Adding a Driver to Insurance

Adding a driver to insurance is straightforward. You can add someone with a driver's license who lives with you and regularly uses your car.

Find out if you're overpaying for auto insurance below.

By Mark Fitzpatrick

Edited by Nica Gonzales-Villaraza

Updated: October 14, 2025

Advertising & Editorial Disclosure

Key Takeaways

Adding a driver to your car insurance policy means having coverage for you and the second driver without paying 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 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.

Adding a driver typically increases premiums by $100 to $3,000 annually—teens cost the most at $2,000 to $3,000, while experienced adults over 25 add minimal cost or may even lower your rates.

What Does Adding a Driver to Car Insurance Mean?

Adding a driver to car insurance means officially listing someone on your policy who is authorized to drive your vehicle. When you add a driver, they receive the same liability, collision and comprehensive coverage you have. The named insured owns the policy and can make changes, cancel coverage and receive claim checks. An additional driver can't modify the policy or receive direct claim payments.

You can add anyone with a valid driver's license who lives at your address or regularly uses your vehicle. Most insurers allow two to four drivers per policy and process additions within 24 to 48 hours, providing immediate temporary coverage while your request is reviewed. You can add drivers at any point during your policy term, not just at renewal.

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.

When to Add a Driver to Auto Insurance

Add any licensed driver living in your household or regularly using your car. Listed drivers have the same coverage as you and protect you from financial liability if they cause an accident. Including household members on your policy is almost always cheaper than purchasing separate policies.

Spouses and Partners

Add your spouse or partner when you marry or move in together. Most insurers require married couples sharing a household to be on the same policy. Getting married often lowers your rates since insurers view married couples as more stable and less risky than single drivers.

Teen Drivers

Add teen drivers immediately when they get their learner's permit or license. Most states require coverage within 30 to 60 days of licensing. States like Maryland, Indiana, and Illinois require coverage even for drivers with learner's permits, while others only need it once your teen has a full license.

Teen drivers are more likely to be involved in accidents due to inexperience, so having coverage is essential. Failing to add your teen can lead to claim denials if they have an accident. Insurers cross-check DMV records with your address to spot unlisted teen drivers, which could result in policy cancellation for misrepresentation.

Adult Children

Add adult children who live at home or frequently return from college and drive your car. If your college student keeps a car at school under your name, most insurers require them to stay on your policy even when living away.

However, if they attend school more than 100 miles away without a car, many insurers offer discounts for good grandes and away-at-school students.

Parents

Adding a parent often helps if they live with you and drive your car regularly. Experienced drivers with clean records can lower your premiums by reducing your household's overall risk.

However, parents with recent accidents or violations may increase costs. The main driver of the vehicle must remain the policyholder to avoid fronting fraud.

Roommates and Friends

You can add non-family members, like roommates, to your car insurance if you live together and share a vehicle. Some insurers require you to list all licensed household members on your policy or to formally exclude them, even if they have their own cars and insurance. To save money, consider splitting a multi-car policy with your roommate or bundling your home and auto insurance.

You can add a friend if they live with you or regularly use your car. Friends who only borrow your car occasionally don't need to be added—they're covered under your permissive use clause for up to 12 uses per year. If they don't live with you, adding them might not be possible depending on your insurer and location.

Long-term Visitors

If a visitor uses your car for a long period—like a friend staying for several weeks—consider adding them temporarily. For occasional use less than 12 times a year, your permissive use clause offers coverage without needing a formal addition.

Employees

If employees like nannies or helpers use your car for daily tasks, you typically need commercial auto insurance rather than adding them to your personal policy. Personal policies don't usually cover business use of vehicles. Discuss your specific situation with your insurer to determine the appropriate coverage.

You live with a high-risk driver

If someone with a poor driving record or no insurance lives with you and uses your car, you must add them or formally exclude them. Not listing them could make you financially responsible if they cause an accident, and your insurer might deny the claim completely. Adding drivers makes sure everyone is covered, prevents policy cancellation, and often costs less than maintaining separate policies.

What Happens When You Add Someone to Your Car Insurance?

Mark Fitzpatrick:

When you add a driver to your car insurance, you are changing your risk profile in the eyes of your insurer your insurance rates can go up or down depending on the profile and driving history of the additional driver. If you add a young driver or someone with violations in their history, and you yourself are a good, adult driver, your rates will likely go up as the driving risk of your household has increased. If you add another good, experienced driver, your rates could actually stay relatively stable or even go down.

Adding a driver differs from permissive use. Listed drivers have permanent, ongoing access to your vehicle and full coverage protection. Permissive users borrow your car occasionally—typically up to 12 times per year—without formal listing.

If someone exceeds this limit, lives in your household or has regular vehicle access, you must add them to maintain coverage. Insurers may deny claims involving unlisted drivers who should have been added.

How Much Does Adding a Driver to Insurance Cost?

Adding a driver to car insurance typically costs between $100 and $3,000 per year, depending on the driver's age, driving record, and experience. Most insurers don't charge a fee for adding someone—there's no administrative cost—but your premium will adjust based on the new driver's risk profile.

Your premium increases when adding teen drivers, drivers with accidents or violations, or those with poor credit scores. However, your premium stays similar or decreases when adding experienced drivers with clean records over age 25.

Teen drivers (16-19): Premium increases by $2,000 to $3,000 per year
Young adults (20-25): Premium increases by $1,000 to $2,000 per year
Experienced adults (26-60): Premium increases by only $100 to $300 per year
Experienced drivers with excellent records: May actually lower your rates

Cheapest Car Insurance Companies for Policies 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.

Here are the most affordable car insurance companies offering low cost policies with secondary drivers:


GEICO	$117	$1,407	7%
State Farm	$173	$2,075	12%

Cheapest Car Insurance Companies for Policies 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.

Why You Can Trust MoneyGeek

MoneyGeek sourced quote data from Quadrant Information Services, analyzing rates from major insurers when adding drivers of different ages and risk profiles across all states.

Data filtered by:Results filtered by:

Policy Type

Select

Policy Type:Family Policy


16	Nationwide	226.48	2717.72
17	Nationwide	223.72	2684.65
18	GEICO	202.61	2431.30
19	Nationwide	172.19	2066.29
20	Nationwide	180.86	2170.35
21	Nationwide	131.84	1582.14
22	Nationwide	133.70	1604.40
23	Nationwide	138.15	1657.78
24	Nationwide	130.38	1564.61
25	Nationwide	117.13	1405.53

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.

Best Discounts to Lower Premiums After Adding a Driver

Want to save money when you add someone to your policy? Ask about these discounts:

Defensive driving course: Complete a defensive driving course within the last three years and you'll see your rates drop 5% to 15%. Both online and classroom courses work, but check with your insurer first to make sure the course qualifies.
Multi-policy bundling: Bundle your car insurance with home or renters coverage and save 10% to 20% on both policies. That's real money back in your pocket, especially when you're dealing with the higher costs of insuring risky drivers.
Good student: Students who keep a 3.0 GPA or better can qualify for good student discounts through age 25. You'll need to show report cards or transcripts, and most insurers want annual proof to keep the discount active.
Low mileage: Drive fewer than 7,500 miles per year? You can qualify for low-mileage savings. Some companies offer bigger discounts the less you drive, and usage-based programs can save safe drivers 10% to 30%.
Safety features: Modern safety equipment pays off. Anti-theft systems, automatic emergency braking and other advanced features can earn you discounts up to 15%. Some insurers also reward cars with driver assistance technology or speed limiters.
Group memberships: Check if you qualify for group discounts through your employer, professional associations or alumni groups. Military members, veterans and first responders often have access to special discount programs, too.

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.
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.

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.

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. You'll need:
- 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 three to five 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 details during your call or through the online application portal. Most insurers provide immediate temporary coverage once you apply, even before final approval, so you and the new driver are protected immediately. You'll provide:
- 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 three to five 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.
5
Confirm details and finalize
Review all information for accuracy before giving final approval to avoid future complications.
6
Receive updated policy documents
Once approved, your insurer will provide 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.

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.

Adding a Driver to Auto Insurance: FAQ

MoneyGeek answered these frequently asked questions to help you navigate the process of adding a driver to your car insurance policy 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 to 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 three to five 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 to 48 hours, with immediate temporary coverage starting as soon as you apply. Complex cases involving drivers with extensive violation histories or SR-22 requirements may take three to five 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

Adding drivers to your car insurance gets complicated fast. Different insurers handle multi-driver policies in different ways, so we wanted to see which companies offer the best rates and service for families.

We collected rate data from hundreds of insurers nationwide, then analyzed how adding different types of drivers affects your premium. Our team called insurance companies directly to understand their underwriting processes — the behind-the-scenes decisions that online quote tools don't show you.

Where Our Data Comes From

AM Best: Financial stability ratings help us identify insurers that stay reliable when you're managing multiple drivers on one policy.
J.D. Power: Customer satisfaction scores show which companies actually deliver good service for multi-driver households.
National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC): Complaint records reveal which insurers handle complex family policies without major issues.
Quadrant Information Services: Pricing data across different driver combinations gives us the foundation for accurate rate comparisons.

Real Situations, Real Answers

We tested scenarios families actually face: the 16-year-old getting their license, aging parents who need coverage, adult kids moving home. Instead of using cookie-cutter profiles, we examined how driving experience, age differences and family relationships influence what you'll pay.

Why Our Approach Works

Finding cheap car insurance for additional drivers goes beyond the lowest quote. You need insurers who assess your family's risk fairly. Some companies hit multi-driver policies with hefty penalties. Others offer family discounts that genuinely reduce costs.

Our research gives you rates that match what you'll actually pay, not teaser quotes that jump after you add drivers. You get the information needed to choose coverage that protects everyone in your household without emptying your wallet.

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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.

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