What is a named driver?

What are named drivers?

A named driver is someone you add to your car insurance policy so they’re covered to drive your car. They join you, the main driver, on the policy.

It’s common for families, couples or housemates to share a car and include extra drivers for ease. Adding a named driver can sometimes bring down the premium, especially if they’re older or more experienced. But it’s important to follow the rules – particularly around who the real main driver is.

Key points in this guide:

• The difference between a main driver and a named driver
• Who benefits most from adding a named driver
• The advantages and risks of adding someone to your policy
• What “fronting” is and why to avoid it
• How to add or remove a named driver with 1st Central

The role of the main driver vs named driver

• Main driver: the person who drives the car most often. They must be declared honestly when taking out a policy.
• Named driver: someone else who’s added to the policy and allowed to drive the car, but doesn’t use it the majority of the time.
• Policyholder: the person who owns the policy. Often the same as the main driver, but not always.

If the wrong main driver is declared to make insurance cheaper, that’s called fronting. It’s classed as fraud and could cancel your cover completely.

Who Benefits From Adding a Named Driver?

It can be helpful in plenty of situations:

• Young drivers using a parent’s car now and then
• Couples sharing one vehicle
• Families who want flexibility for more than one person to drive
   

But if the named driver is actually the person who drives most of the time, that’s fronting – and it’s not allowed.

Advantages of Adding a Named Driver

• Useful for sharing long trips or covering emergencies
• Ensures the named driver is properly insured when using the car
• Brings flexibility when one car is shared across a household

How to Add a Named Driver (and When It Might Be Refused)

Adding someone is straightforward:

• You can do it at the quote stage or at renewal
• You’ll need details like their name, date of birth, licence type, job, driving history and any claims or convictions

An insurer may refuse if:

• The driver is very young or inexperienced
• They have recent convictions or claims
• It looks like they’re really the main driver (risk of fronting)

With 1st Central, you can add or edit named drivers easily online, or get a car insurance quote to see your options.

What Is Fronting?

Fronting is when a policy lists a parent or another person as the main driver, but in reality the car is mostly used by someone else – usually a younger driver.

It’s fraud. It can invalidate the policy, leaving the driver uninsured, and may also lead to fines, penalty points or even prosecution (UK Government definition of fronting).

 Always be open with your insurer to avoid these risks.

Should You Add a Named Driver to Your Policy?

Adding someone can give flexibility, convenience and, in some cases, lower costs. But honesty matters. The main driver must always be declared correctly.

Looking for flexible cover that suits your household?  Explore your options with 1st Central and get a car insurance quote today.

FAQs

Can a named driver use the car without the main driver present?
Yes. If they’re listed on the policy, they can drive the car independently.

Can a named driver earn a no-claims bonus?
No. Only the policyholder earns a no-claims discount.

What happens if the named driver has an accident?
The claim is made on the policyholder’s insurance. This could affect the no-claims discount and the renewal premium.

Is it cheaper to add a named driver?
It can be, if the extra driver is older and considered low-risk. For younger or higher-risk drivers, it could increase the premium.

Can I remove a named driver mid-policy?
Yes. Most insurers allow this. With 1st Central, you can make changes online.

Can you be a named driver on more than one policy?
Yes. You can be added to multiple policies, but you’ll need to share your full driving history with each insurer.