main driver / named driver

si986

I'll be renewing my car insurance soon, and need to decide whether to list myself or my partner as the main driver...

I've had my licence 10yrs, with 4yrs no claims and no accident history.

My partner has had her licence for 6 months.

My problem is that, although the car is registered to me, my partner now uses the car to commute (3.5k miles / yr). Although I use the car at weekends etc., she probably will end up driving the most miles over the course of the year. Just.

To renew in my name is £450, to renew in her's is £650...

I'm obviously tempted to put myself down is the main driver, on the basis that although I don't commute with car I may well end up driving as many miles. But I also don't want to risk the insurance being voided in the event of a claim.

Does anybody have any experience with this?

ChopperST

Its called fronting and will almost certainly result in the policy being declared void if your insurers find out. Your wife is the main driver and you are the named driver for insurance purposes.

Mojisola

One person uses the car five days a week; the other uses it at weekends.

Who do you think most people would say is the main driver?

si986

But what if I put my partner down as the main driver, and then I end up driving more miles (perfectly possible). Would the insurance be void then? Surely not; the system can't depend on you perfectly predicting each driver's mileage for the year.

I agree that if she's using the car to commute it appears that she would be the main driver, but it's only a short commute (3.5k a year ain't much!).

rs65

si986 wrote: »

I agree that if she's using the car to commute it appears that she would be the main driver, but it's only a short commute (3.5k a year ain't much!).

That's the issue. You're better off not having that debate after an accident or loss.

If your chosen insurer doesn't define how they establish a main driver, just ask them.

si986

I phoned up the insurer for the best quote I had (Endsleigh) and their view is that if the mileage is roughly 50:50 then to list whoever is cheapest as the main driver. Provided the insurance covers my partner to commute (it will) then there isn't a problem.

System

I'd get that in writing. What someone says over the phone is worthless.