According to price comparison site moneysupermarket.com, many parents are breaking the law by “fronting” on their car insurance policies.

The company found that one in ten families have insured their child’s car in their name and then added the child as a second named driver, despite the fact the child is the main driver; a practice known as “fronting”. A further 30% of parents say they would consider “fronting” on their car insurance to save money, even though 54% know it is illegal. This lack of regard for the law could cost customers dear, the comparison site claims.

Steve Sweeney, head of car insurance at moneysupermarket.com says: “It is staggering to see just how many people are happy to take the risk and “front” on their car insurance; it is illegal and will immediately be classified as fraud by an insurer.”

The study showed female drivers (43%) are more likely to front than male drivers (37%) and that Londoners (52%) and those living in the north west (47%) are most likely to “front”.

“Those considering lying to their insurer to save money are playing a very risky game,” Mr Sweeney adds. “A motorist claiming to be the main driver when they are not is a dangerous move. It may save you money in the short term on your premiums, but if caught your insurance will be invalidated and a younger driver could face court charged with driving without insurance.

“Driving is expensive, particularly for younger drivers, where premiums for an 18-year-old male can start at around £3,400, but I urge anyone thinking about fronting on their car insurance to think twice; it really isn’t worth the risk. Younger drivers should be aware that having their own insurance policy will allow them to build up their own ‘no-claims discount’ which will help reduce the cost of their policy in the future.”