Why is the 'driving other cars' extension not applicable for those driving abroad?

Most insurance policies provide a 'driving other cars' extension that gives basic third party cover to the policyholder. Most policies now provide cover (minimum required by law in the appropriate country) in the EU (and some other European countries) and this is shown on the certificate accordingly. It is therefore not unreasonable to assume that the driving other cars extension would operate out of the UK as above. However this is not the case.

A detailed study of the policy shows that DOC only applies in the UK and this has been confirmed by my brokers and various insurers. I think your readers ought to be aware of this as I can envisage a situation where say a couple of friends go abroad and the main driver cannot drive for some reason e.g. he is tired, not well, etc. and his pal offers to drive thinking there will be cover under DOC.

Asked on 21 January 2012 by JB, via email

Answered by Honest John
Worth bringing up in the column - together with the information that in the UK you can only drive an insured car under the new 'continuous insurance' law introduced in June 2011.
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