You may occasionally allow a partner, family member or friend to drive your car. But what happens if they are involved in an accident? Will your car insurance still cover the damage?
The answer depends on your policy and whether the insurer has been given accurate information about who regularly drives the vehicle.
Regular Drivers vs Occasional Drivers
When you apply for car insurance, you will normally be asked to identify the vehicle’s regular driver. This is the person who uses the car most often during a typical month.
Insurers use information about the regular driver—such as their age, driving history, location and licence details—to calculate the vehicle’s risk and monthly premium.
An occasional driver is someone who uses the car less frequently. Depending on the policy, an occasional driver may still be covered, provided they:
- Have a valid driver’s licence
- Have permission to use the vehicle
- Comply with the policy conditions
- Are not driving under the influence
- Are not using the vehicle for an excluded purpose
Always check your policy wording because the requirements differ between insurers.
Why the Correct Regular Driver Matters
Listing yourself as the regular driver when another person actually uses the car most often could create problems when you claim.
For example, a parent may insure a vehicle in their name even though their child drives it every day. If the insurer was not informed about the true regular driver, it could affect the assessment or outcome of a future claim.
Providing accurate information helps the insurer calculate the correct premium and ensures the policy reflects how the vehicle is genuinely used.
Tell Your Insurer When Circumstances Change
Contact your insurer if someone else begins driving the car regularly. You should also update them if the vehicle’s overnight address, use or ownership changes.
Do not wait until an accident happens to discover that important information was missing from your policy.
Make Sure Your Cover Fits Your Needs
If your vehicle is shared with other people, ask whether regular and occasional drivers are covered, whether additional excesses apply, and whether any drivers must be specifically listed.
Easy Car Insure helps you explore car insurance options based on your vehicle and individual needs.