Adding a Driver to Insurance

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Updated: April 14, 2025

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Key Takeaways

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Adding a driver to your car insurance policy means having coverage for you and the second driver without having to pay for two full-priced plans.

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Add a driver to your car insurance if they have regular access to your vehicle, have a driver's license and live at your legal address.

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GEICO offers the cheapest car insurance for policies with a secondary driver at $1,407 yearly, saving roughly 52% compared to maintaining two individual policies.

When to Add a Driver to Auto Insurance

Consider adding someone to your car insurance if they may use your vehicle. Listed drivers typically receive the same coverage as the policyholder. Including household members who share your car on your policy can save money by avoiding the cost of separate full-priced policies while ensuring everyone is covered.

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    You live with a family member, friend or roommate

    If a family member, friend or roommate frequently drives your car, add them as a listed driver to ensure coverage in case of an accident.

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    You have a newly licensed driver at home

    If a teenager or other household member recently obtained a driver's license, adding them to your policy can provide the necessary protection.

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    You got married

    Adding your spouse or partner to your policy is a standard practice if you're married or in a committed relationship and share a vehicle.

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    You have a visitor

    If someone uses your car for an extended period, such as a friend visiting for several weeks, you may want to add them to your policy temporarily.

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    You have a new housemate

    If someone moves into your household and regularly uses your vehicle, consider adding them to your insurance policy to ensure proper coverage.

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    You live with a high-risk driver

    If someone with a poor driving record or no insurance uses your car and causes an accident, you may be held financially responsible. Adding them to your policy can help protect you from this risk.

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BENEFITS OF ADDING A DRIVER TO INSURANCE

Adding someone who regularly uses your car to your insurance policy can:

  • Be cheaper than buying two separate policies, especially if the driver is young.
  • Potentially lower your total insurance costs if they’re more experienced than you.
  • Minimize financial risks in case of an accident.

Consider if these benefits may apply to you and the other driver.

How to Add a Driver to Your Insurance

Adding a driver to your car insurance is easy and can often be done online or by contacting your insurance provider. The process typically involves providing basic information about the driver.

  1. 1

    Contact your provider

    If you've decided to add a second driver to your policy, contact your insurance provider. Inquire about its processes and requirements, and ask if you can complete the application online.

  2. 2

    Gather necessary information

    While the process varies by insurance provider, most companies ask for the basic personal information of the person you're adding to your policy, including the following:

    • Name
    • Date of birth
    • Gender
    • Social Security number
    • Occupation
    • How long they've had their license
    • Any recent traffic tickets or accidents

    Preparing these details makes it easy for you to access them when needed.

  3. 3

    Have your policy rate updated and processed

    Once the insurance company receives information about the driver you’re adding, it will update your policy and provide your new premium. Ask if the provider can offer you any discounts on your policy.

  4. 4

    Wait for approval

    Your insurance company will review and process your application. Once approved, the added driver will be covered under your policy.

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WHAT IS FRONTING?

Fronting occurs when someone falsely lists themselves as a car's primary driver while someone else, like a teen, drives it most of the time. This is often done to lower insurance costs for teen drivers but is considered insurance fraud. If discovered, it can lead to denied coverage and potential legal consequences.

How Much Does Adding a Driver to Insurance Cost?

Many car insurance companies don’t charge a fee to add a driver to your policy. Insurers usually treat it as a standard policy change. Whether your premium goes up or down depends on the additional driver’s age, gender, and driving experience and history.

On average, car insurance with a secondary driver costs $1,407 to $1,685 annually. Actual rates vary based on factors such as:

  • Address
  • Age
  • Driving record
  • Credit score
  • Car's value

Although insurers don’t reveal how they calculate rates, premiums typically decrease if the additional driver lowers the risk of accidents. Conversely, adding a higher-risk driver may lead to higher premiums.

Cheapest Car Insurance Companies for Drivers With Secondary Drivers

GEICO offers the most affordable policy when adding a driver, with an average annual rate of $1,407 — a 52% savings compared to the combined cost of two single-driver policies. GEICO also provides discounts, such as good student and good driver discounts, which can benefit families with young drivers.

The table below outlines the most affordable insurance providers for policies with primary and secondary drivers. Review these options to choose the best fit for your needs.

GEICO$1,407$2,14352%
Nationwide$1,417$2,15752%
State Farm$1,426$2,07546%
Farmers$1,460$2,82193%
Progressive$1,555$2,53063%
Travelers$1,656$2,32140%
Allstate$1,685$2,54351%

Cheapest Car Insurance Companies for Drivers With Young Secondary Drivers

Adding a parent to your car insurance often lowers your premiums, while including a teen driver typically increases your rates. Adding a high-risk driver will raise your premiums but can still be more affordable than if they purchase their own policy.

The table below shows the most affordable car insurance companies for policies with teenage or young secondary drivers. Use the drop-down menu to select your dependent’s age and instantly view the relevant rates and providers.

Data filtered by:Results filtered by:
Select
Age:16
Nationwide$2,718$5,10847%
GEICO$2,936$5,46346%
State Farm$3,055$3,73218%
Allstate$3,292$6,58350%
Travelers$3,436$5,62239%
Progressive$3,454$7,48154%
Farmers$3,562$8,86460%

Compare Quotes for Car Insurance With an Additional Driver

When looking for coverage, compare quotes from at least three companies to find the best rate. Use MoneyGeek's calculator below to get started.

Car Insurance Calculator

MoneyGeek's car insurance calculator will give you a customized estimate of your auto insurance cost. It's free to use, requires no personal information and we won't send you any spam.

$192
High
$139
Average
$87
Low

Rates updated:

Apr 25, 2025

Insurance Carrier
MoneyGeek Score
Average Monthly
Payment
1
Capital Insurance Group

Capital Insurance Group

94
/of 100
$87
2
GEICO

GEICO

82
/of 100
$109
3
State Farm

State Farm

83
/of 100
$118
4
Travelers

Travelers

83
/of 100
$129
5
Progressive

Progressive

79
/of 100
$133
6
Farmers

Farmers

77
/of 100
$151
1
Capital Insurance Group

Capital Insurance Group

MoneyGeek Score
94
/of 100
Average Monthly Payment$87/mo
2
GEICO

GEICO

MoneyGeek Score
82
/of 100
Average Monthly Payment$109/mo
3
State Farm

State Farm

MoneyGeek Score
83
/of 100
Average Monthly Payment$118/mo
4
Travelers

Travelers

MoneyGeek Score
83
/of 100
Average Monthly Payment$129/mo
5
Progressive

Progressive

MoneyGeek Score
79
/of 100
Average Monthly Payment$133/mo
6
Farmers

Farmers

MoneyGeek Score
77
/of 100
Average Monthly Payment$151/mo
Your Next Step:

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MONEYGEEK EXPERT TIP

Adding a driver or getting a multi-car insurance policy is usually more affordable than purchasing two separate policies. MoneyGeek offers resources to help you find the cheapest car insurance for your needs and circumstances.

Secondary Driver Insurance Rules

Adding a driver to your car insurance, known as a "listed driver," provides coverage whenever they drive your vehicle. A listed driver can be any licensed person living with you, regardless of your relationship.

Can I Add Another Driver to My Car Insurance?

Car insurance companies typically require all household members to be added to the policy. While limits vary, most providers let you list up to four drivers if they meet the insurer’s criteria. Generally, listed drivers must:

  • Have a valid driver’s license
  • Share your address
  • Have regular access to your car

Employees who use your vehicle for work may also be added, but only under a commercial auto policy. Personal auto insurance policies usually don’t cover individuals using your car for commercial purposes.

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CAN I ADD SOMEONE TO MY CAR INSURANCE TEMPORARILY?

If a long-term house guest has a valid driver’s license and access to your car, some insurance companies may let you add them to your policy temporarily. Check with your provider to confirm their eligibility and any requirements.

Who Can You Add to Your Car Insurance?

Who you should add to your car insurance policy depends on your situation. Typically, it’s best to include household members who frequently drive your car. Consider adding the following individuals if they regularly use your vehicle:

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    Significant other

    If you share your car with your partner, it’s a good idea to add them to your car insurance policy, especially if you live together.

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    Spouse

    Consider adding your spouse to your car insurance if they regularly use your vehicle.

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    Parent

    Adding a more experienced driver like your parent may lower your car insurance rates. The person primarily driving the vehicle must remain the policyholder to avoid being denied coverage and fraud charges due to fronting.

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    Teen Driver

    If your teenage child has a driver’s license and regularly uses your car, be sure to add them to your policy. Teen drivers are more likely to be involved in accidents due to inexperience, so having them covered is crucial. Provisional drivers, or those learning to drive, also need insurance. If you have a provisional driver at home, include them in your policy.

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    Roommate/Boarder

    You can add nonfamily members, like a roommate, to your car insurance if you live together and share a car. If you occasionally trade cars with your roommate, inform your insurance provider. 

    Some insurers may require you to list all licensed drivers in your household on your policy, even if they have their own coverage. To save on costs, consider splitting a multi-car policy with your roommate or bundling home and auto insurance.

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    Friend

    If a friend drives your car often, consider adding them to your policy to ensure coverage in case of an accident. However, if they don’t live with you, this might not be an option, depending on your location and insurance company.

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    Employees

    If employees like nannies, maids or helpers use your car for daily tasks, consider adding them to your insurance. However, most personal auto policies don’t cover individuals using your car for work-related purposes. In such cases, you may need a commercial auto policy to include them.

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CAN I ADD A DRIVER TO MY INSURANCE IF THEY DON’T LIVE WITH ME?

In most cases, insurance companies won't allow you to add a driver to your policy who doesn't live with you. However, some companies might make an exception if the driver you're adding uses your car regularly, like your children who aren't living with you and are considered young drivers. Contact your insurer directly to understand your options.

Do I Need to Add a Driver to My Insurance?

Most car insurance policies include a permissive use clause, allowing others to borrow your car occasionally. However, if a permissive driver who isn’t listed on your policy has an accident, your insurer might not cover the damages. Permissive drivers are typically allowed to use your car up to 12 times a year. If someone you live with regularly drives your car, make sure to add them to your policy.

When Not to Add Someone Else to Your Car Insurance

If someone isn't going to be driving your car frequently and doesn't have regular access to it, adding them to your policy might be unnecessary.

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    You rarely share your car

    If you rarely lend your car, you may not need to add another driver to your insurance. Most policies cover occasional drivers, allowing you to avoid higher premiums.

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    You’re concerned about their driving record

    Your insurance cost could increase if the person has a bad driving history. Your insurance company might even say no to adding them.

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    You’re temporarily living together

    If someone is staying with you temporarily and won’t use your car often, it’s usually unnecessary to add them to your policy. This can help save time and money.

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    You have a luxury car

    If you own a high-value car, adding an inexperienced driver can increase your insurance costs significantly.

Adding Someone to Car Insurance: Bottom Line

Most insurers require you to list household members on your policy when signing up. In some cases, you can add drivers who don’t live with you, but this depends on your insurer and location. 

Adding a driver will impact your premiums, with the extent of the change depending on factors like the driver’s age and accident history. This article covers the requirements and effects of adding drivers to your insurance to help you understand how these changes may impact your coverage and costs.

Compare Auto Insurance Rates

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Adding a Driver to Auto Insurance: FAQ

If you want to add a driver to your car insurance policy, MoneyGeek answered some frequently asked questions below to help you get started:

How do I add another driver to my insurance policy?

When should I add another driver to my insurance policy?

Does adding a driver mean they're insured?

Does having multiple drivers affect insurance?

Is it cheaper to have two drivers on my car insurance?

Best Car Insurance Rates for Additional Drivers: Our Methodology

MoneyGeek analyzes car insurance rates using data from hundreds of insurers. We rely on insights from trusted sources, including:

MoneyGeek prioritizes transparency and accuracy. Our editorial team researches topics, addresses common questions and ensures content is thoroughly fact-checked, edited and reviewed to meet readers’ needs.

Secondary Driver Insurance: Related Articles

About Mark Fitzpatrick

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Mark Fitzpatrick, a Licensed Property and Casualty Insurance Producer, is MoneyGeek's resident Personal Finance Expert. With over five years of experience analyzing the insurance market, he conducts original research and creates tailored content for all types of buyers. His insights have been featured in publications like CNBC, NBC News and Mashable.

Fitzpatrick holds a master’s degree in economics and international relations from Johns Hopkins University and a bachelor’s degree from Boston College. He's also a five-time Jeopardy champion!

Passionate about economics and insurance, he aims to promote transparency in financial topics and empower others to make confident money decisions.

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