If I want to add a driver or vehicle to my insurance, do I need to start a new policy?

Adding someone to car insurance temporarily isn’t uncommon. If someone else lives with you, your insurance company may insist that you add them as a driver. Some roommates even share policies, though you should always check to see if their driving record will drive up the rate overall for you.

But what about vehicles and other drivers outside of the home? Do you have to start a new policy in that situation? Don’t worry — we’ll answer the complex questions relative to adding drivers and cars to a new and current policy.

Our guide answers car insurance questions about adding someone or a vehicle to your insurance policy. Also, we’ll discuss which insurance companies provide the best discounts.

Read on to learn how to add a driver or a vehicle to your insurance. Enter your ZIP code into the free online quote tool above to compare quotes from multiple insurance companies near you.

If I want to add a driver or a vehicle to my insurance, do I need to start a new policy?

No, you don’t. If you already have an auto insurance policy, you can add a trusted driver to your policy if they are going to drive your car. If they drive occasionally, your coverage will cover them. If they drive your car regularly, they would have to be factored into the premium. So a friend running a quick errand for you wouldn’t require a change in insurance, but your teen who lives with you on weekends and drives your car during that time consistently would.

Contact your insurance company and inform them that you want to add a driver. Adding a vehicle, however, requires more effort.

First, the vehicle must be registered to the primary policyholder (Let’s assume that’s you). Registration indicates that the auto insurance policy and registration have the same address.

Even if you’re not the primary driver, the car insurance company insists that you serve as the registered owner. The idea is that you cannot buy insurance to make money, but rather to correct losses. If you don’t own a car and you wreck it, it’s not you who should be receiving the compensation (and therefore holding the insurance policy).

Once the vehicle is registered, you can then add the car to your insurance policy.

What if I don’t have a car insurance policy?

If you don’t have an auto insurance policy, start an insurance policy with your registered vehicle(s) by obtaining a quote. Purchase the car insurance quote once you’re satisfied with the costs.

Finally, have your car insurance agent add another vehicle or driver(s) to your policy.

Does adding a driver increase your insurance?

Yes, it does. But it depends on who you list on your car insurance policy.

For example, teen drivers and young adult drivers are at high risk for filing claims. Therefore, car insurance rates rise when you add them to your policy.

However, adding drivers 25 and older may decrease your rates. If each of those drivers has a clean driving record, you’ll save at least 10% on auto insurance.

Does adding a vehicle increase my car insurance rates?

Yes, it does. Adding another vehicle to your auto insurance policy drives up your rates.

Older model year cars produce lower increases, but the latest model year vehicles generate higher rates.

How much is car insurance when I add a driver or a vehicle?

Auto insurance rates vary for each company, and adding a driver or vehicle to your policy doesn’t require a set amount.

However, we located the average rates for policyholders who add drivers to their car insurance policy. Let’s examine those rates in the table below.

Monthly Car Insurance Rates After Adding A Driver to Insurance by Age

Adding younger drivers produces more expensive auto insurance rates. Meanwhile, drivers 30 and older generate more affordable car insurance quotes.

Adding a vehicle can raise your car insurance rates, but you can receive a discount.

Which car insurance companies provide discounts when you add a vehicle to your policy?

You can receive more affordable auto insurance rates when adding another car to your insurance policy.

Several car insurance companies across the nation provide at least 5% off when you add a second vehicle to your policy.

Here’s a table of the best insurance companies in America and their multi-car deals.

Multi-Car Discounts Available by Company

Geico provides 25% off auto insurance rates when you add vehicles to your insurance policy.

Nationwide and State Farm tie for second place with 20% savings for people who add a second or third vehicle to their auto insurance policy.

Does my car insurance cover other drivers?

It depends on the auto insurance company. Most insurance policies cover drivers that are listed on your current policy.

Also, drivers (family, friends, or associates) who have permission to drive your car are covered temporarily.

But some car insurance companies in the United States provide reduced insurance coverage when a permissive driver is in an accident while driving your car. This could apply more strongly if your insurance company finds out you’ve tried to cover regular drivers on a permissive basis for an extended period.

If someone takes your car without permission, the person driving the vehicle without consent will be responsible for damages.

Does insurance follow the car or the driver?

Auto insurance usually follows the vehicle and not the driver.

If you give permission for someone else to drive your car and they get into an accident, your car insurance company pays for the damage to the other vehicle.

You can only obtain coverage for your vehicle if you have full coverage. But you should be aware of reduced limits in your state.

Why should I add another driver to my car insurance policy?

Auto insurance companies make it easier for you to add a driver by lowering insurance rates.

We assure you that you don’t need to worry. However, you should add a driver under specific circumstances.

Here are five reasons why you should add a driver to your auto insurance policy:

• Family members in the same household regularly driving the same car(s)
• A driver frequently borrows your car
• Your driving is limited
• It’s a more affordable auto insurance option for teens and young adults
• You own more than one vehicle

Spouses are usually included on your car insurance policy, but you should add teens and young adults to your policy, especially if they live with you or if they are away at college. Keep in mind, depending on how far away college is and if they drive another car while away at college, they may need their own policy.

Auto insurance companies also recommend that policyholders add roommates if they borrow your car regularly.

Who shouldn’t be added to my car insurance policy?

People at extremely high risk should not be added to your insurance policy or those without a permissible connection to you.

For example, you shouldn’t add a driver to your auto insurance policy who has multiple accidents, DUIs, or too many traffic violations. If you do, your car insurance rates will significantly increase. You also wouldn’t add your friend who lives 20 minutes away or your neighbor.

Adding a Driver or a Vehicle to My Insurance: The Bottom Line

It does cost extra to add a driver or a vehicle to your insurance policy. But most auto insurance companies provide a discount when you add drivers who correlate with a low risk of filing claims.

Teens and young adults (drivers between 18 and 24) produce more expensive rates when you add them to your policy. However, car insurance deals can decrease your rates.

You can even receive a deal when you add another vehicle to your policy, but your savings depend on the company.

Now that you know how to add a driver and a vehicle to your insurance policy, use our free online quote tool to compare multiple insurance companies in your area.