If I Have Fully Comprehensive Can I Drive Any Car?
Check Your Insurance Documents
Before you start driving, take a look at your annual motor insurance documents and look at the Certificate of Motor Insurance. If your policy allows you to drive a car that isn’t the one listed, it will typically show up as a Driving Other Cars (DOC) clause.
Key Insight: Having comprehensive insurance doesn’t automatically mean you can drive any car. Some insurers no longer include Driving Other Cars (DOC) cover as standard.
Common DOC (Driving Other Cars) Restrictions
Even if your policy includes DOC, there are often strict limitations; The DOC clause is intended for occasional, emergency use only:
- Cover to drive other cars is usually Third Party Only, not comprehensive — even if the policy to drive your car is comprehensive.
- Your own policy must still be valid and the vehicle you insure must be roadworthy and in your possession.
- The car you borrow must be owned by someone else — it cannot be a hire, rental, or courtesy vehicle.
- You must have permission from the owner, and the vehicle must already be insured.
- DOC cover typically applies only to the policyholder — named drivers are generally excluded.
What If You Drive Another Car Without Cover?
Driving without the required cover is illegal. You could face:
- A £300 fixed‑penalty and six penalty points, or worse, court sanctions with an unlimited fine and disqualification from driving.
- Liability for all damage to the vehicle you’re driving.
- Their vehicle will likely be seized by Police. They will need to pay a release fee and may need to purchase impound insurance to get the vehicle back.
What Can You Do Instead?
Use Short-Term or Temporary Insurance
If borrowing a car occasionally, you can use comprehensive coverage arranged by Briefly, which provides insurance to drive a car or van ranging from 1 hour to 28 days.
Add Yourself as a Named Driver
If you frequently drive someone else’s car, a good option is to be added to their policy as a Named Driver. This should give you the same level of protection as the main driver on the policy.
Verify DOC Coverage Before Driving
If relying on DOC, make sure:
- Your Certificate of Insurance explicitly states you can drive other cars.
- You understand the restrictions—such as third-party only and for emergencies only.
