Adding Other Drivers to Your Car Insurance in the UK
Adding Other Drivers to Your Car Insurance in the UK
A named driver is somebody allowed to drive the insured car in addition to the main driver. They must be listed on the policy unless another valid arrangement covers them, and the main driver must still be the person who uses the car most.
Who is a main driver and who is a named driver?
The main driver is the person who uses the car most often. Perhaps yourself. A named driver is someone else you allow to drive the car. They are covered under your policy, but the main driver’s details determine most of the premium.
Adding a permanent driver
adult child, or someone who regularly drives the car—you need to ask your insurer if you want to add someone to your insurance long term—like a partner. Provide their details, and your policy will be updated. This ensures the cover is valid if they need to drive.
Adding a temporary driver
For example, they may be helping out while you’re unwell, or using the car while you’re away. In these cases, you usually need to contact your insurer and add them properly, even if it’s only temporary. Letting someone drive without doing this can mean your insurance doesn’t cover them at all. Sometimes someone only needs to drive your car for a short period.
How adding a driver can affect premiums
It could make it more expensive if the driver is young or has less experience. Sometimes it won’t increase the premium, but it depends on how likely the insurer thinks a claim may happen. Adding a low-risk, experienced driver may not raise costs much, and in rare cases, it can even slightly lower them. Adding another driver may change your insurance cost.
What you need to do
- Tell your insurer before someone drives your car.
- Provide full details of the driver, including age, driving experience, and any claim history.
- Understand whether the person is a main driver or named driver, and how often they will drive.
- Check if you need temporary cover for short-term use.
Why it matters
If someone drives your car without being added to your insurance, any claim may be refused. That could leave you paying for damage or liability out of your own pocket. Keeping the policy up to date also keeps premiums fair and ensures claims are processed smoothly if something happens.
Points to check
For more guidance, see the GOV.UK vehicle insurance rules.
Keeping your insurance details accurate and adding drivers correctly makes managing your policy simple. Let your insurer know who will drive, know the difference between main and named drivers, and arrange temporary cover when needed. That way, your cover stays valid, costs reflect the risk, and any claims can be handled quickly.
Adding partners, children and temporary drivers
A partner, child or other driver can often be added to a policy if the insurer accepts them. Temporary additions may also be possible for a limited period. The person should not drive until the insurer confirms that cover is in force.
Effect on the premium
Adding a named driver can raise or lower the price depending on that driver's risk and how the car will be used. There is no rule that an older or more experienced named driver will always make insurance cheaper.
Main drivers and named drivers
The main driver must be the person who genuinely uses the car most or in the way the insurer defines. Listing a parent as main driver when a child is actually the principal user can amount to fronting.
For more guidance, see the GOV.UK vehicle insurance rules.