Borrowing a Car Isn’t as Simple as It Sounds

It might seem harmless enough. Your mate offers their car for the weekend, or you just need to pop to the shops while yours is in the garage. But here’s the catch: even if they trust you behind the wheel, their insurance might not. Driving without proper cover can lead to fines, points on your licence, and the car being seized. Not worth the gamble, really.

So before you grab the keys, make sure you’re properly insured. There are a few ways to do it, depending on how often you’ll be driving and what works best for you both.

Option One: Short-Term or Temporary Car Insurance

If you just need the car for a few hours or a couple of days, short-term car insurance is usually the simplest answer. It’s a standalone policy that covers you for a set period, often from just one hour up to a month. You don’t need to touch your friend’s existing insurance, and it won’t affect their no-claims bonus if something happens.

These policies are designed for exactly this sort of thing: borrowing a car now and again, test driving a used one before buying, or helping someone move house. Most can be arranged online in minutes with nothing more than your driving licence, the car’s registration, and a debit card.

Just make sure the car is already insured, taxed, and has a valid MOT. A few quick checks on the DVLA website will confirm that.

Option Two: Becoming a Named Driver

If you’ll be using your friend’s car regularly, they could add you as a named driver on their main policy. It’s not instant like temporary cover, but it can work well for longer arrangements—say, if you share driving on a weekly basis or help them with errands.

Bear in mind, though, the car’s main user still needs to be the policyholder. If you drive it more than they do, insurers might see that as “fronting”, which can invalidate the policy altogether. Always be upfront about how often you’ll drive and for what purpose. It keeps things clean and avoids any nasty surprises later.

Option Three: Drive Other Cars (DOC) Cover

Some comprehensive car insurance policies include what’s known as “drive other cars” cover. In theory, it lets you drive someone else’s vehicle with their permission. Sounds handy, doesn’t it? But there are catches. Big ones.

For one, it’s usually third-party only, meaning you’d pay for any damage to the car itself. It also tends to apply only to drivers over a certain age, often with no claims or convictions. And plenty of modern policies don’t include it at all now, so don’t assume you’re covered. Always check your certificate of insurance before getting behind the wheel.

Other Things Worth Checking

It’s not just about the policy. There are small details that can trip you up. Make sure the car’s owner knows when and where you’ll be using it. If you’re travelling abroad or driving at odd hours, tell the insurer—some policies restrict certain uses or times.

And keep in mind that whoever owns the car is responsible for its condition. If a bald tyre or broken light leads to a fine, that’s on them, not you. Still, it’s polite (and smart) to give the car a quick look-over before driving off.

Useful Links and Advice

To double-check your insurance or vehicle details, these UK resources can help:

• Check if a vehicle is insured (GOV.UK)
• Driving advice for older adults (Age UK)
• Citizens Advice: Car insurance guidance
• Short-term insurance explained (NI Direct)

Getting insured to drive a friend’s car isn’t complicated once you know the rules. Choose the right type of cover, be honest about how often you’ll use it, and double-check the details. It’s a small bit of effort for a lot of peace of mind.