By Melanie May, September 2024
Fed up with always being the designated driver? Have a friend visiting who wants to use your car, or a family member stranded while their car is being repaired? There are many reasons why you might want someone else to drive your car, and it can be very convenient at times! Let’s take a look at how others can legally drive your vehicle.
Can other people drive my car?
The simple answer is yes, they can—as long as you have added them to your motor insurance policy.
If you want to allow someone you know and trust to drive your car, you can easily add them to your Allianz car insurance policy as an additional driver via MyAllianz. Additional drivers are also referred to as named drivers.
Permanent vs Temporary Additional Drivers
We can quickly and easily add people to your Allianz motor insurance policy on either a permanent or temporary basis. For example, you can add a friend for a one-time road trip, or you can add your partner for the duration of your relationship—hopefully forever!
Allianz can add both permanent and temporary additional named drivers to your motor insurance policy as long as they meet the same requirements as the main driver (that’s you). These requirements relate to licence type, accident history, and convictions.
Temporary Additional Drivers
Allianz provides cover for temporary additional drivers for up to 30 days free of charge, as long as the person being added is over 25 years of age, holds a full driving licence, and is claims/convictions free.
However, if the temporary additional driver is over 25 years of age but holds a learner permit/provisional licence, the 30 days of free cover is reduced to seven days. A weekly charge will apply if you wish to extend the cover beyond seven days.
If the temporary additional driver is under the age of 25, a weekly charge and additional excess will apply. The maximum duration you can add a temporary additional driver under 25 to your policy is one month.
What type of cover does an additional driver have?
Additional drivers usually have the same level of cover as the policyholder. For example, if you have comprehensive cover, the additional named driver will also have comprehensive cover.
How much does it cost to add an additional driver?
The cost depends on several factors. The age, experience, and accident history of the driver you’re adding, as well as other factors, could increase or decrease your premium.
In some cases, your premium might even decrease if you add an older driver with years of claims-free driving experience.
However, if you add a young, inexperienced driver or someone with a history of claims, this could increase (excuse the pun) the price.
What happens if the additional driver has an accident in my car?
The type of cover on your car insurance policy extends to all drivers of your vehicle. Therefore, if you have fully comprehensive insurance, the additional driver will have the same level of cover. However, if they are involved in an accident while driving your car, the damage and claim will be under your policy.
When can I add an additional driver?
You can add an additional driver to your motor insurance policy at any time. You do not have to wait until you renew your policy.
What do I need to add an additional driver?
You’ll need the additional driver’s name, age, driving licence type (e.g., full, provisional, Irish, EU), and their history of motoring accidents, convictions, and penalty points. You should also know how long they have held their licence and if they have their own motor insurance policy.
How do I add an additional driver?
Click here to learn more about adding permanent and temporary additional drivers to your Allianz policy.
Allianz p.l.c. is regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland. Standard acceptance criteria and policy conditions apply.
Information correct as of date of publishing. This blog will not be updated or edited so the information may become outdated.
