Fronting car insurance: the consequences

When you take out a car insurance policy, you’re asked the name of the main driver, the person who’ll drive the car most often, and any additional drivers. This information is a significant part of how insurers calculate risks and therefore the premiums.

What is fronting?

Fronting is when a driver falsely declares that they are the main driver of a vehicle on a car insurance policy, in order to get a cheaper premium. Getting car insurance for your teen is expensive, which is why it's tempting to save money by doing so, but fronting has serious consequences if you're found out. By taking out a policy under your own name when someone else is the daily driver, you’re committing a common type of insurance fraud. While it may result in lower quotes or premiums, it is illegal.

The consequences of fronting

To put it simply, fronting invalidates your insurance policy, meaning your insurer may not pay a claim if you’re caught doing it.

‘The consequences for fronting can be severe and potentially life-changing both for the youngsters and the person named as the policy holder,’ says Martin Smith, our Motor Technical Claims Manager.

Possible prosecution

‘Not only is it likely the insurance is invalidated meaning the driver can be deemed technically uninsured, which puts you at risk of criminal prosecution for driving without insurance, a fine and the loss of your licence,’ Martin continues, ‘but in the event of an accident, if the insurer has to meet any third party claim for injury or damage, they have the right of recover against the driver and against the policyholder who put their name to the contract.’

That means that the driver may face civil recovery proceedings, and a judgement against them would affect their ability to enter into agreements and take out loans.

‘Similarly, action can be taken against the policy holder,’ says Martin. ‘The parent may have more substantial assets in their name, including their house. All of these are potentially at risk if the insurer pursues them through the court. Bear in mind we may not be talking of a few thousand pounds – it could be tens, hundreds of thousands or even millions of pounds which have been paid out.’

Insurance fraud is also a criminal offence, so it could result in criminal charges. If you’re not sure who the main driver of a car is, talk to your insurer.

Premium rates

While you may be shocked at the price of your newly-qualified child’s insurance, there’s a reason why prices are higher for younger drivers’ car insurance.

Young or inexperienced drivers are more likely to claim on their insurance, making them higher risk.