1 in 5 have driven without car insurance due to fully comprehensive confusion

Richard Aucock, Contributor
Fri, 18 Oct 2024

Motorists who assume their fully comprehensive policy covers them to drive other cars may unknowingly have driven without car insurance.

This is because more than 1 in 2 motorists are unaware that comprehensive car insurance policies no longer automatically cover them to drive other cars.

Car insurers began to remove the cover in the early 2000s. Different insurers removed it at different times – and today, many policies do not automatically offer the cover.

This is leading to confusion among motorists, particularly older drivers, who grew up used to this cover being standard.

Today, nearly 3 in 5 drivers aged over 55 are not aware the cover is no longer automatic.

Research by Tempcover has found that, as a result, 1 in 5 drivers have driven without car insurance due to this policy loophole.

Motorists who want to check if they are covered should look for a section referencing ‘Driving Other Cars’ in their insurance documents.

Alarmingly, 38% of those who did check discovered that they didn’t have this cover. That’s despite 36% of motorists admitting they had borrowed a car from family or friends in the past five years.

Drivers can sometimes pay to add Driving Other Cars to their insurance policy, but it is intended only to be used for infrequent one-offs, rather than regular occurrences.   

Emergency cover

"The Driving Other Cars extension has become a patchwork quilt of cover and you’ll have to check your insurance documents to find out if your insurer offers this protection," says Tempcover expert Jake Lambert.

"It’s important to note this insurance is primarily intended for use in emergencies, so it only offers third-party cover – the minimum level of cover that is legal in the UK, which won’t cover any of your own costs if you get into an accident."

For those who do need more comprehensive cover to drive other cars, temporary car insurance is worth considering.

He also reminded drivers about the risks of driving without any car insurance, including a fine of £300 and six penalty points on your licence.

Ask HJ

I'm no longer able to drive - can I insure my car for two named drivers?

I’m no longer able to drive after a stroke. Can I insure my car for two named drivers one of which has a car wile the other is named on two other vehicles? My car will only be used occasionally.

Yes, you can insure your car with two named drivers, even if you are no longer able to drive. It’s important to be clear with your insurer about how frequently the vehicle will be used, as this will influence the terms of the policy. The second driver, who is already named on two other vehicles, can be added to your policy, but their status on other cars should be disclosed to ensure all policies align and prevent complications with multiple insurance claims. You might want to consider a “named driver policy”, as the car will not be in constant use. You will be the owner of the vehicle but will be classified as a non-driving policyholder. However, the most important thing is to be honest with your insurer about your health situation, the fact that you will not be driving, and how often the named drivers will be using the car. This will ensure your policy is valid, and there are no issues in the event of a claim.

Answered by Rhydian Jones

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