens if someone else is driving my car and gets in an accident UK?

If someone else is driving your car and another person causes the accident, the at-fault driver's insurance is usually responsible for covering costs. On the other hand, if the driver of your car is at fault, your car insurance will usually cover damages.

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.

Can a named driver drive any other car?

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.

Do you lose no claims if named 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 a named driver drive the car more than the policy holder?

A named driver can drive your car any time of day and usually has the same level of cover as you. But they're not the main driver. The policyholder should always be the main driver - they're the ones who do the majority of the driving.

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

Myth 2: Other people can drive my car if I've said I don't mind. FACT: Many people may think it's just a case of giving permission, but it's not as simple as that. If someone else wants to drive your car, they will need their own car insurance with driving other cars cover. They will not be covered under your policy.

How does a 50/50 Claim affect no claims?

As each party takes equal blame for the accident, both are entitled to claim compensation for any damages and personal injury they may have suffered. How a 50/50 claim works is that when any damages are awarded to either party, you will only receive 50% of the amount awarded as you will be liable for the other 50%.

Who gets no claims bonus main driver or policyholder?

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.

How does second 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.

What happens if my friend crashes my car?

Your insurance generally pays for the friend's crash, as long as your friend is a licensed driver and doesn't regularly borrow your car. (if they're a regular driver of your car they should be listed on your policy anyway.)

Does car insurance follow the car or the driver?

Unless you're a 'named driver' on their car insurance, you almost certainly won't be insured. And both the driver and car owner can run into trouble if caught without the necessary cover.

Can insurance be claimed if someone else is driving?

The insurance company will not provide cover if anyone else drives your car without your permission.

What's the difference between policyholder and named driver?

The vehicle policyholder is nominated by the principal policyholder as being the person who drives the vehicle most often and earns the no claim discount. Named drivers are additional drivers nominated by the principal policyholder who are entitled to drive the vehicle under the policy.

Does it matter who the main driver is on car insurance?

The main driver on your car insurance

And others don't understand who the actual main driver is. The declared main driver should be the person who: regularly uses a car to drive to or from work / place of education. uses the car for the highest percentage of the time.

Do I lose my no claims if someone hits me?

A no claims bonus (NCB), or more correctly a no claims discount, is awarded if you don't claim in the latest policy year. Even if you have an accident that wasn't your fault – you're hit by an uninsured driver, or your car gets stolen – you could lose your NCB, and your premium could even go up at renewal.

What happens if both drivers are at fault in an accident?

If there are two party's to blame for a road traffic accident then they will share the blame. It is usually shared 50/50 meaning that each takes 50% of the blame for the incident. This means that both drivers can claim damages if they are injured in the incident.

What happens if a crash is 50 50?

What is a 50:50 Split Liability Agreement? If an accident has occurred, whereby both parties are equally responsible, it can be determined as a 50:50 split liability. In this case, each party receives half of the money for their claim from the other party's insurance company.

Do I pay excess if not at fault?

Paying the excess when it's not your fault

If the other driver has admitted fault and has already told their insurer, your excess might be waived. But usually you'll have to pay it – so make sure you can afford it. When your insurer is certain you're not at fault, you'll get it back.

Can I drive a car that is not insured but I am?

Yes you can drive the other car – but make sure that your insurance does cover you to drive another car owned by someone else with their permission. Comprehensive insurance isn't what it used to be under some policies.

Can I drive my girlfriends car without insurance?

Driving Someone Else's Car Without Car Insurance

You can not drive a vehicle in California without insurance, and you or the person you're borrowing from, must have insurance to legally drive.