Will my insurance go up if I add a driver?

Asked by: Zula Schulist  |  Last update: March 9, 2025
Score: 4.1/5 (75 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 someone to my insurance make it go up?

If I add a driver will it affect my premium or rate? 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 a driver to your insurance cost more?

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.

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.

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.

How Should I Handle Car Insurance for My Teenage Driver?

22 related questions found

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

How much will my car insurance go up when I add my 16 year old?

Insure.com found that adding a teen driver increases car insurance rates by 70% to 150%.

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.

Can I add a named driver temporarily?

If you want named driver insurance for up to a month, temporary insurance is the ideal solution. Only pay for the cover you want and relax knowing that if something happens, even if you're not in the car, your no claims and existing policy are unaffected.

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.

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.

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.

Is it okay to let someone borrow your car?

If they have a current license, a clean record, and a valid insurance policy, you may feel more comfortable lending them your car. Consider the circumstances. Is your friend impaired in any way or unfit to drive? If the answer is “yes,” then your answer to them should be a resounding “no.”

When should you add someone to your car 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.

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

If your unlisted teen driver causes a more serious accident resulting in damage to another vehicle or injuries to others, your insurance is still obligated to cover the claim in most cases. That's because auto insurance generally follows the vehicle rather than the driver.

What are the risks of adding an additional insured?

There is also a risk of being under-insured or uninsured as additional insureds. Second, there is the risk of breaching a contract, thus potentially becoming the insurer of the other party when they are the party obligated to provide additional insured coverage.

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

Insurance providers do not typically require the policyholder to be the primary driver on the insured vehicle. Whoever primarily drives the vehicle will be rated as the primary driver. Household members you should list on your auto policy can include: Spouse, partner, or significant others.

Should I add my adult child to my car insurance?

Insurance companies generally require that any person in the household be listed on your policy regardless of driving status. The reason is that the company wants to know who they will and will not cover as a driver if there is a claim involving your vehicle.

Can my son drive my car if he is not on my insurance?

Yes, your son can drive your car with your permission, even if he is not insured. It is known as “permissive use” and is generally allowed by insurance companies. Check your auto insurance policy to see if it allows for occasional or permissive use by family members.

How long do you have to add a new driver to your insurance policy?

Generally, you should add your teen or young adult child to your policy as soon as they get their driver's license. To be safe, though, you may want to contact your insurance provider before your child starts driving. Some states, such as Florida, provide insurance carriers with “risk alert” reports.