One of the most common questions when it comes to car insurance is whether you can drive somebody else’s car and still be insured.
Back in the day, most Comprehensive insurance policies covered you for Driving Other Cars (DOC) and gave you Third Party Only cover to drive other cars. Unfortunately, that doesn’t always apply to Comprehensive policies ‘nowadays’ and it really depends on your individual Comprehensive policy. So, the best advice is to never assume you’re covered because you could be breaking the law.
Why isn’t DOC cover always included in Comprehensive policies?
Insurance is a business, and a big one at that, so lots of insurers now make DOC cover an optional extra that you sometimes have to pay for – whether you have a Comprehensive policy or not.
The other reason is that insurers have got a lot stricter in who gets DOC cover. Now, age and occupation are the most important factors in whether you can get DOC cover.
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Age
If you’re under the age of 25 you will not get DOC cover as standard and you’re unlikely to get it as an optional extra either.
Some insurers do allow under-25s DOC cover but they’re in the minority because young drivers, those aged 16-25, are the highest risk age category to insure.
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Your job
Some jobs may require you to drive lots of different cars at lots of different times (and you’ll usually have business cover if you do) and insurers sometimes deem these jobs too risky to insure with DOC cover.
Again, this doesn’t apply to all jobs or all policies, so you will need to check with your insurer.
Am I insured to drive? Check
The main point to take home from reading this guide is that you must check whether DOC cover is included in your Comprehensive insurance policy.
You should not assume that you are covered because you are over 25 and have a Comprehensive policy because if you are caught driving without insurance you will get heavily penalised.
Driving without insurance can result in an IN10 endorsement which brings with it a six to eight point penalty that stays with you for four years.
That might not sound too bad but be aware that many insurers will simply refuse to insure you in the future while the penalty is active and on your licence.
Insurers do not like people who break insurance laws so it’s really not worth the risk.
Check your policy wording or phone your insurer. Do not assume you’re covered.
If DOC is important to you remember to check individual policies when your comparing online quotes, or if you prefer to speak to someone directly over the phone ask your advisor to confirm DOC is included in your policy.
