When to Add a Driver

Are you deciding whether to add a driver to your insurance policy? It can be confusing! Adding drivers to your policy, when appropriate, could help you avoid negative consequences in the event of a lending loss. The information below can help guide you in making the right decision.

If I Add a Driver to My Car Insurance, Will It Go Up?

Are you unsure if you need to add a driver to your car insurance policy? It can be confusing! Adding a driver to your car insurance policy, when appropriate, could help you avoid negative consequences in the event of a loss. The information below can help guide you in making the right decision.

When to Add a Driver to Your Car Insurance Policy

Including another driver under your insurance policy means they’ll be protected by your coverage when they drive your vehicle.

So should you add a driver to your policy? Here are some things you’ll want to consider, keeping in mind that state regulations may vary:

• Who will drive your vehicle and how often they’ll drive it
• Do they own or co-own your vehicle
• The driver’s relationship to you
• Whether the driver lives with you

Who should be added to my car insurance?

Drivers who live in your household and/or regularly operate (an operator who uses the vehicle more than once per month on a recurring basis) your vehicle should typically be added to your policy.

Below are some examples of people you should consider adding to your insurance policy:

• Spouses are typically required to be on your policy
• Significant others/partners/fiancés should be added to your policy if they live in the household or regularly operate your vehicle
• Teen drivers and college students need to be added to your policy if they have a learner's permit or a valid driver license
• Roommates who live in your household should be added to your policy
• Friends can be added to your policy if they regularly drive your vehicle

Will adding a driver increase my car insurance costs?

In some cases, adding a driver to your car insurance policy can affect your premium, but not always. Many factors determine the cost of adding a driver, as assessed by your insurer, like driver relationship, age, driving history, past claims, and driving records.

For example, adding a newly licensed teen driver with little driving experience can increase the premium, but a good student discount may be able to help offset that difference. Similarly, including a driver with a history of insurance claims and traffic violations may increase the cost of your policy, while adding one with a clean driving history can sometimes help lower costs, depending on the situation.

Regardless of the type of driver you are adding to your policy, experienced drivers may be eligible for additional discounts, as most insurance companies have discounts for good drivers.

How to Add a Driver to Your Car Insurance Policy

Already a GEICO customer? Add a driver by logging in to your account or mobile app. New customers can get a quote online to start a policy.

Make sure to have the following information available when adding a driver to your car insurance:

• Full Name as it appears on their driver’s license
• Date of Birth
• Date first licensed
• Driver’s License Number

For additional help, chat with us online or call (800) 841-3000 to talk to one of our licensed agents.