What Is Driving Other Cars (DOC) Cover?
One of the most common ways drivers assume they are covered when borrowing a car is through a “Driving Other Cars” (DOC) clause. DOC cover allows you to drive someone else’s car with their permission, typically providing third-party cover only. This means that if you cause an accident whilst driving the borrowed car, any damage to other people’s vehicles or property is covered, but damage to the borrowed car itself won’t be.
- DOC cover is usually only available on fully comprehensive insurance policies, but not all comprehensive policies include it automatically.
- DOC cover is limited to third-party liability, meaning any damage to the borrowed car might not be covered.
- It often applies only to emergencies or short-term situations, rather than regular use of another car.
- Drivers may need to meet certain criteria, such as being over 25 or holding a full UK driving licence for a specific period.
If you’re considering driving someone else’s car and believe your policy includes DOC cover, double-check the terms and conditions to ensure you’re adequately protected.
Can You Be Added As A Named Driver On The Car Owner’s Policy?
Another way to be insured when driving a borrowed car is to be added as a named driver on the car owner’s insurance policy. A named driver is someone specifically listed on an insurance policy who is authorised to drive the vehicle under the same cover as the policyholder.
- Being a named driver gives you the same level of cover as the car’s owner, whether that’s fully comprehensive, third-party, or third-party, fire and theft.
- The policyholder may see an increase in their premium for adding another driver, especially if the named driver is younger or has a limited driving history.
- Adding a named driver can be a good option for long-term or regular use of another person’s car, ensuring everyone is fully covered.
It’s important to note that the car owner remains the main driver on the policy, and if you drive the car more than they do, you may need to discuss other options, such as joint cover or updating the primary driver status.
Is Temporary Car Insurance A Better Option?
If you only need to drive someone else’s car for a short period, temporary car insurance might be a more flexible and straightforward solution. Temporary insurance can provide full cover for a period ranging from a single day to a few weeks, depending on your needs.
- Temporary insurance offers comprehensive cover, which typically includes third-party liability as well as protection for the borrowed car.
- It’s ideal for short-term use, such as borrowing a car for a weekend trip or covering an emergency.
- Temporary cover can often be arranged quickly online and activated immediately.
- It’s a great way to avoid affecting the car owner’s insurance policy or no-claims bonus in the event of an accident.
Temporary insurance can be a more affordable and practical option than adding yourself as a named driver or relying on DOC cover, particularly if you only need the car for a limited time.
Can The Car Owner’s Insurance Cover You?
In most cases, the car owner’s insurance policy does not automatically extend to cover other drivers, unless those drivers are specifically named on the policy. The car owner must either add you as a named driver or ensure that you have your own insurance in place before letting you drive their car.
Letting someone drive a car without proper insurance can have serious consequences, including the potential for the car to be impounded, and both the driver and car owner may face fines or penalty points.
Will Your No-Claims Discount Be Affected?
One of the concerns when borrowing or lending a car is how a potential claim might affect your no-claims discount (NCD). If you borrow a car and are involved in an accident, whether the car owner’s no-claims discount is affected depends on how you’re insured:
- If you’re covered by DOC or temporary insurance, any claims should not impact the car owner’s NCD.
- If you’re a named driver on the car owner’s policy and you make a claim, it’s likely that their NCD may be affected.
- If you have your own fully comprehensive policy with DOC cover and make a claim, your own no-claims discount could be impacted.
It’s always a good idea to discuss with the car owner how their no-claims bonus might be affected before you borrow their vehicle, so you both understand the potential financial consequences.
What Happens If You Drive Without Insurance?
Driving a car without the proper insurance is illegal in the UK, and the penalties for doing so are severe. Even if you’re borrowing the car for a short period, failing to have the correct cover in place could result in:
- A fixed penalty of £300 and six points on your driving licence
- Your car being impounded or even destroyed
- A possible court appearance with fines up to £5,000 and disqualification from driving
- Increased future insurance premiums
Ensuring that you have adequate insurance in place before driving a borrowed car is not only a legal requirement but also protects both you and the car owner from financial loss and legal complications.
Are There Any Exclusions To Be Aware Of?
Even if your policy includes DOC cover or you’ve been added as a named driver, there may still be some exclusions or limitations that apply. Common exclusions include:
- Age restrictions: Some insurers may restrict DOC cover to drivers over the age of 25 or those with several years of driving experience.
- Emergency use only: DOC cover is typically intended for emergencies or occasional use, rather than regular driving of someone else’s car.
- Business use: If you’re using the borrowed car for work purposes, such as making deliveries or attending client meetings, your standard insurance may not cover this without specific business-use cover.
- Non-UK cars: If the car you’re borrowing is registered outside the UK, it may not be covered by your policy, even if DOC cover applies domestically.
Always check the fine print of your policy to ensure that there are no surprises when it comes to driving another person’s car.
What Should You Do Before Borrowing A Car?
If you’re planning to borrow a car, it’s frequently a wise course of action to take the right steps before you get behind the wheel to ensure everything is in order. Here’s a quick checklist:
- Confirm your insurance: Check your policy to see if DOC cover applies, or arrange temporary insurance if needed.
- Speak to the car owner: Make sure the car owner knows how you’ll be insured and discuss any potential impacts on their insurance policy.
- Ensure the car is roadworthy: Make sure the borrowed car has valid MOT, tax, and up-to-date insurance in place.
- Check for exclusions: Review any age restrictions, time limits, or driving exclusions in your policy to avoid any issues.
By taking these steps, you’ll ensure that both you and the car owner are fully protected when driving a borrowed car.
If you're looking for the right car insurance to cover borrowing or lending a vehicle, compare quotes today to take up a policy that suits your needs and keeps you protected on the road.
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