I can’t stress enough how important it is to disclose all drivers with access to the cars you insure. They need to be listed on the policy to be covered. I’m sure you’ve heard of cases where the company will still pay the claim even if the driver isn’t listed. Auto insurers are taking a more rigid stance on the matter. They’ve implemented a system of gathering reports of potential drivers by looking for residents of the same household.

Don’t be surprised when we quote you that other names pop up. We’ll gently request that you explain who they are to you, if they live in the same house, and if they have access to your car(s). It’s getting harder to hide potential drivers with this technology. If you genuinely don’t let them drive, say so. We’ll mark them as non-drivers on the policy. Be careful not to let them use your car if you have indicated they won’t.

Another trend is for an insurer to automatically add drivers they discover after giving you a chance to respond to their inquiry. If you don’t reply to their request for additional information about a household member, they will include them without further warning after the date indicated in the letter.