Can Someone Else Drive My Car?
Letting someone else drive your car may seem simple. However, without the right insurance, you and the driver could be breaking the law. The good news is, you can find several ways to ensure that another person has proper insurance before they get behind the wheel.
Here are the main options:
They Take Out Short-Term Car Insurance
If someone only needs to borrow your car occasionally, they can buy a short-term car insurance policy in their own name.
You can arrange temporary car insurance online with Briefly – cover from 1 hour to 28 days.
Temporary car insurance arranged by Briefly provides comprehensive coverage, meaning your car is protected against theft, fire, and accidental damage.
This option ensures their insurance is separate from yours, so if they make a claim, it won’t affect your no-claims bonus.
Can be used for: friends or relatives borrowing your car for a short trip, while their own car is unavailable, or for a holiday (the policy arranged by Briefly provides third party only cover for driving in any country in the EU/EAA and Switzerland).
Add Them as a Named Driver
You may also be able to add someone else to your insurance policy as a named driver.
You’ll need to contact your insurance company to request this change.
Your insurer may charge an additional premium, depending on the driver’s age, driving history, and experience and a fee for making the change.
Once added, the named driver will usually enjoy the same level of cover as you (e.g. comprehensive, though it is always best to check the terms and conditions of your policy).
Can be used for: family members, partners, or anyone who will drive your car often.
Have an Annual Policy that Permits you to Drive Another Person’s Car
Typically, this is third party only cover. Make sure you check your annual policy documents – read more here.
Can be used for: occasional, emergency use by a driver who already has a fully comprehensive annual policy.
Important Things to Remember
The driver must always have your permission to use your car.
Third-party only cover means that you are insured for injury and damage that your vehicle may cause to other people and/or their property. Your vehicle is not insured for theft, fire or damage (unless caused by a third-party).
Comprehensive cover protects your car against theft, fire, and damage, regardless of fault.
Summary:
If you want someone else to drive your car, you can either add them as a named driver or have them purchase short-term car insurance. Some drivers may have coverage under their own annual policy. However, this coverage is often limited and does not protect your car.
