What is life like with your car? Let us know and win £500 in John Lewis vouchers | No thanks

Does a car have to be insured or can it be driven legally by a non owner?

I have just bought a newer second hand car and still have my old car which is taxed for another six months and I am no hurry to sell or scrap it.

I cannot drive it under my new car comprehensive insurance cover, but as I understand from the small print, my wife can drive with third party only cover via the comp insurance on her car, provided she does so with my permisssion as the owner. Is this correct. A broker says yes it is, but the AA said no it was not: the car had to be insured to be on the road. What is the position I wonder at law?

Asked on 12 January 2011 by champerty

Answered by Honest John
No-one can drive it unless it is itself insured.
Similar questions
When I took delivery of my new BMW X1 I was given a hard sell in respect of this "Shortfall Insurance". If the vehicle is a total loss in the 4 years of the cover, it pays up to £10k of any shortfall between...
I was hit from behind yesterday whilst stationary on the motorway, and it looks like my car will be a write off, thing is I have around £12,000 still owing on the car but the car is only worth £3500. I...
My wife has recently renewed her insurance policy through Castle Cover (who I have used for years with car and house insurance). She completed the deal but a couple of days later she received a letter...
 

Value my car

Save £75 on Warranty using code HJ75

with MotorEasy

Get a warranty quote

Save 12% on GAP Insurance

Use HJ21 to save on an ALA policy

See offer