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Millions of drivers risk being caught out by misconception around how far cover extends

Millions of drivers could be knowingly or unknowingly breaking the law by driving other people’s cars without the correct insurance.

Research by a leading insurance comparison service found significant confusion around “driving other cars” (DoC) cover on standard insurance policies, with many motorists wrongly assuming their comprehensive policy automatically covered them.

According to a survey by Confused.com, one in eight drivers wrongly thinks comprehensive insurance automatically includes cover for driving other vehicles and one in seven don’t know the basic requirements for obtaining DoC cover.

Driving without insurance, even if you think you are covered, carries a starting fine of £300 and, in some circumstances, police can seize the vehicle in question.

Being caught without insurance, even if you thought you were covered, carries serious penalties

Historically, DoC cover was generally included as standard with fully comprehensive policies but in more recent times many insurers have removed it completely or put stricter restrictions on who they offer it to.

According to Confused, in general, drivers will only qualify for DoC cover if they are over 25 and have fully comprehensive insurance and the other car they are driving is already insured. Even then, not all policies will include the cover and, in most instances the cover won’t extend to vans or other commercial vehicles.

Why your fully comp car insurance might cover less than you think