Adding a Driver to Your Insurance in 4 Simple Steps

INSURANCE - CAR INSURANCE
Adding a driver to your insurance policy is as easy as making a phone call or going through a few steps in your online account.
Updated Sept. 26, 2023
Fact checked
Two people driving a car after adding a driver to car insurance

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The process of adding a driver to your car insurance policy is usually simple and can be done either over the phone or through your online account. Either option should be straightforward, but you may prefer doing it online if you’d rather not talk to anyone.

Let’s explore the two methods for adding a driver to insurance and the potential impact on your insurance premiums.

In this article

Adding a driver to insurance in 4 easy steps

Many insurance companies make the process of adding a driver to your insurance policy simple, whether by making a phone call or completing a form online. Regardless of the method you choose, you will likely need to provide some information about the driver, such as:

  • Full name
  • Date of birth
  • Gender
  • Marital status
  • Age they received a driver’s license
  • Driver’s license number
  • Issuing state of their driver’s license
  • Whether they need an SR-22 financial responsibility certificate
  • Any applicable discount information, including whether they’re a student or have taken a defensive driving course

To add a driver to your insurance policy over the phone, locate the phone number of your insurance provider on your insurance card, in your online account, or on the company website. Inform the insurance agent of your intention to add a driver, and they will guide you through the next steps.

The steps for adding a driver to insurance through your online account vary among car insurance companies. But here are four general steps to get started:

  1. Log into your online account


  1. Select your auto insurance policy


  1. Find your policy options and select “Add a Driver”


  1. Fill in the required information and submit the form to add a driver


Who should you add to your car insurance?

A general rule of thumb is that you may want to add someone to your car insurance as a driver if they live with you and regularly use a vehicle listed on your policy. This will help ensure that any applicable damages are covered by your insurance if there’s a car accident.

Possible callout box: Keep in mind: Your ability to add a driver to your car insurance policy may vary depending on your insurer and the state you live in. Be sure to check with your insurance provider to understand their guidelines and the laws in your state.

Individuals who frequently use your vehicle that you may consider adding to your auto insurance policy include:

  • Spouse
  • Partner or significant other
  • Child who’s a licensed driver
  • Roommate
  • Friend

Keep in mind that not every type of vehicle use requires adding the user to your auto policy. For example, the following situations don’t really require adding someone to your insurance:

  • A friend who borrows your car when they visit every once in a while
  • A roommate who has their own car
  • A family member who helps you drive on a road trip
  • A child at college who has their own vehicle
  • A partner or significant other who has their own place and means of transportation

How much does it cost to add a driver to an insurance policy?

The actual car insurance cost of adding a driver to your policy depends on various factors, including the driver’s age, gender, driving history, and driving experience. You also have to consider whether the new driver is adding a vehicle

Keep in mind
Because these factors vary by situation, you can’t predict how much adding a driver to your car insurance will cost. That’s why you may want to test adding a driver online or reach out to your agent to find out how your premium changes.

Adding a driver doesn’t always mean your car insurance premiums will drastically increase. For example, if you’re a younger driver, adding an experienced older driver with a good driving record may not significantly impact the premium.

On the other hand, adding a teen driver or a driver who doesn’t have a clean driving record (considered a high-risk driver) typically increases your premium.

Your premium will typically increase if you add a driver to your insurance policy along with their vehicle.

Consider whether you need all your insurance coverage if adding another driver to your policy will increase your rates. Lowering your coverage or increasing your deductibles can lower your car insurance rates, but it’s typically best to find a balance between having sufficient coverage and decreasing your premiums.

Learn the difference between liability versus full coverage auto insurance to decide the exact level of protection you need.

FAQs

Does adding a driver increase the insurance cost?

Adding a driver to your auto insurance policy may increase the cost of your premium. Whether it increases your insurance rate depends on a few different factors, including the person’s driving record and whether you’re adding another vehicle.

Your auto insurance rates will likely increase if the additional driver doesn’t have a clean driving record. Adding another vehicle to your policy typically increases your insurance cost.

Can you have two main drivers on car insurance?

Yes, you can have two main drivers on a car insurance policy. It’s common for multiple drivers to share a car insurance policy if they live together or regularly drive vehicles on the policy. For example, a married couple may have one shared policy rather than two separate policies because they both use their vehicles and live at the same residence.

Who is responsible if a driver I added to my policy crashes my car?

If a driver you added to your car insurance policy crashes your car, your insurance company will typically be responsible for covering the costs of the accident based on your coverage.

If you have liability coverage, the insurance company will normally pay for the other driver's medical bills, property damage, and other related expenses up to the limits of your policy. If you have comprehensive coverage, the insurance company will also pay for your vehicle's damages.

That being said, as the policyholder, you will generally be responsible for paying any applicable deductibles when a driver you added to your policy causes an accident. Additionally, your insurance premiums may increase in the future as a result. This is because insurance companies use past claims history to determine future premiums

Bottom line

The process for adding a driver to your insurance is often straightforward and can be done over the phone or online. However, it might not always make sense to add another driver to your policy if they rarely use your vehicle, have their own vehicle, or don’t live with you.

To learn more about available insurance options in your area, visit our list of the best car insurance companies.

  • You could save up to $500 with some companies
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