Occasionally you may have to drive someone else’s car whether it’s to take a friend or relative home from the hospital, or pop to the shops for your partner.
While you may think you’re automatically covered to drive other cars on your car insurance policy for this, it might not be that straightforward.
We've put together some of the common misconceptions about driving other cars cover and what the facts are.
What is driving other cars cover (DOC)?
It’s a part of some car insurance policies that allows you to drive other people’s cars with third party only cover without the need to buy additional temporary insurance or be added as a named driver.
This is if you have permission from the owner of the car.
However, many people don’t know if they have this included in their insurance policy and what situations they would be covered for.
Myth 1: Driving other cars is included on all fully comprehensive policies
While DOC cover used to be included as standard on most fully comprehensive insurance policies, this isn’t the case anymore.
If you’re unsure if you have this cover, check your Certificate of Motor Insurance, which will have been sent to you when you took out your policy.
If you’re covered to drive other cars, then be aware it will not be with the same fully comprehensive cover you have with your own car.
Some insurers will only cover you to drive other cars with third party only cover.
Myth 2: Other people can drive my car if I’ve said I don’t mind
Many people may think it’s just a case of giving permission, but it’s not as simple as that.
If someone else wants to drive your car, they’ll need their own car insurance with driving other cars cover. They won't be covered under your policy.
Or alternatively, you can add them as a named driver on your policy, or take out temporary cover.
Myth 3: I can drive a van with DOC
This will depend on what cover your insurer offers.
We don’t cover you to drive vans using DOC, so you’ll need to be insured to drive that specific vehicle.
You can be added to the van's existing insurance or take out temporary cover.
Again, this can differ insurer to insurer, so always check your policy book to find out what you're covered for.
Myth 4: Anyone can have DOC cover
Not everyone can have driving other cars cover. To be eligible for Admiral cover, you must be over 25, and the other car will also need its own insurance in place.
Bear in mind that certain occupations will prevent you from having a DOC. For example, if you work in the motor trade, you will not be eligible for cover.
Always check with your insurer before driving any other vehicle if you’re unsure whether you have DOC cover.
If you’re caught driving someone else’s car without the right cover, you can get a conviction of driving without insurance, a fine and even end up in court.
For more information on Admiral’s DOC cover, check out our policy book.
