TL;DR: Yes, if someone drives your car regularly, they should be listed on your auto insurance policy as an occasional (secondary) driver. For infrequent use, your insurance’s permissive use clause typically covers them. Having the right drivers listed on your auto insurance policy is essential to ensure everyone is properly covered in case of an accident.
While you don’t need to list every occasional driver, anyone who uses your vehicle on a regular basis—whether they live with you or borrow your car frequently—should be disclosed to your insurer. Failing to list regular drivers could result in denied claims, higher premiums, or even policy cancellation. This guide will help you understand who qualifies as an occasional driver, the effects on your premiums, and the consequences of failing to disclose a driver.
However, if someone drives frequently or lives with you, make sure they’re added to avoid claim denial or policy cancellation. Call Insure on the Spot at 773-202-5060 for advice on adding drivers and understanding your policy.
What Is an Occasional Driver in Car Insurance?
An occasional driver, also called a secondary driver, is someone who uses your vehicle less frequently than the primary driver—usually, they drive the car less than 25% of the time or less than once a week. For example, if you drive your car every day but your spouse only uses it on weekends, your spouse would be considered an occasional driver.
Occasional drivers are common in households with multiple drivers sharing one vehicle. In these situations, the primary driver is the person who drives the car most often, while those who use it infrequently, like a teenager or a partner, are listed as secondary drivers. For instance, a newly licensed teen who uses the car on weekends can be classified as an occasional driver, while the parent remains the primary driver.
Who Needs to Be Listed as an Occasional Driver on a Policy?
If someone lives in your household or uses your car regularly (even if it’s just on weekends or a few times per month), they should be listed as an occasional driver. This includes:
- Spouse or partner
- Teenagers or young adults living with you
- Roommates who occasionally drive your car
- Anyone else who drives your car regularly
If someone drives your car only once in a while (for example, to borrow it for an errand), they are likely covered under the permissive use clause in your insurance policy. However, if they use it often, you must list them as an occasional driver to ensure full coverage.
How Does Adding an Occasional Driver Affect Insurance Rates?
Adding an occasional driver to your policy typically raises your premium, but not as much as adding a primary driver. Insurers generally charge less for occasional drivers because they use the car less often.
For instance, if you add a teenager as an occasional driver, the increase in your premium may be smaller than if they were listed as the primary driver. Some insurers offer an “occasional operator” discount, which can save you 10% to 25% on the additional cost.
Factors that influence the premium increase include:
- The driver’s age and driving record (a high-risk driver will raise your premium more).
- The amount of driving (someone who drives just a couple of times a month won’t raise your premium as much as a regular driver).
It’s a good idea to speak with your insurance agent about how adding an occasional driver might affect your rates. Knowing ahead of time can help you make an informed decision.
What Happens If You Don’t List a Driver Who Uses Your Car?
Not disclosing a driver who uses your car regularly can result in serious consequences:
- Claim Denial: If an unlisted driver is involved in an accident, your insurer may refuse to cover the damages or injuries.
- Policy Cancellation: If you fail to list regular drivers, your insurer might cancel your policy for misrepresentation.
- Legal Issues: In Illinois, driving without proper insurance coverage can result in fines, license suspension, or even higher costs for insurance when you try to reinstate your policy.
It’s important to be transparent with your insurer to avoid these risks. Hiding regular drivers in an attempt to save on premiums can be considered insurance fraud, and can lead to severe penalties.
How Can You Save Money When Adding Occasional Drivers?
While adding another driver to your policy can increase your premium, there are ways to minimize the cost:
1. Classify Drivers Properly and Use Discounts
- Make sure the driver is listed as an occasional driver, not a primary one. You can also ask your insurer about discounts such as good student, safe driver, or multi-policy discounts to help offset the premium increase.
2. Use a Usage-Based Insurance Program
- If the occasional driver doesn’t use the car much, consider enrolling in a pay-per-mile or telematics program. These programs track actual driving habits and reward low mileage, potentially lowering your premium.
3. Review Coverage and Compare Rates
- If you’re worried about premium increases, consider raising your deductible or adjusting optional coverages. Also, it’s worth getting quotes from other insurers, as rates can vary between companies.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Do occasional drivers need to be listed on my car insurance policy?
A: Yes, if someone in your household or a frequent visitor drives your car regularly, they should be listed as an occasional driver. A rare, one-time borrower is generally covered under permissive use.
Q: Is there special insurance for occasional drivers?
A: There isn’t a specific policy for occasional drivers. Instead, your auto insurance will cover them if they are listed as secondary drivers. If you don’t own a car but frequently drive others’ vehicles, you can get a non-owner car insurance policy.
Q: What is a permissive use clause in auto insurance?
A: A permissive use clause allows someone who has your permission to drive your car occasionally to be covered under your policy. However, if they drive the car regularly or live with you, they need to be listed as an occasional driver.
Q: What happens if someone not on my policy wrecks my car?
A: If they had your permission and are not a regular driver, your insurance should cover the damage. However, if the driver should have been listed and wasn’t, the claim could be denied, and you could be personally liable for the damage.
Get a Quote Today!
If you have questions about adding an occasional driver to your policy or want to explore affordable coverage options, call Insure on the Spot at 773-202-5060. Our experts can help ensure all drivers in your household are covered, and we’ll guide you in finding the best insurance rates for your needs.