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- Who you can add: You can list licensed household members or others who regularly drive your vehicle.
- No fixed limit: There is typically no cap on the number of drivers you can add, as long as there’s a valid reason.
- Occasional drivers: People who rarely borrow your car may be covered under permissive use and don’t need to be added.
- Impact on rates: Adding a driver can change your premium based on their driving history, age, and risk factors.
- How to add someone: Most insurers let you add drivers online, via app, or by calling them with the driver’s details.
You can add all licensed household members to your car insurance policy, such as your spouse and children and others that reside with you. You can also add children that are away at school, but still reside at home during breaks and will drive your vehicle during those times.
Although rules vary by insurance company and state, anyone else who regularly drives your vehicle(s) should be listed as a driver on your auto insurance policy.
Who can be added to your car insurance policy?
You can generally add anyone with a valid driver’s license who lives with you or regularly uses your vehicle. This includes:
- Your spouse or domestic partner
- Children who live at home, including those away at school on breaks
- Other household members such as roommates or relatives
- Frequent drivers such as caregivers who use the car often
The definition of a household member varies from one car insurance company to another but generally it means immediate or extended family that lives with you as well as non-family household members that drive your vehicle, such as a nanny. In some cases, a roommate can be considered a member of your household.
Typically, family members include any immediate or extended family member of driving age. This includes parents, children, siblings, grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, foster children, in-laws and step-family members.
There’s no set maximum number of drivers you can insure, but you must have a good reason for listing each person. Someone who only drives your car occasionally, like a friend borrowing it once in a while, is usually covered under a permissive use clause and doesn’t need to be added formally.
Why should you add regular drivers?
Insurers want to know who is likely to drive your car because each person adds to the overall risk your policy covers. If someone who regularly uses your vehicle isn’t listed and they cause an accident, your insurer could reduce or deny your claim. Adding regular drivers keeps your coverage valid if they get into a crash while driving your car.
When you must add a driver to your policy
You should add someone to your policy when:
- They move into your household and will drive your car often
- Your child gets a license and plans to use your vehicle
- A partner or roommate regularly uses your car
If someone doesn’t live with you but drives your vehicle frequently, check with your insurer — some companies require these drivers to be listed too.
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How adding a driver affects your insurance premium
Adding a driver can change your rates because the insurer recalculates your risk based on all listed drivers. Factors that influence how your premium may change include:
- Age and experience: Younger or newly licensed drivers often increase premiums more than experienced drivers.
- Driving history: Accidents, tickets, or claims in a driver’s past can raise your rate.
- Location: Where drivers live can affect risk profiles.
Sometimes adding a safe, experienced driver can even lower your total premium if it improves the overall risk picture.
How to add or remove a driver from your insurance policy
Most insurers let you update your policy at any time:
- Online or mobile app: Log in and follow prompts to add a driver
- Phone: Call your insurer or agent with the new driver’s name, birth date, license number, and driving history
- In person: Some agents can assist you face‑to‑face
To remove a driver — such as when they move out or obtain their own coverage — contact your insurer with updated information.
Frequently Asked Questions: Regular drivers
Do I need to add someone who only borrows my car occasionally?
Often no. Occasional drivers may be covered under permissive use, but check your policy to confirm.
Is there a limit to how many drivers I can add?
Usually not, as long as each person legitimately uses the vehicle regularly.
Will adding someone always raise my rates?
Not always. Adding a low‑risk driver may have little effect or could even lower your premium in some cases.
Can I add someone who doesn’t live with me?
Yes, if they regularly drive your car, but insurer policies vary so check with your provider.
What information do I need to add a driver?
Typically the person’s name, date of birth, driver’s license number, and their driving record. Your insurer may ask for additional details.
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