How to Get Cheaper Insurance by Adding Your Mum to Your Policy

Look, if you’re a young driver, you already know the pain. You passed your test, found yourself a half-decent car (probably with Bluetooth if you’re feeling fancy), and then—bam—the quote comes in. £1,800? £2,400? Maybe more? You start wondering if driving was a mistake altogether.

But hold that thought.

Because there’s a little-known insurance hack that might just save you hundreds. It’s not illegal. It’s not dodgy. It’s not a loophole that’s about to be closed tomorrow.

And no—you don’t need to pretend you’re some middle-aged sales rep with 15 years’ experience.

All you need… is your mum.

Sounds Too Good to Be True, Right?

Yep, we thought the same when we first heard it. But adding your mum—or another responsible older driver—to your insurance as a named driver can lower your premium.

Weird? Definitely. But it works.

Let’s break it down.

Why Does This Even Work?

Insurers love data. And the data says young, solo drivers are the riskiest on the road. Harsh, but true. They see you, on your own policy, with no backup, and think:

“Risky. Price it high.”

But add an experienced driver, like your mum (or dad, or older sibling with a clean record), and suddenly they see you as less of a risk. Why? Because they assume the car is being shared, meaning you might not be the only one racking up all those miles or late-night drives.

Less risk = lower premium.

Real Talk: How Much Could You Save?

Let’s get some numbers on the board.

If your quote’s sitting at £2,000 right now, adding your mum could knock off £200 to £600. Sometimes more, depending on her driving history and experience.

Sure, it’s not a guaranteed jackpot. But if a quick phone call saves you a few hundred quid? Worth it.

Hold Up: Is This Fronting?

Good question. And this is where a lot of people get it wrong.

Fronting is when you lie about who’s really the main driver to get cheaper insurance. For example, putting your mum as the main driver when you’re the one driving 24/7. That’s insurance fraud—yep, proper illegal. It could cancel your policy, get you fined, or worse.

But naming your mum as a secondary driver, while you stay as the main driver, is totally legit.

Key Rule: You Must Stay the Main Driver

As long as you’re honest about:

• You being the one who drives the most.

• Your mum just being an occasional driver (for real, not made-up).

You’re good.

How to Add a Named Driver (Without Messing It Up)

Right, let’s make this practical. Here’s what to do.

Get Your Mum’s Details Ready

You’ll need:

• Her full name and address (should match yours if you live together).

• Her driving licence number.

• How long she’s had her licence.

• Any claims or convictions (hopefully none).

• The type of job she does.

  
  

Add Her When You’re Getting Quotes

Most comparison sites let you add extra drivers. Pop in her details and compare the price to a quote without her.

Spoiler: You might want to try adding dad, an older sister, or even a grandparent to see who makes the biggest dent in the price.

Bonus Tip: Try a Few Different People

Here’s a cheeky little experiment:

• Add your mum.

• Check the price.

• Swap her for dad.

• Check again.

• Try another family member.

You might be surprised who gives you the best saving. It’s all about their driving record, age, and claims history.

Who Shouldn’t You Add?

Look, not every extra driver is a good one. Avoid adding people who:

• Have points on their licence.

• Have made lots of claims recently.

• Are super young themselves (you’re trying to bring the average age up, not down).

Adding the wrong person could actually make your insurance more expensive. So don’t just throw your mates on there for fun.

Does This Trick Work for Black Box Policies?

Yep, it can.

Black box insurance (or telematics) tracks how you drive. Adding a responsible older driver can still lower the starting price, even if the box monitors your own driving afterwards.

If you’re already considering a black box to cut costs, this double-saving combo might be worth a shot.

What About Other Quick Wins?

While we’re on the topic, here are three more things you can try alongside the “add your mum” trick:

1. Pay Annually, Not Monthly

It feels like a massive hit up front, but insurers love lump sums. Monthly payments often add 10–20% extra in interest or admin fees.

2. Shop Around Early

Seriously, don’t wait until the last minute. Getting quotes 26 days before your policy starts could save you over £1,000compared to buying it on the day you need it.

Weird, but true.

3. Choose the Right Car

Go for something in insurance group 1–10. Small engines (like 1.0–1.2 litre hatchbacks) are your wallet’s best mate.

Think Ford Fiesta, VW Up!, or Hyundai i10. Less power = lower risk = cheaper cover.

What If You’re Already Insured?

No worries—you can still add a named driver mid-policy. Just contact your insurer, give them the details, and ask how much you’ll save.

Heads up: Some might charge a small admin fee (£15–£30), but if the saving’s bigger than the fee, it’s still a win.

Final Word: Is It Worth It?

If your insurance quote’s making you want to cry into your steering wheel, adding your mum as a named driver could be the easiest win you’ll ever get.

It’s quick.

It’s legal.

And it works more often than not.

So, next time you’re getting quotes, give it a try. You’ve literally got nothing to lose — except that eye-watering premium.

This article is for general guidance only and doesn’t constitute personalised insurance, legal, or financial advice. While we do our best to keep things accurate and up to date, rules and policies can change. Always check with your insurer or official sources before making any decisions based on what you’ve read here.