Warning to drivers using a mate’s car

Drivers are being warned they could face thousands of pounds in fines for driving someone else’s car without the right type of insurance.

Motoring experts at LeaseCar.uk are urging Brits to brush up their understanding of insurance policies when driving other people’s vehicles to avoid steep fines and penalty points.

Some motorists assume that having fully comprehensive insurance means they can hop in another car and they’ll be legally covered.

However, being able to drive someone else’s vehicle requires DOC (Driving Other Cars) coverage.

This will only include third-party cover while driving the other vehicle even for those who have taken out fully comprehensive insurance on their own policy.

It means that if an accident occurs while using someone else’s vehicle, any damage caused to the car won’t be covered.

Driving other cars without the right insurance will result in a fixed penalty of £300 and six points on the license.

However, this can escalate into an unlimited fine and removal of license if the driver is taken to court.

The experts are urging road users to fully read through their policies to ensure they understand what’s included before mistakenly assuming they’re covered.

Tim Alcock, motoring expert at LeaseCar.uk, said: “We’re pleading with drivers not to make the mistake of assuming they can use someone else’s vehicle with their current insurance.

“It’s not as easy as being able to borrow a mate’s car for a short journey even for those who have taken out a fully comprehensive policy.

“The same goes for using a loved one’s vehicle even when living at the same address and sharing a surname.

“Fully comprehensive insurance doesn’t entitle drivers to take other people’s vehicles for a spin unless they have DOC included in their policy.

“It’s not just a simple slap on the wrist for those caught without the right type of insurance as it can range from a £300 fine with six penalty points to being charged thousands as well as a loss of license.

“While using someone else’s car it’s vital for drivers to take extra caution as DOC will only include third-party cover while using the other vehicle, even for those who have taken out fully comprehensive insurance.

“Every policyholder will have different terms and conditions so make sure to fully read it through to avoid a costly slip-up.

“Don’t take the risk of assuming fully comprehensive means fully covered, otherwise you may be left out of pocket and with no license entirely.”