Adding A Driver To Your Car Insurance Policy

Some people can drive your cars without appearing on your policy or violating insurance terms and conditions. Others should only drive your car if they are on your policy. Below are some things you should know about adding a driver to your policy.

When to Add a Driver

You do not always decide when to add a driver to your car insurance policy. Below are factors determining whether you need to add a driver to your auto insurance policy.

State Insurance

Insurance companies have different laws and regulations that determine whom you need to add to your insurance policy and when you need to add them. For example, many companies require parents to add their children to their insurance policy. However, the companies differ on when to add the kids.

For example, some insurance companies require you to add the kids immediately after they get their learner's permit. Other insurance companies require you to include the kids in your policy when they get their full driving licenses.

Carrier Requirements

Your insurance carrier also has terms and conditions for who must be on your insurance policy. For example, some insurance companies require you to include roommates not related to you in your insurance policy. Other insurance companies only have the requirement for relatives living with you.

Living Situation

Insurance companies assume that household members automatically have access to your cars. As such, they require all household members with driving licenses to be part of your insurance policy.

Car Access

You do not need to add people to your insurance policy whenever they want to drive your car. That would be impractical and is not required. However, everyone with frequent access to your car should be on your policy. For example, a domestic assistant who frequently drives your car should be on the policy.

Requirements

Adding drivers to your policy is not difficult. You just need to provide the insurance company with the relevant requirements, which include:

• The driver's legal name and gender
• The driver's birthdate
• The driver's occupation and social security number
• The driver's driving experience and history

The exact requirements vary by the insurance company.

Effect on Your Insurance

Adding a driver to your insurance policy may have a neutral, negative, or positive effect on your insurance coverage. For example, a high-risk driver's addition will likely increase your insurance rates. Examples of high-risk drivers include inexperienced drivers, such as teenagers, and drivers with multiple traffic offenses.

On the other hand, a high-risk driver may enjoy reduced rates if they add a low-risk driver to their policy. For example, a young driver may enjoy reduced rates if they add an inexperienced driver with a clean driving history.

To learn more, contact an auto insurance agency in your area such as LH Griffith and Company