How should a 2-car/2-driver household designate the primary driver for each vehicle?
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How should a 2-car/2-driver household designate the primary driver for each vehicle?
I was told that in a 2-car/2-driver household, the primary drivers for each vehicles should be “reversed” in order to maximize the amount of coverage applicable to the driver in an accident. That is, the husband should be listed as primary driver on the wife’s car and vice versa so if the husband is in an accident while driving his car, his medical bills would fall under the “Injury to Others” coverage. Is that correct?
Asked on July 28, 2011 Massachusetts
Answers:
SJZ, Member, New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 12 years ago | Contributor
No, it's not correct, inasmuch as a false designation of the primary driver could act to void or deny your coverage. Insurance policies do not apply when they are taken out or maintained under false pretenses; that includes when the primary driver is listed incorrectly, since the identity of the primary driver (and the use he/she makes of it; e.g. business use? personal? etc.) factor into the assessment of risk, underwriting, pricing/cost, etc. of the policy. So what you suggest would represent a way to have all coverage denied, in the event it comes out that the primary driver of a vehicle was falsely represented. It's not worth taking the risk of no coverage--always be completely honest and accurat with your insurance company.
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