Car Insurance Guide

Named Driver & Add Driver: Car Insurance Malaysia Guide 2026

Who is a named driver? When do you need to add one? How does it affect your premium and NCD? Complete guide for Malaysian car owners.

What is a named driver in Malaysian car insurance?

A named driver is a person other than the main policyholder who is listed on the policy as an authorized driver. In Malaysia, most comprehensive policies cover unnamed drivers but charge an additional excess (typically RM400) if an unnamed driver causes an accident. Adding a named driver avoids this excess. Young drivers under 21 and drivers with less than 2 years experience must be listed as named drivers — they cannot claim as unnamed.

Updated 2026 • Malaysia

What Is a Named Driver?

Your car insurance policy in Malaysia covers a main driver (you, the policyholder). Anyone else who regularly drives your car should be added as a named driver on the policy.

Named drivers are listed on the policy schedule and have the same coverage as the main driver. Unnamed drivers may still drive your car but face a higher excess if they cause an accident.

Most comprehensive policies allow unnamed drivers — but check your policy document. Some insurers restrict coverage to named drivers only, especially for younger or higher-risk vehicles.

The Unnamed Driver Excess

Unnamed Driver? Expect an Extra RM400 Excess

If an unnamed driver causes an accident, most Malaysian insurers charge an additional excess of RM400 on top of your standard policy excess. This means you pay RM400 more out of pocket before the insurer covers the rest. Adding a named driver costs very little — typically RM0-50/year — and eliminates this extra charge.

When Must You Add a Named Driver?

  • Drivers under 21 years old
  • Drivers with less than 2 years driving experience
  • Regular/frequent drivers of your car
  • Drivers who will use the car for e-hailing

How to Add a Named Driver

1

When buying/renewing insurance

The easiest time — on Bjak, you can add named drivers during checkout. Enter the additional driver's name and IC number.

2

Mid-policy endorsement

If you need to add a driver after your policy starts, contact your insurer to issue an endorsement. Takes 1-3 working days.

3

Documents needed

Additional driver's full name, IC number, and driving license number. Some insurers may also ask for date of birth.

4

Pay the additional premium

Adding a named driver is typically free or costs RM10-50/year. Young drivers (under 25) may trigger a loading premium.

Does a Named Driver's Claim Affect Your NCD?

Yes — any at-fault claim on your policy reduces your NCD, regardless of whether it was you or a named driver driving at the time.

This is one reason families should think carefully about adding young or inexperienced drivers. If your child is in a minor accident, the claim will hit your NCD — potentially costing you thousands in higher premiums over the next 5 years.

Tip: Consider an NCD Protector add-on if you're adding a high-risk named driver. This allows one at-fault claim per year without losing your NCD.

Adding a Young Driver: Expect a Loading

Driver AgeTypical Premium LoadingNotes
Under 2125–50% loadingMust be named; unnamed may be excluded entirely
21–2515–25% loadingHigher risk tier; compare across insurers
26–305–15% loadingDepends on driving record
30+0% loading (usually)Standard rate unless claims history is poor

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Named Driver & Add Driver FAQ

Most Malaysian insurers allow 2-4 named drivers per policy. Check your insurer's terms — some limit this. Each additional named driver is usually free or a small flat fee.

Add Named Drivers When You Renew

Add your spouse, children, or other regular drivers to your policy at renewal. Compare 16 insurers on Bjak and get the best rate with all named drivers included.

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