Protecting customers with insurance since 2001

Protecting customers with insurance since 2001

Can I drive someone else’s car on my insurance?

  • 19, Dec 2022
  • Read time: 5 mins

This guide will help you to understand when you are allowed to drive someone else’s car. It will also provide guidance for when someone allowed to drive yours.

Person handing over car keys to driver.

What is DOC (Driving Other Cars) cover?

There are types of cover that allow you to legally drive someone else’s car, while not being a named driver. It’s called DOC cover (Driving Other Cars).

There are circumstances in which you as a policyholder may also drive, with the owner’s permission, a motor car not belonging to, or hired or leased to them or their partner. It’s good to note that even if you have DOC cover this gives you Third Party cover only.

In the event of an accident, you will be covered for the cost of damage to another party, or their property – but damage to the vehicle you are driving will not be covered.

It will show on your Certificate of Insurance if you're covered to drive someone else's car.

How do I check to see if I'm allowed to drive another car?

If you're not already added as a named driver on their policy, check to see if you’re still covered to drive their car with your insurance provider.

There will be a section in your policy documents which will tell you under what circumstances, if any, you are legally allowed to drive another vehicle.

What do I need to get DOC added to my policy?

At MORE THAN we provide DOC cover subject to age and occupation. While we don't charge for DOC, you will need to check your policy documents to see if you have the cover.

How can I drive someone else's car?

You can legally drive someone else’s car if:

  • You have been added as a named driver on their policy
  • You are learning to drive and have been added as a driver to their policy
  • You are driving their car in an emergency with their permission using your DOC, which if applied will show on your certificate of insurance 

If you’re unsure if you have this cover, check your documents before driving.

Become a named driver

If you want to become a named driver on another person's car insurance, they will need to check if their policy will allow them to do so. If you are allowed on their policy, they'll need your driver’s licence and past driving history details to do so.

Does having fully comprehensive insurance mean I can drive any car?

Whatever type of insurance you have, it's best not to assume you're able to drive another car. If you want to drive another vehicle, check your policy documents to see if you're covered.

Can I drive someone else's car in an emergency?

It may be possible for the policyholder to drive someone else’s car in an emergency, but only with the owner’s permission. Always check your policy documents for cover details. DOC (Driving Other Cars) cover provides for third party cover only.

Let’s say you have an accident driving a friend’s car in an emergency. Third party insurance will not cover you for any damage to your friend’s car. However, it will cover you for damage to a third party’s car or property. Repairs to the vehicle you were driving at the time of the emergency may come out of your friend’s pocket.

How can I regularly drive someone else's car?

If you drive another vehicle regularly you should ensure you are added as a named driver on their policy. It’s usually a simple process and you can be added as a named driver at any time. You will need to supply your driver's licence number, occupation and driving history, plus any motoring offences or convictions.

This may have an effect on their premium at the quote stage, mid-term or when they come to renew. However, you will be awarded the same level of cover as the policyholder.

Can someone else drive my car if they aren't on my insurance?

If they are not a named driver on your insurance the policy, they may only be covered to drive your car in an emergency. Check your policy details with your insurer if you are unsure.

A person can legally drive your car if they are named on your policy. If you already have an insurance policy with MORE THAN, it's easy to add a named driver by logging into your online account.

You’ll need their driver's licence number, occupation and driving history, plus any motoring offences or convictions.

If they are not a named driver on your policy, they will not be covered if they break down or have an accident when driving your vehicle.

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