Car Insurance - Main Driver Definition?

Labinopper

Thank you all for your assistance, it seems ultimately I'd have to check with the insurers who they wish to be the main driver.

To further complicate things, and at this point more for seeing how people feel as I will speak to the insurers for their underwriters opinions on this (and probably ask for this in writing and check with an independent party if such a thing exists, I would assume it's just the ombudsman and this probably wouldn't be of interest to them as there's no complaint persay, just clarification?)

She is the registered keeper, as it was a car purchased on finance in her name, however my previous car was the deposit (around 20% give or take, I realise this may mean nothing, but I would hope symbolises my investment and financial responsibility to the vehicle too?) as I work part time whilst pursuing a Degree so we decided she would be more likely to be approved. As for costs relating to the running of the vehicle we have a joint account which everything goes into and comes from (I actually net slightly higher income which we live off, so in theory I pay more? however some of that is a student loan so not technically earnings?! My brain really hurts at all these potentially relevant circumstances), so there is no clear person who pays for maintainence etc... however all correspondence with the garage we purchased from, and any work that is done are done through me, including letters and emails addressed solely to me, and if the vehicle needs anything I take it and pay (with the joint account)

I believe someone asked if she was a learner, she isn't, she passed 2 years ago (she's 23 too so not a "young driver" but I believe still not at the cheapest age group) and asked how we both drive to work and whether we have two cars, at the moment we do, however as I work shifts at my local shop my shifts are usually opposite to hers, so she would drive home from work at 4 and I start at 6, or on the weekends she doesn't work so I almost always drive myself in.

I honestly feel like it can't be this complicated, I won't be insured on any other vehicles if we go ahead with this, main driver or named driver, and honestly have no idea how to declare who drives the most by their definition, I am cautious of being told to insure it with her as the main driver (it would likely net them more money for the same risk, as we won't change who drives based on who they want as the named driver) if we don't actually need to as we don't intend on purchasing another vehicle which would ultimately mean my no claims would eventually become irrelevant, and we as a couple would have to start over.

Thanks for your time in this! It's appreciated!

Dettol

Some insurers can be very helpful..my old insurer when i asked if i was "Fronting" the wife as i was policy holder but she obviously drove most of the time as i had my car insured with them (kind of obvious when you have both cars insured with them) and to my surprise he said that it wouldn't matter even if i was as my no claims was mirrored so would loose as a result despite who was driving.

This was the broker however...not sure if the under writer would agree.

I say my old broker as we moved away from them and took out insurance for her alone...insurance companies have a habit of trying to wriggle out of claims at the best of times,id rather be 100% happy we are complying with the rules/law.

uk1

I think you're taking the best approach. Just ensure that all disclosures are confirmed explicitly in the policy.

Labinopper

Okay, unexpected response from my insurance company, I use Admiral and have two cars at the moment and asked what the quote would be should we go down to one. I explained wanting to avoid fronting as a family member had gotten me concerned I could be unknowingly committing some form of insurance fraud.


Had a quote, didn't really "declare" a main driver persay, as I asked her who she would suggest putting between someone doing 4-5k as primarily a commute to work, and someone doing 7-8k as occasional commute but mainly social, her response was that the main driver doesn't really matter? She put me as the policyholder, my partner as the registered keeper, and said it's irrelevant really who the main driver is as the quote is adjusted accordingly anyway, and said the only real difference is that we would only receive a discount for my NCD if I'm the policyholder.

This actually managed to fill me with less confidence than I had before the call! Haha I haven't taken it out as this was just for a quote and to check it was an option so I will get a second opinion (someone else from Admiral I mean) when I go to take it out, but does that sound correct? Surely "main driver" is important?

Urgh, once again, thanks guys!

lisyloo

Surely "main driver" is important?

Not necessarily and insurers can choose how to run their business and how they rate risk.


I would suggest asking for it in email/letter if you are concerned when taking out a policy.

fiisch

As I mentioned before, main driver is not really a deciding factor - the vast majority of insurers rate on the highest risk driver which, in this case, I'd assume is your partner. If there is no material difference in premium/acceptance, then it is irrelevant when determining whether or not to pay a claim.

Jumblebumble

uk1 wrote: »

Clever you.

The OP has posted here presumably seeking information. It is better to ask the insurer, but it is also important to understand how to frame your question to them and to understand how they might take several factors into account when subsequently rejecting a claim.

The current owner registered with the DVLA is one factor that could be taken into account.

This does not make any sense for the millions of people who have lease /company cars.
I have a lease car but am neither the owner nor the registered keeper but am responsible for insuring it.
The only way to find out is to ask the insurers and good luck getting a sensible answer.

uk1

Jumblebumble wrote: »

This does not make any sense for the millions of people who have lease /cpmpany cars.
I have a lease car but am neither the owner nor the registered keeper but am responsible for insuring it.
The only way to find out is to ask the insurers and good luck getting a sensible answer.

Follow your own advice and ask the insurer. Endsleigh.

If however you read what was actually written the word “usually” was used ...........

System

Labinopper wrote: »

her response was that the main driver doesn't really matter? She put me as the policyholder, my partner as the registered keeper, and said it's irrelevant really who the main driver is

That's all very well until you need to make a claim and then someone else at the insurer decides that answering their proposal question incorrectly "does really matter".


Fair enough if you can get it in in writing "We don't care who you put down as the main driver - just ignore our questions".

Takmon

uk1 wrote: »

The current owner registered with the DVLA is one factor that could be taken into account.

For accuracy it's worth pointing out the owner of a vehicle is not registered with the DVLA, they only register the keeper of the vehicle who can be different from the legal owner. It even says on the front of the V5C that it isn't proof of ownership.