Car insurance can feel jargon-heavy at first, especially if you have not insured a car in the UK before. ‘Named driver’ is one of those terms that looks simple, but it is often misunderstood.
A named driver is someone added to a car insurance policy so they can drive the insured vehicle, even though the policy is not in their name.
The person who takes out the cover remains responsible for the policy, including payments, renewals, and any changes.
Named driver vs main driver: what is the difference?
The main driver is the person who uses the car the most. Insurers expect the main driver and the policyholder to match up in most cases, because pricing is based heavily on who is behind the wheel day-to-day.
A named driver is there for occasional use. Think of a partner who shares the car at weekends, or a family member who might drive it now and then.
If the named driver actually uses the car more than the person listed as the main driver, that can cause issues, potentially even invalidating your policy.
What is ‘fronting’ and why does it matter?
Fronting is when someone is put down as the main driver to get a cheaper quote, even though they are not the person who mainly drives.
A common example is a parent insuring a car as if they are the primary user, when the car is really for their child. Insurers can refuse a claim if they believe the details were set up this way. This means if you have an accident, your insurance company might not pay out.
It can also make it harder to get coverage in the future.
What can a named driver do?
A named driver can drive the car under the terms of the policy. That includes things like social driving and, if the policy allows it, commuting or business use.
They cannot manage the policy. They also cannot make changes or renew it. Those responsibilities stay with the policyholder.
Will adding a named driver change the price?
Sometimes. Adding an experienced driver can reduce the price, especially if it suggests the car is shared and used more cautiously.
Adding a new or young driver often increases the cost, because insurers see a higher risk. There is no fixed rule here, because every driver and insurer is different.
Does being a named driver build no claims discount?
Usually not. No claims discount is normally earned by the person who holds the policy. Some insurers may take named driver experience into account later, but it is not guaranteed.
If you want to build up your own no-claims history in the UK, you will generally need a policy in your own name.
When should you add someone to your policy?
Add anyone who is likely to drive the car, even if it is not frequent. If someone drives without being listed, the cover will typically not apply.
If you are unsure whether someone needs to be added, it is safer to check before they drive.
Named drivers with Marshmallow
Marshmallow offers fully comprehensive car insurance and you can add named drivers when it makes sense for your situation. If you are new to the UK system, the key is making sure the main driver details are accurate, then adding any occasional drivers properly so everything is clear if you ever need to claim.
