Car insurance is expensive, especially if you’re a young or new driver, so it’s not surprising that people look for ways to cut their premium. But one shortcut that might seem clever on paper could actually land you in very hot water: car insurance fronting.
As per data, insurance fraud, including fronting, costs honest customers over £1.3 billion every year. It’s more common than you might think, and for many families it begins with good intentions, usually a parent trying to help their child afford their first insurance policy. But insurers, and the law, treat it as fraud. And if you’re caught, the consequences can be far worse than just a cancelled policy.
So, what exactly is car insurance fronting, and what really happens if you’re found guilty of it?
What is Car Insurance Fronting?
Fronting happens when someone names themselves as the main driver on a policy, even though another person is actually doing the majority of the driving.
The most typical example is a parent putting themselves down as the main driver on their child’s car, when in reality, the son or daughter is behind the wheel almost all of the time.
It might seem harmless, or even just a “technicality”, but insurance companies see it differently. Fronting is insurance fraud, and it’s treated as a criminal offence in the UK.
Main Driver vs Named Driver: Why the Difference Matters
The main driver is the person who uses the car most often. They’re usually the registered keeper, and their risk profile is what the insurer uses to calculate the premium.
A named driver, on the other hand, is someone added to the policy who may use the car occasionally but isn’t the primary driver. Both get the same level of cover while using the vehicle, but if the insurer suspects that the named driver is actually the one using the car most, they will investigate.
Insurers are increasingly alert to this practice. If your policy doesn’t make sense (say, a 19-year-old “named driver” who commutes every day, while the supposed “main driver” barely touches the car), red flags will be raised.
What Happens If You’re Caught Fronting?
Being caught fronting can hit you financially, legally, and long into the future.
- Your policy could be cancelled immediately meaning you’ll be classed as driving uninsured.
- Claims could be rejected leaving you to pay for repairs and damages yourself.
- Future insurance will cost much more than insurers will see you as high-risk and dishonest.
- A criminal record is possible, fronting is fraud, and fraud is a criminal offence.
The penalties can also be severe. The Financial Conduct Authority confirms that you could face:
- A fine of up to £5,000
- Six penalty points on your licence
- Possible disqualification from driving
For new drivers, the consequences can be even harsher. If you’ve held your licence for under two years, those six points are enough to have it revoked entirely. That means you’d need to reapply and retake both theory and practical tests, while carrying the stigma of a fraud marker on your record.
In some cases, drivers have even faced prosecution for driving without valid insurance, which carries further fines, points, and in extreme cases, a driving ban.
Ignorance is no defence either. Saying you didn’t know it counted as fronting won’t get you off the hook.
How to Cut Insurance Costs Legally
Car insurance is undeniably pricey, particularly for new drivers, but there are several tried-and-tested ways to bring down the cost without crossing into fraud.
- Consider black box insurance (telematics): Your driving is monitored, and safe habits are rewarded with lower premiums.
- Pay annually instead of monthly: Spreading payments usually comes with added interest.
- Add a genuine named driver: Adding an experienced driver (who will occasionally use the car) can sometimes reduce costs.
- Buy early: Policies bought around three weeks before renewal often work out cheaper.
- Be smart with job titles: Small changes (without lying) can affect premiums.
- Choose a car in a lower insurance group: Smaller engines and safer models cost less to insure.
These options might not slash costs as dramatically as fronting, but they’ll protect your licence, your finances, and your peace of mind.
Conclusion
Car insurance fronting might look like a quick and easy way to save money, but in reality, it’s one of the riskiest mistakes a driver can make. What starts as an attempt to cut costs can leave you uninsured, facing rejected claims, or even battling a criminal record.
ChooseMyCar.com has put together a range of legitimate ways to cut costs, including flexible car finance options, no deposit deals, and a free car finance calculator to help plan your budget. With these tools, drivers can keep motoring affordable, without ever needing to take the gamble of fronting.
Ultimately, honesty with your insurer is non-negotiable. Cutting corners with fronting is a risk that simply isn’t worth taking, especially when better alternatives are available to help you drive affordably and with peace of mind.
Alizeh is a car finance specialist at ChooseMyCar with a focus on clear, jargon-free advice. Her expert guides are designed to help UK drivers understand their options, from PCP deals to managing monthly budgets, so they can finance their next car with confidence.
