Driving other cars cover may insure the policyholder to drive someone else’s car, subject to the policy’s terms and limits.
Driving other cars cover, often called DOC cover, is an extension that may let the policyholder drive another person’s car with the owner’s permission.
It is different from being added as a named driver on the other car’s policy. It is also not automatically included because you have comprehensive insurance. Comprehensive cover does not always include permission to drive other cars.
Where DOC cover applies, it usually provides third-party-only protection. This may cover injury or damage caused to another person or their property. It will not usually cover damage to the car you are borrowing.
Your certificate of motor insurance should state whether DOC cover is included. You should also check your policy schedule and full policy wording, as these documents set out the limits and exclusions.
Depending on the insurer and your circumstances, DOC cover may:
Insurers can apply different DOC restrictions, so you should not rely on what a previous policy allowed.
Some policies available through insurers on our panel may include driving other cars cover. This depends on the insurer’s eligibility and underwriting criteria, as well as your full details.
Ask whether DOC cover is included and check your certificate, schedule and policy documents before driving another car.
You must have at least third-party insurance to drive on a road or in a public place. A car being insured does not always mean every driver is covered to use it.
In England, Scotland and Wales, driving without valid insurance can lead to a £300 fixed penalty and six penalty points. If the case goes to court, the driver can receive an unlimited fine or be disqualified, and the police may seize the vehicle. GOV.UK explains these penalties. Separate rules and penalties apply in Northern Ireland.
In Great Britain, the IN10 endorsement applies to using a vehicle without third-party insurance. It carries six to eight penalty points and normally remains on the driving record for four years from the offence date. GOV.UK explains the IN10 endorsement and penalty points.
Tell your insurer as soon as possible after an accident, even when you do not plan to claim. You may need to provide your details, the vehicle registration and the owner’s details. GOV.UK explains what to do after a road accident.
If DOC cover applies, the insurer may deal with valid third-party claims. The DOC extension will not usually cover damage to the borrowed car. Whether another policy covers the damage will depend on the circumstances and its terms.
An accident may also become part of your claims history. Its effect on future cover, premiums or a no-claims bonus will depend on the circumstances, how the claim is settled and the policy terms.
The vehicle owner may be able to add you to their policy as a named driver. Separate temporary insurance may also be available for short-term borrowing. MoneyHelper’s temporary insurance guidance explains some of the options and checks to consider.
Do not assume DOC cover includes vans. Some policies exclude vans, and business, courier or delivery use may need specific cover with the correct class of use. Our van insurance page explains the types of cover we may be able to arrange.
We arrange car insurance through a panel of insurers, including options for some drivers with previous claims or convictions.
DOC cover is not available with every policy, and we cannot guarantee that an insurer will offer it. Its availability will depend on your full details, the vehicle, the intended use and the insurer’s criteria.
Tell us if driving other cars cover matters to you when requesting a quote. We can help you review the information available, but the certificate, schedule and policy wording will confirm whether the cover applies.
