Car insurance fronting is when an individual dishonestly declares themselves as the main driver of a car when this is not the case in order to get a lower premium.
It is a form of car insurance fraud often employed by a younger driver, whereby they buy a car insurance policy as an additional or named driver when they are the one who will be using the vehicle the most.
While fronting may seem like something you would like to attempt, it is illegal and also has serious consequences attached to it. If an older driver falsely claims to be the main driver, then you could be deprived of an insurance policy. In most cases, the driver might even be charged with insurance fraud, which is a very severe criminal offense.
Providing accurate information to your insurance provider ensures proper coverage and will not lead to potential legal issues.
Who is the Main Driver of a Car?
The person who drives the vehicle most is the main driver on the insurance policy. Additional drivers or named drivers should use the car less often than the main driver.
If you use the car to commute to work every day, then your child only gets to drive it a couple of times a week, which means you would be considered the main driver.
However, if your child uses the car more often than you do—let’s say they take it to college—then they would be the main driver and should have the insurance registered under their name.
Insurance providers will ask for the vehicle’s owner’s or registered name, which is the main driver of the vehicle. Providing accurate information is crucial to ensuring proper coverage and avoiding any issues with your insurance policy.
How Do Insurers Find Out About Fronting?
Insurance companies discover fronting when a claim is filed. During this claims process, insurers ask multiple questions to better understand the situation on the ground, and the answers provided may raise suspicions of fronting, which could lead to further investigation.
For example, if the parent is listed as the main driver and their college student as a named driver and an accident occurs at the child’s university, this might make the insurer suspect fronting. This suggests the child regularly takes the car to school, making them the main driver.
When investigating fronting, insurers may:
- The insurer may call both the main and named drivers to interview them about their driving habits.
- The motoring databases for vehicle usage patterns will be checked.
- The CCTV footage and road toll, congestion charge, or ULEZ records get reviewed.
If the CCTV shows the car is often driven near the university, the insurer will then conclude that the child is the main driver and that fronting has occurred.
What Are the Penalties for Car Insurance Fronting?
Fronting in car insurance is not only a driving offense but also a criminal act that comes with serious consequences when caught. These consequences do not only impact your insurance coverage.
Here are the penalties for car insurance fraud, including:
- Six points on your driver’s license and an unlimited fine.
- A possible driving ban.
- In severe cases, court proceedings and potential prison time.
- A criminal record that may impact other areas of your life, such as employment opportunities.
Providing accurate information to your insurance provider guarantees you proper coverage and keeps you on the right side of the law.
Frequently asked questions
Why is car insurance fronting illegal?
It’s illegal because it involves providing false information to the insurance company to reduce your insurance cost, which is considered fraud.
Can car insurance fronting lead to higher premiums in the future?
Yes, being caught fronting can lead to an increase in insurance costs and policy cancellations, and you’ll face difficulty obtaining coverage from other providers.
Is car insurance fronting the same as insurance fraud?
Yes, fronting is a form of insurance fraud, as it involves misrepresenting information to reduce your insurance cost.
Can I get in trouble for car insurance fronting?
Yes, and the consequences of that include policy cancellation, denial of claims, legal action, and criminal charges against you.
Is it car insurance fronting if I add my child to my policy?
No, adding a child to your policy is not fronting if you will accurately represent who the main driver is and the child is the one who drives the car often.
Can I be held responsible if someone else fronts on my car insurance policy?
Yes, as the policyholder, your responsibility is to ensure the accuracy of the information provided to the insurance company.
How can I avoid car insurance fronting?
Providing accurate information about who the main driver truly is. List all the drivers in your household, and ensure to disclose any changes to driver information on time.
