What Is Named Driver Experience?

If you are a young driver looking to gain some driving experience, the best way to start is by being added as a named driver on a parent or relatives car insurance policy.

This situation will benefit everyone as your parents or relatives may get an eager chauffeur and you will learn how to drive. It also has the added benefit of potentially lowering the policyholder’s car insurance premium, which they will be extra happy about.

WHAT IS NAMED DRIVER EXPERIENCE

We all know the importance of a no claims bonus when it comes to getting car insurance. It acts as a record of your driving experience as it allows insurers to see if you have made any claims or if claims have been made against you in the past.

Getting car insurance, as a first time driver, can be expensive as potential insurers will not be able to draw upon a no claims bonus history when they are quoting you. But if you have been on a parent’s or relative’s motor policy this could be used as proof of safe driving.

Understanding the law

By law, all vehicle drivers must have either their own car insurance policy or be driving as a named driver on another person’s policy.

Applying for named driver status

If you wish to be added to another persons policy, to get named driving experience, then the policyholder needs to contact their insurer and advise them that you are being added. Depending on the insurer and the type of policy this could result in a reduction of the insurance premium. This is also known as a mid term adjustment so make sure you get your insurer to advise the policy holder of any additional costs that might be involved in the process. When the time comes for you to get your own car insurance policy then your insurer will be able to provide you with a letter of named driving experience upon request.

Read More: Mid Term Adjustments

Fronting

Fronting is a term used by insurers when a named driver is added to a car insurance policy but the majority of driving is done by the inexperienced driver. When insuring young drivers on any vehicle, thought needs to be given to how much they will use the car. If it becomes apparent that the named driver uses the vehicle more than the policyholder, then insurers will argue that the named driver is the main user. This may result in the insurer voiding the policy from inception and refusing to deal with any claims.

Using Your Named Driver Experience

If you have named driving experience, then you should use it when you are getting your own insurance for the first time. When you’re getting a motor quote the insurer will ask you for your no claims bonus or named driver’s experience. If they don’t ask for the named driver's experience make sure you tell them that you have this as it could be used by the insurer to potentially reduce the cost of the premium.

Having some named driver experience is a great way to potentially help lower your car insurance for the first few years. If you wish to add someone to your policy or want to get a quote using your own named driver experience Chill are here to help. Call us on 01 400 3400 to speak to one of the team.