Named driver insurance

Adding an additional driver to your car insurance is usually a very straight forward process. In most cases you can simply call your insurance provider or broker to get it arranged. 

You'll need to have the new driver's details to hand when you make the call. Your provider will likely ask for:

• Their legal name.
• Date of birth.
• Type of driving licence (full or provisional).
• When they passed their test (approximately).
• Occupation.
• Details of any driving convictions (such as when it happened, the conviction code, points and fine).
• Date(s) of any motoring accidents or losses, with a brief description of what happened.
• Full details of any medical conditions (what the condition is, when it was first diagnosed, and any medication taken).
• What will they be using the car for.

Once your provider has confirmed that the driver fits its eligibility criteria, you'll be able to specify when you want the cover to start. In some cases, it can start immediately. 

Will my insurance company accept the additional driver?

Whether your insurance provider accepts your proposed 'named driver' depends on these three main factors:

• Is the policy age-restricted? For example, will it only accept over-30s?
• Is your car 'high grouped'? If your car is in a 'high group' – perhaps because it has a powerful engine - an insurer can be more selective about who they will insure to drive the car.
  
• Is the named driver considered 'high risk'? For example, new (or young) drivers, those with a poor driving record, and those with certain medical conditions, may not be accepted by your insurer. 

If you do have any issues arranging the cover, and you must get them insured, try and find an alternative policy via our our Car Insurance Compare+ tool. 

Provided you haven't claimed this insurance year, you can just cancel your policy and get a pro-rata refund if you paid upfront. For more information, see Cancelling your car insurance.