When you have more than one driver in the household, getting car insurance for multiple drivers is the best way to ensure all drivers are covered and may save you some money off your car insurance premiums. One auto insurance policy can include multiple drivers and vehicles in many cases and can affect rates by making you eligible for more discounts.
Since adding more drivers can impact your car insurance rates, according to Bankrate’s data, it may make sense to shop for the best carrier and rate for multiple drivers. The national average cost of car insurance is $1,771 per year for one driver and $1,668 per year for two drivers on the same policy with a married discount. Insuring multiple drivers may be a requirement in many cases but combining policies can often earn you savings off your car insurance, and shopping around can help you understand your savings.
Can multiple drivers share a car insurance policy?
Yes, multiple drivers can share a car insurance policy under certain conditions. With most auto insurance companies, you are required to list all household members on your policy if they have a valid driver’s license and access to your vehicle.
Spouses and other household members can share a car insurance policy in many scenarios. In fact, it is usually required by insurance companies to insure all drivers so that the carrier is aware of the household risk while insuring your vehicle. If someone you are not related to lives in your household, you may have to add them as a driver depending on how often they drive your vehicle and your car insurance company’s guidelines. For example, a few companies require roommates to be listed, but others do not have that requirement if your roommate has their own insurance policy.
In addition, you cannot add drivers for the sake of consolidating bills or earning discounts. To share a policy, you must have a need to do so, whether from regularly driving the vehicle, shared ownership in the vehicle, or your carrier’s requirements.
With multiple drivers on the same policy, premiums are based on each driver’s risk. This means insurance companies will pull everyone’s motor vehicle records and claims history to determine risk. In turn, insurance companies will calculate a total premium, and you will get one bill to pay.
What is a multi-car insurance policy?
A multi-car insurance policy includes more than one vehicle on the same policy and may have more than one driver. Most auto insurance companies offer a multi-vehicle discount if you insure more than one car. The make and model of the cars you own and the coverage you choose for each reflects in the total cost of insurance.
Best companies for multiple drivers
The best car insurance companies for multiple drivers may not be the same for everyone. Getting the best deal on car insurance is based on several factors, including driver-specific information such as age, marital status and ticket and accident history. While factors such as age and marital status do not impact premiums in all states, they may influence which company multiple drivers decide is best for them if they are insured on the same policy.
These companies allow multiple drivers to be added to the same policy and also offer a multi-car discount for more than one car insured in the same household.
| Insurance company | Average annual full coverage premium | Average annual minimum coverage premium |
|---|---|---|
| Amica | $1,537 | $456 |
| Geico | $1,263 | $362 |
| Liberty Mutual | Rate unavailable | Rate unavailable |
| Nationwide | $1,343 | $550 |
| State Farm | $1,392 | $454 |
*Premiums based on married policyholders
- Amica – With Amica, you can save up to 25 percent by insuring multiple vehicles and up to 30 percent for buying more than one insurance product from the carrier. Amica also rewards loyalty, offering a discount for staying insured with the company and for children of current policyholders as a legacy discount if they get their own policy with Amica before turning 30. There are several other opportunities for discounts with Amica, like being claims-free or a homeowner.
- Geico – With Geico, you can add multiple drivers to your car insurance policy. You can save up to 25 percent by insuring more than one vehicle with the company. If you also insure your home or renters insurance with Geico, you may be eligible to save with a multi-policy discount.
- Liberty Mutual – Safe drivers may be eligible for the accident-free and violation-free discounts with Liberty Mutual for maintaining a clean record. There are also discounts for having more than one car and your home or renters insurance with the company. Discount amounts vary by state and insurance products purchased.
- Nationwide – At Nationwide, the more you bundle, the more you may save. Nationwide offers a multi-car discount, plus a multi-policy discount if you insure your home, renters, boat, life insurance or motorcycle with the insurer. Eligible drivers can also stack discounts for being accident free, a good student and a safe driver with no tickets or accidents in the last five years.
- State Farm – If you have a young driver in the household, State Farm offers several discounts that can make it more affordable to insure this age group. The Steer Clear program is designed to make drivers more attentive and aware, rewarding them for good driving habits. Students can also get a good student discount if they have a B or above average. You can save up to 20 percent with the multi-vehicle discount and up to $1,127 when combining home and auto insurance with State Farm.
How to find cheap car insurance for multiple drivers
One of the best ways to find cheap car insurance for multiple drivers is to shop around with different carriers. Each company has its own risk guidelines, discounts and rate structures that can change how much you pay for car insurance for multiple drivers. Each person’s driving record and claims history will be reviewed, so if one driver has a risky background, it could increase the cost of the entire policy or affect eligibility with a particular carrier.
While there is an increased likelihood of risk, a multiple driver policy may also make you eligible for more savings opportunities. You may be able to keep the price low with other discounts, like insuring more than one product, being affiliated with an organization, being a safe driver, having low annual mileage and driving a car with safety features. Additionally, if another household member has a clean record and experienced driving history, it can beneficially impact the rate.
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