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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.

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