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What is the difference between someone being listed as a driver or as a second named insured on an auto insurance policy?

My wife and I were reviewing our current car insurance policy and found that she is listed as a driver, but not as a second named insured. Does this mean that she is not insured, even though she is listed as a driver?

avatar
Johnny Puckett · Updated on
Reviewed by Shannon Martin, Licensed Insurance Agent.
Here’s what you need to know about the terms you might find on your insurance policy: 
  • Named insured: the person who opened the policy. 
  • Second named insured: a person on the policy who can make changes to the policy, including renewal and cancellation. 
  • Driver: anyone who operates the vehicle. A driver is insured, but they cannot make changes to the policy.
Keep in mind: It is not necessary to have your wife listed as a second named insured on your
car insurance
policy, though most of the time the spouse of the person who purchased the policy is listed as such.
Pro tip: If you are unsure of your coverage, you should contact your insurance company for the details, but you shouldn’t have anything to worry about as long as anyone operating your car is listed as a driver on the policy.
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