It’s an enduring myth that “comprehensive car insurance” covers you to drive any car. But this isn’t necessarily the case.
In this post we’ll discuss some of the key considerations you’ll have to make if you want to drive someone else’s car, or if you want someone else to drive your car.
As we’ll see, one of the most straightforward ways you can drive someone else’s car with full cover if through taking out a temporary car insurance policy. We can help you get comprehensive cover to last as little as an hour, or as long as 28 days. Get a quote today.
Is DOC Cover Included in Comprehensive Car Insurance?
Some insurance policies do provide a certain level of cover for driving other peoples’ cars but it’s not as common as it used to be. It was known as Driving Other Cars (DOC) cover, and it used to be a standard part of most comprehensive car insurance policies. However, the level of DOC cover provided was usually just third party only. This meant that, if you were involved in an accident, you were potentially liable for the full cost of any damage the vehicle sustained.
DOC cover is not as common as it used to be, so don’t assume that it’s included in your insurance policy. Check your policy wording, and if you’re still unsure, give your insurer a call for clarification.
But even if your policy does include DOC cover, it’s only intended to be used in an emergency, or in exceptional circumstances. You shouldn’t rely on DOC cover if you plan on regularly driving someone else’s car. Third party only car insurance will not give you full protection for all the risks you face on the roads.
How to Drive Someone Else’s Car
Becoming a Named Driver
If you become a named driver on someone else’s car insurance policy, you can drive their car with the same level of cover that they pay for. You can also add a named driver to your policy if you want someone else to be able to drive your car.
The main policyholder must remain the car’s main driver. If it’s your car insurance policy, you must drive the car more often than your named driver. A discrepancy between named drivers and main drivers is known as “fronting”. Insurers consider this to be a form of fraud, and it could invalidate your policy.
Becoming a named driver on someone else’s policy is a good option if you’ll be driving the car on a regular basis. For example, a couple could buy a single car and share driving duties (though the main driver will have to drive the car more than the named driver). Or a parent might add a child to their car insurance policy as a named driver, so that they’ll be able to drive the car whenever they need it.
But adding a named driver may necessitate a new insurance calculation. Also, it’s a permanent arrangement that will affect the price of the policy. As such, not an efficient arrangement for short-term arrangements. If you just want to drive someone else’s car for a set period of time, then becoming a named driver will be more trouble than it’s worth.
Temporary Car Insurance
Temporary car insurance can be the most flexible and straightforward arrangement for driving someone else’s car. You can get the cover you need for just as long as you need it – whether that’s for a single hour, or for a number of days or weeks.
Unlike DOC cover, temporary car insurance can provide comprehensive cover for total peace of mind. And unlike with named driver arrangements, you’ll only pay for the cover you need for precisely as long as you need it.
Also, your temporary car insurance policy will be completely independent of any other car insurance policies you have. So if you need to make a claim on your temporary policy, it will not affect your no-claims bonus on your main policy.
Get Temporary Car Insurance Cover From Anthony Jones Today
Our temporary car insurance gives you comprehensive cover for 1 hour to 28 days.
Learn more about our temporary car insurance, and when you might need it. And get in touch for a free quote today.
