If other people drive your car on a regular or part-time basis, you must include their names on your auto insurance policy. If you don’t, you’re putting your driving record at risk and could face insurance rate increases. Here are the answers to some common questions people ask about adding other drivers to their car insurance policy.
Why Add Other Drivers to My Car Insurance Policy?
When you let someone else drive your vehicle, you also lend them your insurance. If another driver has an accident with your car, the damage claim must go through your insurance policy, not theirs. That’s because your insurance is attached to your vehicle, not to who is behind the wheel. So even though you weren’t in the car at the time of the crash, your driving record can be affected, and you may have to pay higher premiums.
Who Should Be Included in My Auto Insurance Policy?
While you may drive your car most of the time, you have to notify your insurance provider of the names of your spouse, children, roommate or other people who live with you. These people are called occasional drivers, whereas you’re designated the primary driver. Even if family members have their own cars, adding them as occasional drivers offers extra protection.
Can I Add a Non-Family Member to My Policy?
If you routinely lend your car to a friend or acquaintance who doesn’t live with you, it’s also best to add their names. Remember that your policy rules also apply to other drivers you add. For example, if your car is insured for personal use, you can’t lend it to a friend to make business deliveries or other business-related activities.
How Do I Add Other Drivers to My Auto Insurance Policy?
Adding occasional drivers to your auto insurance policy is an easy process that you can do through your auto insurance broker. You’ll need to provide details about them, including their name, age, marital status, address, occupation, driving licence details and any previous accidents or motoring convictions.
How Will Adding Occasional Drivers Affect the Cost of My Car Insurance?
Adding occasional drivers can increase your premiums, especially if the drivers you’re adding are considered high-risk drivers, like your teenage kids. Your insurer will need to evaluate the risk level of each driver on your policy and then provide a new price for the policy that protects every member of your household.
Contact Expert Auto Insurance Brokers in Halifax
At Eisenhauer Insurance Inc., we’ll find an auto insurance policy that protects you and every family member. When your car insurance is combined with home or business policies, it can save you 10 to 40 per cent. Contact us to discuss all your insurance needs and schedule a no-obligation consultation at one of our offices in Halifax and Dartmouth.