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

Does fully comprehensive car insurance cover driving any car?

You might think because of the name that comprehensive car insurance automatically covers you to drive any car, but that's simply not the case. Some comprehensive car insurance policies do in fact permit you to drive other cars, but there are conditions.

Typically, your car insurance tends to offer you cover for the vehicle you designate when getting a quote. You need to be insured to drive certain cars, so you can't insure yourself to drive any car.

If you have DOC as a benefit of your comprehensive car insurance policy, you may be permitted to drive someone else's car in an emergency or exceptional circumstance. This type of cover is only available through a comprehensive policy.

Although comprehensive is the highest level of car insurance cover, it does not mean you're insured to freely drive other cars.

What is driving other cars (DOC) cover?

Cover for DOC used to be a fairly common feature in car insurance policies, but these days it's rare for insurers to offer it.

It essentially offers the policyholder third-party only (TPO) car insurance cover to drive cars not listed on the policy with the owner's permission. Some policies may offer DOC cover on a TPO basis; others may only offer it in emergency situations.

To check whether you have this type of cover included in your car insurance, it's typically stated in your policy documents. If not, contact your insurer to confirm what cover you have.

You shouldn't assume you can drive any car with your own car insurance policy. If you require DOC cover, reach out to your car insurance provider to discuss whether they offer it for an additional cost.

If they don't, you can compare quotes when you renew your car insurance to find policies that include DOC cover.

How do I check if I am insured to drive other cars?

When you buy car insurance, your provider will typically send you a Certificate of Motor Insurance via email. If not, you can usually access it by logging into your insurer's customer portal and viewing your policy documents.

In this document, there is a section outlining 'Persons or Classes of Persons Entitled to Drive'. This should state whether you have DOC cover and whether there are any conditions, such as driving other cars only in an emergency situation.

What cover do I have with a DOC extension?

DOC cover is usually only limited to TPO, meaning damage to the car you are driving is not covered. It only offers you protection against any damage to other cars and the drivers.

You may have a higher level of DOC cover than third-party only; if you do, it should be clearly stated in your policy documents.

Your policy documents should list any conditions of your DOC cover, if you have it. This can exclude you from driving commercial vehicles and any cars you do not have a finance agreement to drive.

Who is excluded from having DOC cover?

You usually have to be at least 25 years old to include DOC in your car insurance policy.

You'll also need to be the main policyholder of your car insurance policy, not a named driver. Named drivers aren't usually covered by the main policyholder's DOC extension and are restricted to driving the vehicles specifically listed on the certificate.

You may be excluded from DOC cover if:

• You have a criminal conviction
• You've made a claim on your policy
• Your occupation involves motor trade

You'll need to read the conditions of the DOC cover you're offered before driving another car. Driving another car without insurance can have significant consequences.

Can I drive my partner's car using DOC cover?

It depends. Some car insurance policies do permit you to drive your partner's car if you have DOC cover included.

However, some insurers exclude you from using vehicles registered to your partner or if their car is kept at the same address as you. In this instance, you can consider being included in your partner's policy as a named driver instead.

Can someone else drive my car?

Just as you may be able to drive someone else's car with DOC cover, it works vice versa if others have DOC to drive your car with your permission.

If someone else intends on driving your car but does not have DOC cover, there are alternatives, such as:

• Buying a separate temporary car insurance policy
• Being added as a named driver on your policy
• Having an 'any driver' car insurance policy

Is there a penalty for driving someone else's car uninsured?

Yes, driving without car insurance is breaking Continuous Insurance Enforcement (CIE) law, and you can be prosecuted for doing so.

If you don't have DOC cover included in your policy, you won't be able to drive other cars unless you buy additional insurance. The consequences of driving without insurance can include:

• 6-8 penalty points on your licence
• A fixed-penalty fine of £300 (or more if your case goes to court)
• Disqualification from driving

If you're caught driving without insurance, it can increase the cost of your car insurance as a result. You may also struggle to find an insurer willing to offer you a car insurance policy due to the risk involved.