Can I Drive Someone Else’s Car on My Insurance?
Table of Contents
You might be able to drive someone else’s car on your own car insurance, but it depends entirely on your policy. In the UK, some fully comprehensive policies include a “Driving Other Cars” (DOC) extension, but it’s not guaranteed. And even when it is included, the cover is usually third-party only.
So before you get behind the wheel of a friend or family member’s car, it’s essential to double-check your own cover.
Key points
What Is ‘Driving Other Cars’ (DOC) Cover?
DOC is a clause in some fully comprehensive car insurance policies that allows you to drive a car that you don’t own or haven’t hired, so long as you have the owner’s permission. However:
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It typically only applies to the policyholder (not named drivers)
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Cover is third-party only, not comprehensive
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It’s often excluded for younger drivers or those under 25
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It usually doesn’t apply to company or commercial vehicles
Always read the small print or contact your insurer to confirm if you’re covered.
Alternatives to DOC Cover
If your policy doesn’t include DOC or you’re not eligible, you’ve got other options:
- Temporary car insurance: Great for one-off use, starting from just 1 hour up to 28+ days
- Named driver cover: Add yourself to the car owner’s policy for short or long-term use
- Comprehensive policies with confirmed DOC extension: These can be harder to find, but are available
You can compare temporary car insurance to get instant cover when borrowing a car.
When You Might Be Covered
You may be able to drive another car under your own insurance if:
- You have a comprehensive policy
- You are the main policyholder
- The car you’re borrowing is already insured by someone else
- You have the owner’s permission to drive it
- You’re using it for social or personal use only
When You're Not Covered
Common reasons DOC won’t apply include:
- You’re under 25
- You only have third-party or third-party fire & theft insurance
- You’re borrowing the car for business use
- The vehicle is hired, leased, or registered to you
- The policy specifically excludes DOC (many now do)
Driving without the correct cover can lead to fines, points on your licence, and having the car seized, so never assume you’re covered.
Is DOC cover included in all comprehensive insurance policies?
No. It used to be more common, but many insurers now remove it as standard. Always check your policy documents.
Can I get fully comprehensive cover to drive someone else’s car?
Not through DOC. DOC is usually third-party only. For full cover, consider temporary insurance or being added as a named driver.
Does the car owner’s insurance cover me automatically?
No. Their policy only covers them and named drivers, unless you’re added specifically.
Can I drive a family member’s car under my policy?
Only if DOC is included and all other conditions are met, but again, always double-check.
In Summary
- You may be able to drive someone else’s car if your policy includes DOC cover
- DOC cover is usually third-party only and has strict conditions
- Many policies exclude DOC for drivers under 25 or those with points
- Safer alternatives include temporary insurance or being added as a named driver
Compare Fully Comprehensive Insurance Policies
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