Adding a Driver to Insurance: How It Works (2025 Cost)

Key Takeaways

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.

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.

GEICO offers the cheapest car insurance for policies with a secondary driver at $1,407 yearly, which is lower than the $2,143 total cost to maintain two individual policies.

When to Add a Driver to Auto Insurance

Consider adding someone to your car insurance if they use your vehicle. Listed drivers 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.

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.

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 financial protection.

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.

You have a visitor

If someone uses your car for an extended period, such as a friend visiting for several weeks, consider adding them to your policy temporarily.

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.

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 protects you from this risk.

BENEFITS OF ADDING A DRIVER TO INSURANCE

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

Save you money compared to 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 whether 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 protects both you and them financially. The process is easy and can often be done online or by contacting your insurance provider.

1
Contact your insurance provider
Call your insurer's customer service line or log into your online account to start the process. Most major insurers allow you to add drivers online, but complex cases may require phone support for proper handling. This initial conversation helps you understand exactly what's needed and sets realistic expectations for the process timeline.
What to Ask Your Insurer:
- Whether the addition can be completed online or requires phone assistance
- Available discounts for the new driver
- Estimated timeline for processing
- Any specific requirements based on the driver's situation
- Special procedures for out-of-state licenses or high-risk drivers
2
Gather required documents and information
Collect all essential information to streamline the application process. Having these documents ready prevents delays and ensures you can complete the application in one session. Documents you may need include:
- Driver's license information (number, issuing state, expiration date)
- Social Security number
- Current address (if different from your address)
- Employment details (occupation and employer)
- Education information for students (school name, GPA for discounts)
- Driving history from the past 3-5 years (tickets, accidents, violations)
- Previous insurance information (if switching from another policy)
Special Requirements:
- SR-22 certificate (if needed for DUI or driving without insurance violations)
- VIN for any additional vehicles being added to the policy
3
Submit driver information
Provide the new driver's complete details during your call or through the online application portal. Most insurers provide immediate temporary coverage once you submit the application, even before final approval, so you and the new driver are protected right away. In most cases, the insurance company will ask for the second driver's:
- Personal details (full legal name, date of birth, gender, marital status)
- Contact information (address, phone number, email)
- License details (driver's license number, issuing state, years licensed)
- Driving history (accidents, tickets, violations from past 3-5 years)
- Vehicle Information (VIN if adding their own car to the policy)
4
Review premium changes and discounts
Your insurer will calculate the new premium and identify available discounts based on the driver's profile. Review the quote carefully and discuss potential savings opportunities with your agent or online system. Understanding these options helps you maximize savings while ensuring proper coverage, and many discounts can be applied immediately if you have the required documentation.
5
Confirm details and finalize
Review all information for accuracy before giving final approval to avoid future complications. This verification step is crucial because errors can lead to coverage gaps or claim denials, and it's much easier to correct mistakes before the policy is finalized than after it's been processed.
6
Receive updated policy documents
Once approved, your insurer will provide complete documentation for your updated policy. Keep these documents accessible, as you'll need them for vehicle registration, traffic stops, and any potential claims involving the new driver.

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 it’s 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 often 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. The company also provides discounts, such as good student and good driver discounts, which can benefit families with young drivers.

Based on our analysis, here are the most affordable options for policies with secondary drivers:


GEICO	$1,407	$2,143
Nationwide	$1,417	$2,157
State Farm	$1,426	$2,075
Farmers	$1,460	$2,821
Progressive	$1,555	$2,530
Travelers	$1,656	$2,321
Allstate	$1,685	$2,543

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 increases your rates. Adding a high-risk driver will raise your premiums, but it 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:

Age

Select

Age:16


Nationwide	$2,718	$5,108
GEICO	$2,936	$5,463
State Farm	$3,055	$3,732
Allstate	$3,292	$6,583
Travelers	$3,436	$5,622
Progressive	$3,454	$7,481
Farmers	$3,562	$8,864

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.

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.

	Insurance Carrier	MoneyGeek ScoreMG Score	Average Monthly Payment
1	Capital Insurance Group	94 /of 100	$87
2	GEICO	82 /of 100	$109
3	State Farm	83 /of 100	$118
4	Travelers	83 /of 100	$129
5	Progressive	79 /of 100	$133
6	Farmers	77 /of 100	$151

Why You Can Trust MoneyGeek

Although MoneyGeek partners with some of the companies we recommend, our content is written and reviewed by an independent team of writers, editors and licensed agents. Learn more about our editorial policies and expert editorial team.

Discounts to Ask for When Adding a Driver to Insurance

When adding a driver to your policy, inquire about these potential discounts:

Defensive Driving Course Discount: State-approved defensive driving courses can reduce premiums by 5% to 15% when completed within the past three years. Both online and in-person courses qualify, but verify with your insurer before enrolling. Many insurers offer discounts for completing approved defensive driving courses, which is particularly valuable for young drivers.
Multi-Policy Bundling: Combining auto and homeowners or renters insurance can save you 10% to 20% on both policies. This becomes especially valuable when adding high-risk drivers to your auto policy. Bundle your auto insurance with home, renters, or other policies for additional savings.
Good Student Discount: Most insurers offer good student discounts for those maintaining a 3.0 GPA or higher through age 25. You'll need to provide report cards or transcripts, with annual verification required to maintain the discount.
Low Mileage Discount: Drivers who log fewer than 7,500 miles annually may qualify for low-mileage discounts. Some insurers offer tiered discounts based on usage, with usage-based programs providing 10% to 30% savings for safe drivers.
Safety Feature Discounts: Cars equipped with anti-theft systems, automatic emergency braking, or other advanced safety features often qualify for discounts up to 15%. Driver training technology and speed limiters may also qualify for additional savings. Vehicles equipped with anti-theft devices, airbags or advanced safety features may qualify for discounts.
Organization and Employer Discounts: Many insurers offer discounts for members of professional organizations, alumni associations, or through employer group programs. Military personnel, veterans, and first responders often qualify for specialized discount programs.

TIPS FOR MAXIMUM SAVINGS

Stack compatible discounts whenever possible. A student with a safe driving record in a car with safety features might qualify for multiple discounts simultaneously. Many discounts can be combined, so don't assume you can only claim one.
Review your policy annually and keep documentation readily available. Discount eligibility can change based on grades, driving record, and life circumstances. Missing documentation can delay a discount application or result in retroactive premium adjustments, so maintain certificates, transcripts, and proof of eligibility for quick access.

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. Understanding the rules governing secondary drivers helps ensure proper coverage.

Can I Add Another Driver to My Car Insurance?

Car insurance companies may 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.

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. It's best to include household members who frequently drive your car. Consider adding the following individuals if they regularly use your vehicle:

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.

Spouse

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 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. Understanding when adding someone isn't required or when exclusion makes financial sense can help you avoid unnecessary premium increases.

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. This applies especially when the person doesn't live with you and only borrows your vehicle infrequently.

You’re concerned about their driving record

Your insurance cost could increase if the person has a bad driving history. Drivers with multiple accidents, speeding tickets, or DUI violations can substantially raise your premiums. Your insurance company might even refuse to add them, or it may require you to exclude the driver to maintain coverage.

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, especially if they're visiting for less than 60 days or have their own vehicle and insurance.

You have a luxury car

If you own a high-value car, adding an inexperienced driver can increase your insurance costs. Comprehensive collision coverage for expensive vehicles becomes much more costly when high-risk drivers are added to the policy.

The driver has a suspended license

In most cases, you can't add someone with a currently suspended license to your policy. Most insurers will require you to exclude such drivers or may cancel your coverage entirely if you don't. The driver can be added once their license is reinstated.

You live with roommates but they have their own transportation

If you live with roommates who have their own cars and insurance, you may not need to add them to your policy. However, if they occasionally borrow your car, check with your insurer about whether exclusion is necessary to avoid coverage gaps.

College students with their own vehicles

Adult children who attend college and have their own cars don't need to be added to your policy if they only visit occasionally. However, if they drive your car regularly during breaks or live at home part-time, they should remain on your policy.

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.

Adding a Driver to Auto Insurance: FAQ

If you want to add a driver to your car insurance policy, MoneyGeek answered these frequently asked questions to help you navigate the process and understand your coverage options.

How do I add another driver to my insurance policy?

Contact your insurance provider by phone or log into your online account to start the process. You'll need to provide the new driver's personal information, license details, and driving history. Most insurers can complete the addition within 24-48 hours and provide immediate temporary coverage while processing your request.

What documents do I need to add a driver?

You'll need the driver's license number, Social Security number, date of birth, and current address. Additionally, gather information about their driving history, including any tickets or accidents from the past 3-5 years, employment details, and education information if they're a student. For high-risk drivers, you may need an SR-22 certificate.

How long does it take to add a driver?

Standard additions typically process within 24-48 hours, with immediate temporary coverage starting as soon as you submit the application. Complex cases involving drivers with extensive violation histories or SR-22 requirements may take 3-5 business days for final approval.

Can I add someone who doesn't live with me?

Yes, you can add drivers who don't live with you if they regularly use your vehicle. However, most insurers require household members with licenses to be added to your policy. For occasional drivers who don't live with you, your existing coverage may protect them under permissive use provisions.

Do I need to add occasional drivers?

Occasional drivers who don't live with you don't need to be added to your policy. Your insurance usually covers them under permissive use as long as you gave them permission to drive your car. However, if someone uses your car regularly (more than 12 times per year), you should add them to avoid coverage gaps.

Can I add a driver temporarily?

Yes, many insurers allow temporary additions for situations like extended visits or seasonal drivers. Contact your insurer to discuss the specific timeframe and requirements. Some companies offer short-term coverage for drivers who will use your car for a few weeks or months.

What happens if I don't add my teen driver?

Failing to add your teen driver can result in serious consequences, including claim denials, policy cancellations and legal liability. If your teen gets into an accident while driving your car and isn't listed on your policy, your insurer may refuse to cover damages, leaving you financially responsible for all costs.

Can I add a driver with a suspended license?

Most insurers won't allow you to add a driver with a currently suspended license. However, you can add them once their license is reinstated. Some insurers may allow you to list them as an excluded driver until their driving privileges are restored.

What's the difference between adding and excluding a driver?

Adding a driver provides them with coverage when they drive your car. Excluding a driver means they're specifically not covered by your policy, which can lower your premium but leaves you liable for any damages they cause. Excluded drivers should never drive your vehicle.

What if the added driver gets into an accident?

If an added driver gets into an accident while driving your car, your insurance policy will cover the damages according to your coverage limits. The accident will be recorded on your policy's claims history, which may affect your future premiums during renewal.

How does this affect my claims history?

Any accidents or claims involving added drivers become part of your policy's claims history. This can impact your future premiums, but having multiple drivers with clean records can also help offset risks and potentially lower your rates.

Does adding a driver mean they're insured?

Yes, adding a driver to your policy extends your coverage to them, giving them the same financial protection you have. They're covered for liability, collision, comprehensive, and any other coverage types included in your policy when they drive your insured vehicle.

Does having multiple drivers affect insurance?

Adding a new driver will affect your rates, but not always negatively. Adding a teenager can raise costs, while adding an experienced driver with a clean record may decrease your premiums. The impact depends on the driver's age, experience, and driving history.

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

Having two drivers on a policy can reduce premiums if both have good driving records. Many insurers offer multi-driver discounts, and you avoid the cost of maintaining two separate policies. However, adding a high-risk driver will increase your costs.

When should I add another driver to my insurance policy?

Add a driver if they regularly use your car and live in your household, or if they're a household member with a license. Most insurers require you to add licensed household members regardless of how often they drive. You should also add non-household members who use your car more than occasionally.

Can I add a driver who lives in another state?

Yes, you can add out-of-state drivers to your policy, though some insurers have restrictions. The driver's state of residence may affect your rates, and you'll need to provide their out-of-state license information. Some insurers may require the driver to be listed on a policy in their home state instead.

What if I'm adding a driver who already has their own insurance?

A driver can be listed on multiple policies. If they have their own insurance, coordinate with both insurers to understand how coverage works and avoid gaps or overlaps. In accident situations, the insurance on the vehicle serves as primary coverage.

Best Car Insurance Rates for Additional Drivers: Our Methodology

Finding affordable car insurance when adding drivers to your policy can feel overwhelming, especially when you're not sure if you're getting quotes that reflect the real costs. We designed our research specifically for families and individuals who need to add drivers to their existing policies, focusing on the factors that actually impact your monthly premiums.

We gathered rate data from hundreds of insurers across the country, analyzing how different driver profiles affect policy costs. Our research team contacted insurance companies directly to understand their underwriting processes for additional drivers, ensuring we captured the nuances that online calculators often miss.

Our data sources include:

AM Best: We used their financial stability ratings and insurance company analytics to evaluate which insurers offer reliable coverage when you're adding drivers
J.D. Power: Their customer satisfaction research helped us understand which companies provide the best service experience when managing multi-driver policies
National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC): We reviewed their complaint data and regulatory information to identify insurers with fewer issues when handling complex family policies
Quadrant Information Services: Their comparative pricing analytics provided the foundation for our rate analysis across different driver combinations

We focused on real-world scenarios that families face: adding teen drivers, including elderly parents, or covering adult children who move back home. Rather than using generic profiles, we analyzed how factors like driving experience, age gaps between drivers, and household relationships actually influence your premiums.

Why this approach matters

Adding drivers isn't just about finding the cheapest rate. It's about understanding which insurers properly assess risk for your specific situation. Some companies penalize multi-driver policies, while others offer family discounts that can reduce your costs.

Our methodology ensures you're comparing rates that reflect what you'll actually pay, not introductory quotes that change after you add your drivers. This research approach helps you make informed decisions about coverage that protects your entire household without breaking your budget.

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About Mark Fitzpatrick

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.

Read Full Bio »

Adding a Driver to Insurance

Key Takeaways

When to Add a Driver to Auto Insurance

You live with a family member, friend or roommate

You have a newly licensed driver at home

You got married

You have a visitor

You have a new housemate

You live with a high-risk driver

BENEFITS OF ADDING A DRIVER TO INSURANCE

How to Add a Driver to Your Insurance

Contact your insurance provider

Gather required documents and information

Submit driver information

Review premium changes and discounts

Confirm details and finalize

Receive updated policy documents

WHAT IS FRONTING?

How Much Does Adding a Driver to Insurance Cost?

Cheapest Car Insurance Companies for Drivers With Secondary Drivers

Cheapest Car Insurance Companies for Drivers With Young Secondary Drivers

MONEYGEEK EXPERT TIP

Compare Quotes for Car Insurance With an Additional Driver

Car Insurance Calculator

Capital Insurance Group

GEICO

State Farm

Travelers

Progressive

Farmers

Your Next Step:

Discounts to Ask for When Adding a Driver to Insurance

TIPS FOR MAXIMUM SAVINGS

Secondary Driver Insurance Rules

Can I Add Another Driver to My Car Insurance?

CAN I ADD SOMEONE TO MY CAR INSURANCE TEMPORARILY?

Who Can You Add to Your Car Insurance?

Significant other

Spouse

Parent

Teen Driver

Roommate/Boarder

Friend

Employees

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

Do I Need to Add a Driver to My Insurance?

When Not to Add Someone Else to Your Car Insurance

You rarely share your car

You’re concerned about their driving record

You’re temporarily living together

You have a luxury car

The driver has a suspended license

You live with roommates but they have their own transportation

College students with their own vehicles

Adding Someone to Car Insurance: Bottom Line

Compare Auto Insurance Rates

Adding a Driver to Auto Insurance: FAQ

How do I add another driver to my insurance policy?

What documents do I need to add a driver?

How long does it take to add a driver?

Can I add someone who doesn't live with me?

Do I need to add occasional drivers?

Can I add a driver temporarily?

What happens if I don't add my teen driver?

Can I add a driver with a suspended license?

What's the difference between adding and excluding a driver?

What if the added driver gets into an accident?

How does this affect my claims history?

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?

When should I add another driver to my insurance policy?

Can I add a driver who lives in another state?

What if I'm adding a driver who already has their own insurance?

Best Car Insurance Rates for Additional Drivers: Our Methodology

Secondary Driver Insurance: Related Articles