Adding another driver to your car insurance policy requires notifying your insurer and submitting their details for approval. Eligible additional drivers include family members or hired drivers with valid licences who are not the primary users. Driver and passenger coverage is an optional add-on that protects both the driver and passengers in the event of injury or death. Personal accident cover, mandatory by the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority (IRDAI), covers the owner-driver but excludes passengers, so this add-on ensures broader financial protection in accidents.
Introduction
When you plan to add another driver to your vehicle, it’s important to update your car insurance online accordingly. Insurance is a legal and financial tool that protects you from unexpected expenses caused by accidents or damage. Ensuring the additional driver is covered helps maintain continuous protection and compliance with insurance terms under your current policy.
Why You Might Add Another Driver
There are several reasons to add another driver to your insurance policy—whether it’s a partner who regularly uses the car or a hired driver for daily commutes. In all such cases, ensuring the person behind the wheel is properly insured helps protect you from unexpected financial liability.
If others frequently drive your vehicle, it’s wise to include a driver and passenger cover as an add-on. This provides financial protection to both the driver and up to three passengers in the event of an accident. For example, if your hired driver sustains injuries while operating your vehicle, this add-on can help cover medical expenses and provide compensation. Remember that this cover is only available under comprehensive insurance, not a third-party car insurance plan.
Who Qualifies as an Additional Driver?
An additional driver can be anyone who uses your car frequently—spouse, sibling, child, or even a hired driver. However, the person must have a valid driving licence. The insurance company usually checks these details before approving the change.
Driver and Passenger Cover
The driver and passenger cover is an optional add-on that enhances your existing car insurance policy. It offers financial protection for both your hired driver and passengers in the unfortunate event of disability or death resulting from an accident.
This add-on, regardless of the type of car you own, typically covers the driver and up to three passengers.
Exclusions Related to Drivers in Car Insurance
Insurance coverage is subject to certain conditions. If the driver of the insured vehicle is found to be under the influence of alcohol during an incident, the insurer will not approve the claim. Other exclusions include:
- Injuries caused by attempted suicide or self-inflicted harm.
- If a minor was driving the vehicle at the time of the incident, coverage is not applicable.
- Drivers without a valid licence.
- No coverage applies if the vehicle was involved in illegal activities at the time of the accident.
- Incidents occurring during car racing.
What’s Included in Personal Accident Cover?
The Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI) requires all car owners to purchase personal accident cover along with third-party liability insurance. This mandatory cover offers financial protection of up to ₹15,00,000 if the owner-driver is injured in an accident.
The payout under this policy depends on the extent of injury:
- Death in an accident – 100%
- Loss of both limbs – 100%
- Loss of both eyes – 100%
- Loss of vision in one eye – 50%
- Permanent total disability – 100%
- Loss of one limb – 50%
Steps to Add Another Driver
Here’s how you can add another driver to your policy:
- Contact your insurer – Call or log in to your insurance account.
- Share driver details – Provide their full name, age, driving history, and licence number.
- Submit documents – Some insurers might ask for ID proof and licence copies.
- Wait for approval – The company will assess the risk and either approve or deny the request.
- Pay extra, if needed – If the premium changes, pay the updated amount to complete the process.
Once approved, you’ll receive an updated policy document mentioning the additional driver.
How to File a Claim Involving an Additional Driver
In case of an accident involving the added driver, follow these steps to raise a claim:
- Step 1: Contact your insurer to report the incident. Provide details about the damage to your vehicle and any injuries sustained by the driver or passengers (if covered).
- Step 2: File an FIR at the nearest police station and obtain a copy for your records.
- Step 3: If the accident involves third-party damage or injury, keep the third party’s information and details of the incident ready.
- Step 4: Ensure the driver and passengers receive medical treatment at the nearest hospital.
- Step 5: The insurer will appoint an inspection officer to evaluate the incident, the vehicle damage, and the driver’s injuries.
- Step 6: The inspection officer will prepare a report and forward it to the insurer’s claims department.
- Step 7: Upon review and approval, the claims department will process and settle the claim.
Always keep records of the accident, medical bills, and any official paperwork to ensure a smooth claim process.
Conclusion
Adding someone to your car insurance plan requires clarity and caution. Review your policy, share accurate details, and always stay compliant. With a few careful steps, you can drive stress-free, knowing your insurance fully supports every ride.
Disclaimer: The above information is for illustrative purpose only. For more details, please refer to policy wordings and prospectus before concluding the sales.