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Can I act as a named driver on my 17-year-old granddaughter's insurance policy?

I read in your column today your advice on insuring teenage drivers. My granddaughter is approaching 17 and the problem of insurance raises its head. You say that a discount may be obtained if a seasoned driver is named on her policy. What is the position of this named driver if, God forbid, my granddaughter is involved in an accident? Would he have to declare this when renewing his policy and, if so, would he be penalised?

Asked on 4 June 2011 by JD, Birmingham

Answered by Honest John
No, because he or she would only be a named driver on someone else's policy. But to be a named driver it has to be possible for you to regularly drive the car. You cannot be a named driver on a policy for a car normally kept 50 miles from where you live, for example.
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