Named driver insurance is a type of insurance that is designed to allow policyholders to add another driver to their car insurance policy.
This typically means that you are letting your insurance company know that there’s another person who is holding the steering wheel of your vehicle when you’re not.
If someone else is going to be driving your car, be it your immediate family members, they have to be properly insured.
The easiest way to do that is by adding them to your auto insurance policy as a named driver. This will ensure the same coverage and level of security that you have on the policy.
What Type of Coverage Will the Named Driver Have on the Policy?
Generally, the coverage that the main driver enjoys on the policy also applies to the named driver. For instance, if the main driver has collision and comprehensive insurance, the named driver is likely to enjoy the benefits of this coverage. Most insurance companies include the following coverage for named drivers as well:
- Motor legal protection.
- Personal accident coverage.
Nevertheless, ensure you check the terms of your policy to be sure of the level of coverage the named drivers have on your policy, and if there’s a need to increase the coverage, you can talk to your insurer about it.
How Do I Add a Named Driver to My Policy?
The process of adding a named driver to an auto insurance policy is relatively easy. All you have to do is contact your insurance provider and make your intentions known about including another driver on your policy.
You do not necessarily need to wait for the renewal of your insurance policy before you can add another driver to it. Your insurance company will request the following information when you’re adding a driver to your policy:
- The name of the additional driver.
- Date of birth.
- Employment status.
- Driving history.
- previous claims
You will be required to specify if the named driver has any convictions, like DUI or DWI. All of these factors will be considered when determining what the cost of your premiums will be.
What Do I Need to Get a Quote for Car Insurance?
While shopping around for an insurance company that suits your needs and budget, you will need to get quotes from several insurance companies. To get an auto insurance quote, you will be required to provide the following information:
- The age, make, and model of your car
- Driving history
- Your age
- Address
- Contact information
- The type of job you do
- Average annual mileage
- Where your car is usually parked
- The type of coverage you need
Furthermore, you will also be asked to provide information about any driver you want to add to your policy, if any.
How Much Does It Cost to Add a Named Driver?
Well, we can’t categorically say this is the specific amount you have to pay to add a named driver to your policy. This is because the cost of adding a named driver varies across different insurance companies.
Again, the majority of insurance companies weigh certain factors when determining how much it would cost to add a named driver to their policy. Some of the factors include the relationship the driver has with you, age, employment status, and driving and claim history.
Nevertheless, adding more experienced drivers to your policy automatically decreases the cost of your premiums. But if you are adding a less experienced driver, such as a teen driver of 18 years of age, expect to pay higher premiums.
FAQs
How many named drivers can I add to my car insurance policy?
Well, you can add up to four drivers to your policy, depending on the terms of your insurance provider. To be sure of the number of drivers you can add to your policy, you can reach out to your insurer for confirmation. But, usually, most auto insurance companies allow you to add up to four drivers, if not more.
What is the main driver in an auto insurance policy?
Typically, the policy’s main driver is the owner of the policy and is accountable for managing the policy and earning the no-claim discount if he/she does not make a claim throughout the period of the policy.
The main driver is usually the one who makes frequent use of the car that was insured, and sometimes they are also the registered owner of the car.
Will adding a named driver affect my insurance rate?
Most definitely! If you add a named driver to your policy, your premium is likely to be affected. However, if you are adding a more experienced driver to your policy, your insurance rate may be lower. But, if you’re adding a less experienced driver, there’s every tendency that your premiums will be on the high side.
What type of cover does the named driver have?
Typically, the named driver has the same amount of coverage as the main owner of the vehicle. This includes coverage for personal injuries and legal expenses.
Is it possible to add a driver to my policy temporarily?
It is entirely possible to add a driver to your policy for a temporary period of time, but the cost of insuring that driver is usually expensive. You should consult an expert in the insurance field who will guide you through the process of adding a driver to your insurance temporarily.
