Drivers are being warned they could face thousands of pounds in fines for driving someone else’s car without the right insurance. Motoring experts urge 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 fully comprehensive insurance means they can hop in another car and be legally covered.
However, being able to drive someone else’s vehicle requires DOC (Driving Other Cars) coverage.
This will only include third-party coverage while driving the other vehicle, even for those who have taken out fully comprehensive insurance under their policy.
This means that any damage to the car will not be covered if an accident occurs while using someone else’s vehicle.
Driving other cars without the proper 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 urge road users to thoroughly read their policies to 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 assumed use of 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 thousands of pounds and a loss of license.
“While using someone else’s car, drivers must 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 has different terms and conditions, so make sure to thoroughly and fully check for a costly slip-up.
“Don’t assume fully comprehensive means fully covered; Otherwise, you may be left out of pocket and with no license at all.”
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