5 min read · Sep 12, 2023
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Adding another driver like your spouse or teenager onto your existing GEICO insurance policy can provide more coverage flexibility. But it also impacts your premiums. Here’s what to know about the process, costs, and alternatives.
Introduction to Adding Drivers with GEICO
GEICO allows policyholders to add other licensed drivers to their policies to give them coverage when operating insured vehicles.
Reasons for Adding Additional Drivers
Top reasons to add drivers:
- Spouses or partners using shared vehicles.
- Teenage and young adult children.
- Elderly parents or other household members.
- Friends or roommates using your cars occasionally.
Adding ensures they are covered when driving vehicles on the policy. But it also changes premiums.
Factors That Affect Costs of Added Drivers
Multiple criteria determine how much adding a driver raises your GEICO premium:
Age and Driving Record of Added Driver
Younger and less experienced drivers increase rates more, especially those under 25. Violations or accidents also bump costs higher.
Type of Vehicle and Coverages
Adding drivers to policies for sports cars, luxury vehicles, or with high liability limits hikes premiums more than with cheaper, lower coverage cars.
Location and Other Risk Factors
Where you live plays a role. Those in higher risk areas or with longer commutes may see bigger impacts to premiums from an additional driver.
More drivers means more mileage and exposure, raising the risk and therefore the price.
Adding Adult Drivers to Your GEICO Policy
Older licensed drivers pose lower risk and have less impact on premiums.
Spouses and Partners
Adding husbands, wives, or domestic partners results in smaller rate hikes — usually 10% or less. Becoming named insureds gives each equal coverage.
Parents or Other Older Adult Relatives
Parents, grandparents, or other adults occasionally driving your cars increase premiums minimally thanks to their experience. Ensure they have clean records.
Typical Premium Increase for Adult Drivers
Adults over 30 with excellent driving histories may increase your policy’s premium by just 5–15% when added. Higher risk profiles mean larger increases.
Adding Younger Drivers onto Your GEICO Policy
Teen and young adult drivers raise premiums much more due to inexperience and higher accident rates.
Teenagers and Young Adult Children
New teen drivers can double or even triple premiums. Rates remain elevated until around age 25 when maturity kicks in.
Much Larger Premium Increases
Expect a 50–200% increase over your current premium when adding teenagers or drivers under 25. Specific increase depends on their record and other factors like vehicle type.
Options to Reduce Costs for Younger Drivers
Assigning teens their own older, less valuable car keeps the spike lower versus adding them to your new vehicle. Also consider:
- Discounts based on good student grades.
- Taking a defensive driver course.
- Setting limits on driving privileges.
- Excluding certain vehicles or coverages.
- Raising deductibles to minimize Collision and Comprehensive rate increases.
The Process of Adding Another Driver to GEICO
It just takes a phone call and a few minutes to add someone to your GEICO policy.
Contact GEICO to Add the New Driver
Call GEICO or login online and provide:
- The new driver’s full name, birthdate, license info.
- Which vehicles they need access to.
- Their prior insurance and driving history.
GEICO will run a background check on their record.
Provide Additional Driver Details
Be prepared to furnish details like:
- Full driving history — accidents or citations.
- Prior insurance carrier if applicable.
- Marital status, residency, job commute details.
- Desired coverage limits if not matching current coverage.
- Requested exclusions if only needing access to certain vehicles.
This data is used to calculate premium changes.
Receive Updated Quote with New Premium
GEICO will determine the policy rate impact and provide a new quote showing revised premium with the additional driver.
Evaluate if the coverage flexibility warrants the price increase, and adjust coverage for the new driver if desired before accepting the changes.
Alternatives to Adding Drivers to Your Policy
If the premium hike from directly adding another driver seems excessive, consider these options:
Non-Owner or Operator GEICO Policies
These policies only provide liability coverage when the driver operates a vehicle they don’t own. Rates are very affordable and won’t affect your premium.
Downside is no physical damage coverage, and more limited liability protection.
Separate or Shared Policies
For longer term needs like teens, having the new driver get their own separate policy may cost less than adding them to your policy.
You can still take advantage of multi-policy discounts by keeping your policies with GEICO. This also builds the younger driver’s history.
Adding other drivers like teens onto your GEICO policy provides coverage flexibility but significantly impacts your premium. Weigh options carefully to balance protection needs and costs.
FAQs
Does adding a teenage driver increase my GEICO premium?
Yes, adding a teenage driver to your GEICO policy can increase your rates. However, there are discounts available that can help offset the extra cost.
What is the cheapest way to insure multiple drivers?
The cheapest way to insure multiple drivers can vary depending on factors such as the drivers’ ages, driving records, and the insurance company. However, adding drivers to an existing policy or bundling multiple policies with the same insurance company can often lead to discounts and cost savings.
Can I add someone temporarily to my GEICO policy?
Yes, you can add someone temporarily to your GEICO policy. GEICO allows you to add drivers by logging into your account or mobile app. It’s best to contact GEICO directly to discuss the specific details and duration of the temporary addition.
How much does adding my spouse increase my car insurance?
The impact of adding your spouse to your car insurance can vary depending on factors such as your insurance company, your spouse’s driving record, and the state you live in. In some cases, adding a spouse to your policy may lead to a decrease in premiums, especially if they have a good driving record.
When does it make sense to get a separate policy vs. adding a driver?
The decision to get a separate policy or add a driver to an existing policy depends on several factors, including the relationship between the drivers, their driving records, and the insurance company’s policies. In some cases, it may be more cost-effective to add a driver to an existing policy, while in other situations, a separate policy may be more appropriate. It’s recommended to compare quotes and discuss your options with insurance providers to determine the best course of action.
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