Change of Main Driver on Car Insurance

PhoebeWhite

Good morning.  My first post so hope i get it right.
Looking for some advice, please.

I'm the main driver on a car in my name with both my hubby and son as named drivers.  Our son lives away from home and up until now only drove the car periodically when he was visited.  Recently his circumstances have changed and he needs a car to get to and from a placement, so we're lending him the car for this purpose, so effectively he will become the main driver of the car.  Can anyone recommend how best to sort out the insurance?  We don't want to be accused of 'fronting' but it looks like we may have to cancel the existing policy thus incurring a £50 cancellation fee and take out a new policy in son's name.  Are there any other options?  Any advice greatly appreciated.

DullGreyGuy

1) Do quotes online for a new policy with the setup you want so you know the market price. Be a little careful with the NCD as some will require that it comes in the name of the Main Driver, others will be happy with it being from the Policyholder

2) Phone your current insurers and ask them to confirm the cost for adjusting the policy as you require it (if its possible). 

Compare the costs of the two above and go for the most cost effective... if you have less than 9 years NCD you may want to factor in the loss of a part year of NCD caused by cancelling mid term

PhoebeWhite

Many thanks.  I'm onto it.

PhoebeWhite

So, I emailed them in the end and received this reply:

"I’m sorry, but we can’t change the main driver of your policy once a policy is taken out. However, your son can remain a named driver on the policy that just makes use of the vehicle most of the time. No further action is required as we have him covered to drive the vehicle registration on file as well."

This does seem to contradict the fact that the 'main driver' is the one who drives the car the most and our son will be doing that, over the next few months at least.

Stillabitconfused.com

DullGreyGuy

PhoebeWhite said:

So, I emailed them in the end and received this reply:

"I’m sorry, but we can’t change the main driver of your policy once a policy is taken out. However, your son can remain a named driver on the policy that just makes use of the vehicle most of the time. No further action is required as we have him covered to drive the vehicle registration on file as well."

This does seem to contradict the fact that the 'main driver' is the one who drives the car the most and our son will be doing that, over the next few months at least.

Stillabitconfused.com

They have given their blessing so just make sure you keep the email safe in case they forget.

How far through the policy year are you anyway? if you are the majority of the way through already then arguably for the entirity of the polciy year they wont be the main driver and to take it the to the rediculous to prove a point, you dont have to phone up and declare whos going to be the main driver for any given day/week just for the whole policy year.

PhoebeWhite

The policy has 5 months left to run, our son will be using it regularly for his work placement for the next 2 months, then he'll be back to periodical usage.

I'm relieved I've been up front about the situation and, as you say, I have the email trail as back up.

Thank you for your input. Much appreciated.