Is a Second Driver Really the Shortcut to Cheaper Cover?

There’s this little trick people talk about; add your mum, your dad, or someone “with experience” to your policy and boom: lower premium. And in some cases, that might actually work.

But it’s not always that simple. Sometimes adding a named driver reduces risk. Other times, it just complicates things; or even nudges the cost up. So if you’re weighing it up, here's what you need to know before giving someone else access to your policy.

What Exactly Is a Named Driver?

A named driver is someone who’s allowed to drive your car, legally and with the insurer’s blessing. They’re not the main policyholder. They don’t own the vehicle. But they are covered.

Think of it like lending your car to a friend; but with the paperwork done properly.

When Might Adding a Named Driver Lower Your Premium?

It all comes down to risk. If the person you’re adding has:

  • Years of claim-free experience
  • A clean driving record
  • Low-risk demographics (e.g. over 30, not commuting daily)

…then your policy might look safer overall. Especially if you're a younger or newly qualified driver. Insurers may assume the driving load is shared, lowering the risk of fatigue, long commutes, or driving inexperience.

In some cases, adding a parent or older sibling has made a noticeable difference; even if they rarely touch the car.

When Might It Push Your Premium Higher?

Flip the script. What if the person you're adding has:

  • Points on their licence
  • Recent claims or insurance gaps
  • A high-risk profile (young, delivery driver, sports car enthusiast... you get the idea)

Then it’s a different story. Your insurer might see the policy as riskier, even if you're a model driver yourself.

And there’s another catch; too many drivers listed on one car might also complicate things. The insurer needs to understand who’s actually using the vehicle most often. If they suspect anything dodgy (like “fronting”), expect problems.

“Fronting”; What Not to Do

Tempted to list your experienced parent as the main driver, even though you’re the one doing all the miles? That’s called “fronting”; and it might get your policy voided.

It might also lead to fines, rejected claims, or even a fraud flag on your record. Not worth the risk. Always be honest about who uses the car most. That part isn’t flexible.

How to Decide Who (If Anyone) to Add

Ask yourself a few quick questions:

  • Will this person actually drive the car at least occasionally?
  • Do they have a clean record; or a few bumps in the past?
  • What does the quote look like with and without them included?
  • Are you adding them to reduce costs or for genuine shared use?

If it’s a bit of both, that’s okay. But make sure their presence on the policy makes sense on paper.

Sometimes It’s About More Than Money

Let’s say you're away, ill, or stuck at work; having a named driver who can legally take the car is a practical safety net. Whether that’s for school runs, emergencies, or just flexibility, it's more than just a numbers game.

Some people add a named driver not to save money; but to share responsibility. And that might be worth more than a small reduction anyway.

The Bottom Line?

Adding a named driver might save you money. It might not. It depends entirely on who they are, how they drive, and what their track record looks like.

Try it both ways before committing. Run a quote with them on and off the policy. Don’t just assume it’s always the trick to lower your premium; because sometimes, it’s not.

But if it makes sense, and it’s honest? It might make all the difference.