The findings reveal that nearly three in four (71%) coupled-up drivers admit they’ve added their partner as a named driver specifically to cut costs – and the strategy appears to be paying off.
Car insurance pricing is based largely on risk. Sharing driving responsibilities spreads that risk, which can lower premiums – especially if the additional driver has a clean record and solid driving experience.
If the added driver has claims, penalty points or limited experience, the savings may be smaller or disappear entirely.
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The £315 car insurance saving explained
Data from the Confused.com car insurance price index shows:
- Insured driver only: £821 average premium
- Main driver + spouse: £506 average premium
- Average saving: £315
Adding just one extra driver — such as a partner, parent or family member — can reduce premiums by an average of £117.
However, adding two extra drivers could push prices back up, depending on risk factors.
The research found that 89% of couples now have their partner listed on their insurance policy.
- 47% say it’s for convenience
- 41% want to share a vehicle
- Lower insurance costs rank among the top motivations
On average, couples own two cars between them, making shared driving common.
With car & home insurance timing matters far more than you’d think.
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Expert warning – be accurate
Matt Crole-Rees, motoring expert at Confused.com , says: “When it comes to car insurance, many drivers are keen to keep costs as low as possible. That’s why adding your partner to your insurance is an effective way to keep costs low — saving drivers an average of £315 on their premiums.
“Not only can this cut the cost of your insurance but there are other benefits of adding your partner to your insurance. The shared responsibility that comes with joint insurance is helpful when considering longer trips or if there’s an emergency.
“But it’s important to be accurate when adding your partner to your insurance. Incorrect details could put you and your partner at risk of invalidating your policy.”
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He added that drivers who can’t add a partner should shop around early, improve vehicle security and ensure mileage estimates are accurate to help reduce premiums.
With the average premium for a solo driver sitting at £821, a £315 saving represents a significant drop — especially as insurance costs remain high.
For couples looking to cut costs in 2026, adding a spouse as a named driver could be one of the simplest ways to lower car insurance bills — as long as the details are accurate and the added driver genuinely shares driving duties
Based in New York, Stephen Freeman is a Senior Editor at Trending Insurance News. Previously he has worked for Forbes and The Huffington Post. Steven is a graduate of Risk Management at the University of New York.