Fronting: What does it mean?

Fronting is a type of insurance fraud and is illegal. It usually happens when a younger driver names an older, more experienced, person as the main driver on their insurance policy to keep the premium down, even though it’s the younger driver who drives the car the most.

Fronting: The long answer

Fronting is a car-related term that refers to a practice where a parent or an older, more experienced driver falsely claims to be the main driver of a vehicle, when in reality, the vehicle is primarily used by a younger or less experienced driver. This is often done in an attempt to reduce the insurance premiums for the younger driver, as insurance costs tend to be higher for new or inexperienced drivers.

In the UK, fronting is considered illegal and is seen as a form of insurance fraud. Insurance companies assess premiums based on various factors, including the age and driving experience of the main driver. By misrepresenting this information, individuals engaging in fronting can potentially obtain lower insurance premiums. However, if discovered, it can lead to serious consequences, such as the invalidation of the insurance policy or even criminal charges.

It is important for UK drivers to be aware of the risks and consequences associated with fronting. Instead of engaging in this illegal practice, exploring other legitimate options to reduce insurance costs for young or inexperienced drivers, such as adding them as named drivers on the policy or considering telematics or black box insurance, which assesses premiums based on individual driving behaviour.