Check your insurance before you let just anyone drive your car

When you have car insurance, you’re still covered when other people are driving your car, right? Not necessarily.

When you take out car insurance, the insurer will ask you who the ‘regular’ or ‘nominated’ driver is. It’s critical that you understand what your insurer means by this, so that the correct driver is noted on your policy schedule. It’s also critical to let your insurer know if this driver changes.

Your monthly insurance premium is partly based on the risk related to the regular driver. If the risk changes, your premium may need to be adjusted. And, if there’s a claim where someone other than the regular driver who’s noted on your policy schedule was behind the steering wheel at the time of an accident, your insurer may not pay out.

Other instances where the driver at the time of an accident may lead to a claim being rejected by your insurer include the driver being under the influence or unlicensed.

When it comes to motorbikes, the risk is greater so the rules are stricter. Many insurers will only cover the ‘named rider’ noted on your policy schedule in the event of a claim. This means that there won’t be cover if anyone else rides your motorbike. King Price clients can ask for an alternative rider to be considered, for a period of time that’s less than 30 days, and will have to provide this person’s insurance, claims and driver’s licence history before the change can be considered.