Can you add a temporary driver to your car insurance?

Why you can trust Insure.com

Quality Verified

At Insure.com, we are committed to providing the timely, accurate and expert information consumers need to make smart insurance decisions. All our content is written and reviewed by industry professionals and insurance experts. Our team carefully vets our rate data to ensure we only provide reliable and up-to-date insurance pricing. We follow the highest editorial standards. Our content is based solely on objective research and data gathering. We maintain strict editorial independence to ensure unbiased coverage of the insurance industry.

You can often add a temporary driver to your car insurance policy, whether it’s for a short-term visit or rental. This might come up if a relative is staying with you for a few weeks, a friend needs to borrow your car during a trip, or you want coverage for someone driving a rental under your policy. 

Insurers generally allow you to extend coverage for a limited time, but the process, cost, and rules can vary. Some may require you to list the driver on your policy, while others provide flexibility for occasional drivers. Knowing how temporary coverage works helps you avoid gaps in protection, prevent claim denials, and keep your policy compliant.

What do I need to add someone to my car insurance?

When you add someone to your car insurance, your insurer will usually ask for key details to ensure they can be properly covered. Be prepared to provide:

• Full name and date of birth of the driver
• Driver’s license number and state of issue
• Driving history, including any accidents or violations
• Relationship to you (for example, spouse, roommate, family member)
• How often they’ll drive your car — occasional use vs. regular use
  

Some insurers may also want to know whether the driver lives in your household, which can affect risk and rates. Having this information ready can help speed up the process and avoid delays in adding them to your policy.

Keep in mind that adding a temporary driver can increase your premium. Some insurers charge extra for each additional driver, so it’s a good idea to ask about the cost upfront. That way, you won’t be surprised by a higher bill.

How permissive use works in car insurance

Many auto insurance policies include a “permissive use” clause, which provides coverage for occasional drivers with your permission to use the vehicle. If someone drives your car with your consent, they may be covered under your policy in case of an accident.

If someone starts driving your car more than just occasionally, most insurers will require that you add them to your policy. This ensures claims are honored if an accident occurs. 

Keep in mind that adding another driver can raise your premium, especially if they’re younger, inexperienced, or have a history of accidents. On the other hand, adding a safe driver with a clean record may have little impact — and in some cases, could even lower your rate if they qualify for certain discounts. Always check with your insurer so you understand how adding a driver will affect both your coverage and costs.

How to add a driver to your car insurance policy temporarily

You can follow these steps to add a driver to your car insurance policy temporarily.

• Contact your insurer. Call or visit your insurance company to inquire about temporarily adding a driver.
• Share the driver’s details. Your insurer will need some basic information about the temporary driver, like their full name, date of birth, driver’s license number, and driving history.
• Specify the duration. Clearly state how long you want the driver covered under your policy. Temporary additions typically last from a few days to several weeks.
• Adjust premiums if needed. Remember that adding a driver may affect your premium. Ask if there will be any additional costs.

Review the terms regarding any restrictions or conditions for the temporary driver.

Our agents make it hassle-free to get the right quote.

Call (844) 814-8854

Ethan Available Now

Jack Available Now

Robbie Available Now

Ellie Available Now

Does adding a temporary driver affect my car insurance premium?

Adding a temporary driver to your car insurance can affect your premium, but the impact depends on who you’re adding. Insurers look at factors like age, driving history, and past violations when deciding whether to adjust your rate.

If the temporary driver has a clean record and isn’t considered high-risk, your premium may not change much. But if they’ve had accidents or traffic tickets, you could see an increase because of the added risk.

In some cases, adding a driver for only a short time might not cause a noticeable difference in cost. Still, it’s best to check with your insurer ahead of time so you know what to expect.

Final thoughts on adding a temporary driver

Always keep the lines of communication open with your insurance company when adding a driver for a short period. Ask questions, clarify how coverage works, and make sure you understand any potential costs. Most importantly, never let someone drive your vehicle without proper insurance in place — even if it’s only for a short visit or rental. Having the right coverage protects both you and the driver.