On many PCP and hire-purchase agreements, the finance company retains legal title during the agreement, while the customer is the registered keeper and main user. The policyholder is the person who takes out the insurance contract. The precise arrangement depends on the finance agreement.

How insurers commonly treat this

• The V5C records the registered keeper and is not proof of legal ownership.
• The main driver is the person who actually uses the vehicle most.
• Quotation forms can ask separately for owner, keeper, policyholder and main driver.

What the quotation may ask for

Quotation forms use the information supplied to determine which insurers can offer cover and on what terms. Where the available answer does not accurately describe the circumstances, the insurer or comparison provider can clarify how that information is recorded.