Does the owner of a car have to be named as the main driver for insurance purposes?

I am the owner and registered keeper of a Peugeot 107 that I have not used for over a year as I now have a new car. The Peugeot is in the garage, untaxed, uninsured, has no valid MoT and is SORN by the DVLA. My partner who is currently taking driving lessons and has a provisional driving licence wants to use the Peugeot once she has passed her theory and practical tests. Once she passes she will then use the car and be the one who drives it the most to work etc, although I will also use it occasionally.

It can get a bit confusing when obtaining insurance quotes as to who is the main driver, named driver and registered keeper. Am I right in thinking that if my partner insures the Peugeot then she must be the main driver but I can be the named driver but I can still remain as the registered keeper?

I've also noticed when trying to obtain an insurance quote it asks who the owner is, so is this me or my partner or is that the same as the main driver? It's all very confusing!

Asked on 28 June 2024 by Mark Nydus

Answered by Louise Thomas

You’re right - your partner will have to be named as the main driver on the policy if they’re going to be driving the car the most. In terms of who officially owns the vehicle, you can remain as the registered keeper from an insurance point of view. But some insurer’s may not offer any cover due to potential complexities if you ever needed to make a claim. It’s not impossible though to get insured. Just make sure you’re accurate with all information you give and be wary that your options will most likely be limited if you decide to go down this route.

Tags: insurance named drivers

Similar questions

Can my son take ownership of my car while I remain the insurance policyholder?

I own two vintage cars, due to advancing age I plan to transfer ownership to my 36 year old son.The cars will be kept on my premises and insured by me as main driver so that I can drive and son as named...

Do I need to tell my insurer if I change from a named driver to the main driver?

My wife's insurance shows her as the main driver and I am shown as a named driver. Unfortunately she has a back problem that has affected her legs so she has not been driving for some time. Should I be...

Can you still get insurance that covers a car to be driven by anyone?

I am 92 and I seem to remember that about 70 years ago my father used to insure his car comprehensibly to be driven by 'any driver' When did that option stop?