Here we cover the ins and outs of adding and removing cars and
drivers from your car insurance policy. We also explain how and why the
addition or removal of a car or driver can influence your rate.
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Adding/removing other drivers
How many drivers/vehicles can be covered by one policy?
With Esurance, you can list up to 4 cars and 4 drivers on a single
policy. If you have more than 4 cars or drivers, you'll need to buy a
separate policy.
Whom do I have to add to my car insurance policy?
We ask that you list all drivers in your household who have access to
your vehicle, including your spouse, relatives, licensed children, and
roommates.
If you have friends who occasionally drive your vehicle, you might be required to add them if they:
- Don't have a car or car insurance
- Are the registered owner of one of the cars listed on your policy
- Drive the car without you in it
Remember, we're here 24/7 to answer your questions. Just give us a ring at 1-800-ESURANCE (1-800-378-7262) and we'll help you figure out whether someone should be on your policy.
How do I add/remove other drivers? Can I add/remove them at any time?
Log into your policy at any time to add or remove other drivers.
To remove a driver, click on the "edit driver" button next to the
list of drivers, and then the "remove driver" button next to the
driver's name. You'll also be given the option of choosing when you'd
like the changes to go into effect.
To add other drivers, simply click the "add driver" button after
logging into your policy. You'll be able to fill in all pertinent info
and within 24 hours the changes should be visible in your account.
And of course, you can always call us at 1-800-ESURANCE (1-800-378-7262). We'll be happy to make the updates for you.
How do I find out if I'm listed on an Esurance policy?
To see if you're listed on an Esurance policy, simply log into the
policyholder's account (or ask him or her to do it for you). You should
then be able to see the names of all drivers listed. And if your name is
there under listed drivers, you're good to go.
Can I add another driver who doesn't live in my household but regularly uses my car?
Yes. In fact, if your best friend Gina and your Aunt Suzie frequently
drive your car, it's wise to add them to your policy to make sure
they're covered.
And in some circumstances, you may be required to add your friend or other regular driver to your policy.
Can I list my employees on my policy?
Generally, no. If you use your car for business purposes and have
employees who regularly drive it, you'll need to buy a commercial auto
insurance policy.
Regular car insurance policies are created with the average driver in
mind and don't offer the same level of liability coverage as commercial
policies.
As a business owner, you have a lot at stake, and commercial policies are designed to protect your unique financial situation.
Find more info on commercial auto insurance here.
Can I add my domestic partner to my insurance coverage?
Esurance offers the same rates to same-sex domestic partners as
spouses (in the states that allow this), which can help you save on your
premium.
Will adding another driver increase my premium?
It depends. If the other driver has a spotty driving history or is a
young driver, your rate could go up because of the added risk.
On the other hand, if the other driver wins the Best Family Driver
Award year in and year out, your premium likely won't rise. In fact,
with the additional (good) driver, your rates could even go down.
Why should I list people on my policy who drive my car occasionally?
Though your car insurance policy will cover anyone you allow behind the wheel (aka "permissive drivers"), some states
reduce coverage if that person isn't on the policy. In other words, if
you don't list your buddy who borrows your car now and then and an
accident occurs, you could be responsible for paying any damages that
exceed the reduced coverage.
And if the other driver doesn't have car insurance, you'll be liable
for any damages that exceed your limit. This makes it even more
important to list the driver on your policy.
My spouse and I recently separated. Do I need to keep my ex on my policy?
If your ex no longer shares your address, then you can remove him or her from your policy.
However, if your ex still lives with you and the separation hasn't
been finalized, you'll either have to keep your ex on your policy (since
Esurance asks that all members in your household be added to your
policy) or exclude him or her (if your state allows).
If you need help transitioning your insurance, don't hesitate to call us at 1-800-ESURANCE (1-800-378-7262). We'll be here when you need us.
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Excluding other drivers
What is a driver exclusion?
Essentially, a driver exclusion is an endorsement that specifically
bans a member of your household (spouse, roommate, live-in aunt,
licensed teenager) from your car insurance policy. It certifies that the
excluded driver will not drive your vehicle and will not be covered by
your insurance if an accident were to occur.
How do I exclude a driver from my policy?
If it's permissible in your state and you'd like to exclude a driver, give us a ring anytime at 1-800-ESURANCE (1-800-378-7262). We'll explain the process, answer any questions, and get you on your way.
When should I exclude a driver?
If the person you want to exclude, say your roommate or spouse, has
his or her own car and insurance policy, and an exclusion could lower
your rates, it might make sense. One such scenario is a roommate with a
history of DUIs. You could most likely save by keeping that type of
driving history off your policy.
On the other hand, if those living with you don't have car insurance,
it'd be wise to add instead of exclude the uninsured potential driver
to your policy for maximum protection.
When should I not exclude a driver?
In general, it's unwise to exclude any driver under your roof who has
access to your vehicle. Because driver exclusions essentially leave the
excluded drivers uninsured, you could be liable for all damages and
injuries if and when a barred driver has an accident in your car. And
after all, you never know when an emergency might come up that forces
you to give that excluded person your keys.
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Adding/removing additional vehicles
How do I add or remove a car from my policy?
You have 2 options. You can log into your policy
and click on the "Add Car" or "Edit Car" button, depending on your
need, and then fill in the pertinent info. Or you can call us at 1-800-ESURANCE (1-800-378-7262) and we'll be happy to add or remove a car for you.
How long do I have to add a new car to my insurance policy?
If you're the proud owner of a new (or new-to-you) car, congratulations.
We
recommend reporting any new vehicles as soon as possible. This is
particularly important if you need to change coverage as a result of
obtaining a new vehicle.
Why did my premium increase when I removed a car from my policy?
It may seem counterintuitive, but there are a few reasons why your
premium could increase. For instance, you may have received a multi-car
discount, and removing a car could have annulled it. Additionally, the
car you removed could have been an older vehicle that didn't greatly
impact your premium overall (especially if you didn't have comprehensive
and collision on it).
Every situation is different. If you have concerns about your rate increasing, contact us at 1-800-ESURANCE (1-800-378-7262) anytime, day or night, for a free rate review.