Call a licensed agent: 833-964-9663

How adding a driver impacts your car insurance

Written by Elizabeth Rivelli

Reviewed by Alyssa DiCrasto

couple on roadtrip

There are several occasions when you need to add a second driver to your car insurance policy. For example, you might get married and combine policies with your new spouse, or add your child to your policy when they get a driver’s license. Adding a driver to your car insurance policy is a simple process, but it can cause your premium, or the price you pay for car insurance, to change.

Before you add a driver to your car insurance policy, there are a few things you should know. In this guide, we’ll explain when and how to add a driver to your insurance policy and share how much it costs to add a new driver to your car insurance.

Adding a driver to your car insurance policy

If you’re the only person listed on your car insurance policy, it’s possible to add more drivers. Most insurance companies allow up to four people on a single policy, whether the additional drivers are relatives or friends. Adding a new driver to your policy is fairly straightforward, and many insurers allow you to make this change online or through the company’s mobile app.

Who can I add to my car insurance policy?

In general, you can add anyone to your car insurance policy who lives in your household. You can add a spouse, children, extended family members, relatives, or friends, as long as they have a valid driver’s license. However, there is usually a limit to the number of people you can add to one policy.

In some states, you are legally required to add the people you live with to your car insurance policy. This includes roommates and family members who live at the same address. For example, if you and your spouse have your own insurance policies, you might have to add each other as an insured driver on your individual policies.

When do I need to add a driver to my car insurance policy?

You should add a driver to your policy as soon as that person needs to start driving your vehicle. So, for instance, once your child gets their learner’s permit, it’s a good idea to add them to your insurance policy, even if it’s not required. Similarly, you might want to add a boyfriend or girlfriend to your policy if you move in together and occasionally drive each other’s vehicles.

How to add a driver to my car insurance

Adding a new driver to your car insurance policy is pretty simple. You will need to contact your insurance provider to have them added, or use the online customer portal or mobile app. To add the driver, you will need to submit their name, date of birth, and driver’s license number. You might also have to disclose information about their driving record or claim history. Once the driver has been added, you will see your new rate if any changes were made.

How much does it cost to add a person to my car insurance?

The cost of adding a person to your car insurance policy depends on several factors, including the person’s age and driving record. Adding a young driver will have a bigger impact on your premium than adding an adult driver. If the new driver has multiple violations or accidents on their record, that could also cause your car insurance rate to increase significantly.

Before you add a person to your car insurance policy, it’s a good idea to get new car insurance quotes. You might find that a different company can offer a lower rate for your new policy. You can take our short quiz to see how much you can expect to pay for car insurance.

Find cheap car insurance near you

"*" indicates required fields

Zip Code*
Hidden
Hidden
Hidden
Hidden

Oops! We could not locate your form.

How adding a spouse impacts car insurance rates

Adding a spouse to your car insurance policy usually has a minimal impact on your rate. In fact, you can often save money by combining car insurance policies with your husband or wife.

Married couples with their own individual car insurance policies will spend an average of $3,645 per year. When married couples are both insured on the same policy, the average premium is $2,797 per year for two vehicles. When a couple shares one car, the premium is much lower at $1,716 per year.

How adding a teen driver impacts car insurance rates

Adding a teen driver usually has the biggest impact on your car insurance rate.  Young drivers lack experience behind the wheel and have the highest accident rate of any age group. However, adding a teen to your car insurance policy is typically cheaper than purchasing a separate insurance policy for your teen.

According to our data, the average premium for a parent alone is $1,693 per year and the average rate for a teen on their own policy is $7,401 per year. When a parent adds a teen to their existing insurance policy and shares one vehicle, the average premium is $4,189 per year. That is an average savings of 36% compared to having two separate policies.

Frequently asked

Who needs to be covered by my car insurance policy?

Any drivers that live in your household should be listed on your car insurance policy. This includes family members, like spouses, children, and parents, as well as roommates. You should also list people who drive your car occasionally, like a co-worker or relative that doesn’t live with you.

When would I need to remove a driver from my car insurance policy?

You can remove a driver from your car insurance policy if they move out of your house or no longer drive your vehicle. For example, if your child moves to a new state for college and gets their own car insurance policy, you could remove them from your policy.

Does car insurance follow the car or the driver?

In general, car insurance follows the car, not the driver. The same coverages apply when you drive the vehicle and when other people drive it. This also goes for people who borrow your vehicle but aren’t listed on your policy as an insured driver.

Should my roommate be listed on my car insurance policy?

If you have a roommate but they never drive your vehicle, you probably don’t need to add them to your insurance policy. However, if your roommate drives your vehicle occasionally, even a few times per year, it’s a good idea to add them. Some states and insurance companies require you to add all drivers living at your address, so ask your insurer about the laws where you live.

Can I add my boyfriend or girlfriend to my car insurance?

Yes, you can add a boyfriend or girlfriend to your car insurance policy if you live together or share a vehicle. If you eventually get married, you could combine the two insurance policies and potentially qualify for a lower insurance premium.

About Rate Retriever

At Rate Retriever, our mission is to make the way you shop for insurance transparent and fair through user-friendly tools that respect your privacy and deliver reliable, comprehensive results.  

So we took everything we hated about comparing insurance quotes online – the spam, the long questionnaires, the limited choices, the inaccuracy of quote prices – and threw it out the window, favoring a short form that more accurately estimates what you’ll pay at each of the top insurance providers near you. 

Rate Retriever is an independent company that is not owned by an insurance provider, nor do we provide insurance ourselves. This independence allows us to be your free and impartial insurance research tool, helping you make the best decisions for your insurance needs.  

We may earn a commission when you click one of the links or call one of the providers listed on our site; however, we do not allow our partnerships to influence which information we provide. 

Share this article