Can I get insurance on my parents’ car?

Whether you hold a provisional licence or a full driving licence, it’s possible to get insurance on your parents’ car as a named driver. But before you ask them, there’s a few things that you (and they) need to know, to make sure you do it legally.

Written by

Julie Daniels

Motor Insurance expert

Last Updated

24 SEPTEMBER 2024

5 min read

Why might you be added to the insurance for your parents’ car?

Young drivers are faced with some of the highest car insurance costs. If you don’t own your own car and drive your parents’ car from time to time, being added to their insurance as a named driver could save you money.

And if you haven’t got your licence yet, being added to their policy as a named driver, or taking out learner driver insurance on your parents’ car, will enable you to get in some extra practice in the lead-up to your test.

How can I become a named driver on my parents’ car insurance?

You can be added as a named driver to your parents’ car insurance, as long as you're not the main driver and you only occasionally drive their car. Be aware, though, that some insurance policies won’t allow named drivers aged under 25.

What does occasional use mean for car insurance purposes? It means that the main driver on the car insurance policy – in this case your parent – should be the one using the car for the majority of the time.

Adding you as a named driver will increase your parents’ insurance premium.

What is fronting?

Fronting is a type of insurance fraud. It usually happens when a more experienced driver (one of your parents, for example) insures a car in their name, but a younger driver (you) uses the car most often.

Fronting is illegal. At the very least, your insurance provider could cancel the policy. And both you and the main driver may end up paying more for car insurance in the future because cancelled cover can lead to higher premiums.

But there can be far worse consequences. If the car is damaged in an accident and you’re found to be fronting, your insurance provider can refuse to pay out for any damage.

And if there’s any third-party damage, your insurance provider could potentially sue you to cover their costs. In the absolute worst case scenario, you could be prosecuted for fraud and end up with a criminal record.

How long can you stay on your parents’ car insurance?

You can be on your parent’s policy temporarily or permanently.

But there may come a time when you want to use the car more than occasionally or you buy your own car. That’s when you’ll need to get your own car insurance.

Why is young driver car insurance so expensive?

Young drivers typically pay more for their insurance because they’re considered a higher risk on the roads. The higher the risk, the more chance of making a claim, so insurance providers charge young drivers more to reflect this.

According to the road safety charity Brake, more than 1,500 younger drivers are killed or seriously injured on UK roads each year. And one in five drivers crash in the first year after passing their test.

Young drivers lack experience and may be over-confident in their abilities. This can tempt them to take greater risks. Or they just may not have the confidence or experience needed to react to potentially dangerous situations.

Your parents, on the other hand, will have probably been driving for a lot longer and may have built up a decent no-claims discount, so their insurance costs are likely to be much lower.

Can I build a no-claims discount if I’m a named driver?

Not usually, no. Depending on the insurance provider, it's typically only the policy holder or the main driver who can build up a no-claims discount on that policy.

That said, there are some insurance providers that may take your experience as a named driver into account, provided you take out your own car insurance policy with them in the future. It's worth checking with the insurance provider to see if this is possible.

And something for your parents to mull over before they add you to their policy. If you have an accident as a named driver it will be your parent, the main driver, who loses their no-claims discount if they need to make a claim.

How can I reduce the cost of car insurance?

Once you get your own car insurance, here’s what you can do to help cut the cost of your premium:

Choose your car carefully – the more powerful the engine, the more expensive the insurance is likely to be. Cars in insurance groups 1-10 are typically the cheapest to insure for young drivers.
Consider telematics or black box insurance – this technology monitors how and when you drive. If you can show you’re a safe and responsible driver, you could be rewarded with a cheaper premium when it’s time to renew.
Add security features – fitting your car with an approved security system or immobiliser could save you money. You may need to speak to your insurance provider to get any saving reflected in your premium.
Park your car somewhere safe – if you can keep your car in a locked garage you may see your premiums drop. If that’s not possible, it’s a good idea to keep it somewhere in sight that’s well lit.
Provide an accurate mileage – over-estimating your annual mileage could push up the price of your insurance, but make sure you don’t under-estimate either.
Pay up front for the year – paying your premium in one go often works out cheaper than paying monthly. You’re typically charged interest on monthly instalments.
Compare car insurance quotes – shopping around and comparing quotes is one of the best ways to find a cheaper deal.

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Start a quote with us today. Tell us a bit about yourself, your car and the type of cover you need, and we’ll do the legwork for you. We’ll show you policies based on price, policy cover level, add-ons, or annual or monthly payment terms – helping you search for a policy that suits you.

Frequently asked questions

What’s the cheapest way to get insured on a parent’s car?

There are a few choices:

If you’re home for a short period, a temporary insurance policy on your parents’ car could be a good option.
If you’ll be using the car sporadically throughout the year, asking your parents to add you as a named driver on their policy could be your best bet.
Some car insurance providers offer pay-as-you-go cover, so you only pay for the miles you do.

A great way to find the cheapest option is to shop around and compare. But remember that the best car insurance isn’t always the cheapest.

Can I get my own insurance for my parents’ car?

If you want to start building up your no-claims bonus, you could look at taking out a non-owner car insurance policy on your parents’ car. But not all insurance providers offer this and you’ll need to be upfront about the fact that you don’t own the car.

Can I get insured on my parent’s car when I’m learning to drive?

You can get learner car insurance to drive your parent’s car while under their supervision. Learner cover is separate from your parents’ insurance, so they don’t have to worry about any accidents affecting their no-claims bonus.

What am I covered for as a named driver?

A named driver will typically get the same level of cover as the main driver on the car insurance policy, but there may be some policy extensions or benefits that won’t extend to the named driver.

Policy terms vary, so read the policy documents carefully to see what cover you have as a named driver.

What are the consequences of driving my parents’ car without insurance?

It’s illegal to drive on UK roads without at least third-party insurance. If you’re caught driving your parents’ car without insurance, you could face a £300 penalty fine and six penalty points on your licence.

If the case goes to court, you could be banned from driving and get an unlimited fine. The police can also seize and, in some cases, destroy the car that’s being driven uninsured.