Driving Other Cars Insurance
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Why Compare Driving Other Cars Insurance At SimplyQuote.co.uk?
DOC cover isn’t always included—and when it is, it’s often misunderstood. That’s why comparing policies side by side is essential if you plan to drive someone else’s car.
At SimplyQuote.co.uk, we’ve partnered with Quotezone to give you access to over 120 UK insurance providers in one quick comparison. But with Driving Other Cars (DOC) cover, it’s not just about price—it’s about clarity.
Many drivers wrongly assume they’re insured to drive any car, only to discover too late that DOC wasn’t part of their policy or only covered them for Third Party use. That assumption can lead to serious legal and financial consequences if you’re stopped by police or involved in an accident.
With SimplyQuote, you can compare not just premiums, but what’s actually included. Want to know if DOC is offered? Whether it applies to your age group, job type, or usage? The platform lets you spot those differences instantly, avoiding costly oversights.
Because DOC is often restricted or removed entirely for drivers under 25, certain occupations, or those with claims histories, it pays to compare—not assume. And if a policy doesn’t include DOC, we’ll help you find alternatives that suit your needs, like adding temporary cover or named driver options.
Whether you’re considering driving a partner’s car, a friend’s vehicle in an emergency, or simply want that extra flexibility, the only way to be sure you’re properly covered is to compare with full transparency.
Why Do I Need To Get A Quote?
To get a quote that may include Driving Other Cars (DOC) insurance, you’ll need to provide standard details about yourself, your car, and how you plan to use it. But some factors matter more than you might expect.
DOC cover isn’t guaranteed, and it isn’t quoted in isolation. It’s typically offered as an extension on a fully comprehensive policy—but even then, it’s subject to restrictions based on age, driving history, and how you use the car.
When comparing quotes through SimplyQuote.co.uk, you’ll be asked for the following:
- Your age, postcode, and occupation – DOC cover is rarely offered to drivers under 25 or those in high-risk job categories.
- Licence type and driving history – Including how long you’ve held your licence, any claims, and convictions.
- Your vehicle’s make, model, registration, and any modifications – Even though DOC applies to driving other cars, your own car still affects the policy terms.
- Usage and mileage – If you plan to use your car for commuting, business, or social driving, this may affect DOC eligibility.
- Where the car is kept overnight – Street parking or high-theft areas may influence the insurer’s risk assessment.
Unlike optional extras like breakdown cover or legal protection, DOC isn’t something you “tick” during the quote process. Instead, it’s included (or excluded) based on your overall risk profile—and often only confirmed in the policy documents once the quote has been generated.
If DOC cover is essential for you, it’s worth checking the policy summary before you buy, or contacting the insurer to confirm. Alternatively, consider a temporary policy or being added as a named driver on another vehicle, which may offer more flexibility.
Why Do I Need Driving Other Cars Cover?
Driving Other Cars (DOC) cover gives you limited legal protection when you’re behind the wheel of a car you don’t own—but it’s not a substitute for being fully insured on that vehicle.
The truth is, most people who need DOC cover don’t plan on using it. It’s usually there for emergencies—borrowing a partner’s car while yours is in the garage, or stepping in to help in an urgent situation. But without this add-on (usually baked into comprehensive policies), those moments could lead to legal trouble.
Why does it matter? Because if you’re pulled over while driving someone else’s car and you don’t have DOC cover, you’re not insured—even if you’ve got a valid policy for your own car. That’s a minimum six points on your licence, a potential fine, and your car impounded on the spot.
DOC is especially useful if:
- You drive a second car occasionally that’s not registered to you.
- You’re a parent or partner likely to borrow someone’s vehicle in a pinch.
- You travel for work and may need to drive a colleague’s car between meetings (though this often requires business use too).
- You want to avoid the delay and admin of short-term policies.
That said, DOC is not designed for regular use. It typically only covers Third Party damage, meaning you won’t be protected for damage to the car you’re driving. If you crash it, you pay—and your own insurer won’t help.
Still, as a fallback, it can be a safety net. But one with strict edges.
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Get QuotesWhat Does Driving Other Cars Insurance Cover Include?
Driving Other Cars (DOC) insurance typically covers Third Party damage only—meaning if you crash someone else’s car, the insurer pays for damage to the other vehicle or property, not the one you’re driving.
This is one of the most important distinctions to understand. DOC cover is not comprehensive, and it won’t pay for any repairs to the car you’re borrowing. You’ll be financially liable for that damage yourself—even if the crash wasn’t entirely your fault.
DOC is usually included as an extension on fully comprehensive car insurance policies, but it’s never a guarantee. Even when it’s offered, it comes with restrictions. For example, it generally:
- Applies only to emergency or occasional use
- Covers you to drive a car not owned by you or hired to you
- Requires that the other car is already insured in its own right
- Is often limited to drivers over 25 with a clean record
- Only insures you for Third Party liability
Let’s say you borrow your friend’s car to run a quick errand. You reverse into someone’s garden wall. DOC would cover the wall, but not your friend’s bumper. If that same bumper repair costs £1,200, you’re paying that out of pocket—no exceptions.
It’s also worth noting that some insurers no longer offer DOC at all or require you to opt in. This is why reading the policy wording before you hit “buy” is essential. If driving other cars is something you think you might need—don’t assume you’re covered.
For more robust flexibility, a temporary insurance policy or being added as a named driver is a far safer route. DOC cover is useful—but not something to rely on casually.
What’s Not Included?
Driving Other Cars (DOC) cover doesn’t protect the car you’re driving—it only covers damage you cause to other people, their property, or vehicles. Most drivers don’t realise this until it’s too late.
DOC is not a replacement for a fully insured policy on the car you’re borrowing. It’s a limited Third Party-only extension, and its exclusions are strict. Even if it’s included in your policy, there are clear boundaries.
Here’s what DOC cover does not include:
- Damage to the car you’re driving – If you hit a post or another car, you’ll be personally liable for fixing the borrowed vehicle.
- Theft, fire, or vandalism of the borrowed car – These are not covered under DOC. You’d need the car owner’s comprehensive policy to handle that.
- Business use – Most DOC clauses exclude commuting or business-related driving unless you’ve declared it separately.
- Regular use of another vehicle – DOC is meant for occasional, emergency use only. Using someone else’s car regularly? You need to be a named driver or get temporary cover.
- Drivers under 25 – Many insurers exclude DOC entirely for younger drivers or those with recent claims or driving convictions.
- Uninsured vehicles – If the car you’re borrowing isn’t insured in its own right, DOC won’t apply. Both vehicles need to be covered.
Even your own insurer may not make this obvious. That’s why it’s critical to check your certificate of motor insurance and policy documents before assuming DOC applies.
Too many people wrongly assume DOC is a catch-all. In reality, it’s a last-resort fallback—useful in emergencies, but full of traps if misused. If you’re unsure, you’re far better off arranging temporary cover or being added to the other person’s policy.
How Much Does Driving Other Cars Insurance Cost?
DOC cover isn’t priced as a separate add-on—it’s typically bundled into comprehensive car insurance policies, with eligibility based on your profile, not just your premium.
Unlike breakdown cover or legal expenses, you can’t “buy” DOC as a standalone product. Instead, insurers selectively offer it to drivers they consider lower-risk—usually those over 25, with a clean driving history, and no recent claims. If that’s you, there’s a good chance it might be included at no extra cost—but you’ll need to check the small print.
That said, the presence (or absence) of DOC can influence overall pricing:
- Comprehensive policies are more likely to include DOC than Third Party or TPFT. But they’re not always the cheapest—especially for younger drivers.
- Drivers under 25, or with a limited driving history, will often be excluded from DOC entirely—or may only be offered it by higher-end insurers with stricter underwriting.
- Your job title and usage habits (e.g. business vs social use) can also affect eligibility. Some occupations—delivery, courier, ride-share—are more likely to be excluded.
To illustrate:
| Driver Profile | Policy Type | DOC Included? | Approx Annual Premium |
|---|---|---|---|
| 35 y/o teacher, full licence, no claims | Comprehensive | Yes | £480–£650 |
| 28 y/o delivery driver, minor claim | Comprehensive | No | £600–£850 |
| 24 y/o admin assistant, 2 years’ NCD | TPFT | Rarely | £700–£950 |
Most policyholders only discover if DOC is included when they receive their certificate of insurance—not during the quote process. That’s why it pays to compare quotes and look closely at the full policy summary before committing.
If DOC cover is important to you, make sure you’re choosing a policy that includes it up front—or consider alternatives like temporary insurance if you just need to drive another car occasionally.
How Can I Save Money On Driving Other Cars Insurance?
To save money and still access Driving Other Cars (DOC) cover, you need to optimise your main policy—because that’s where DOC is (sometimes) included.
You can’t buy DOC on its own. But you can improve your chances of getting it included on a comprehensive policy by understanding what insurers look for.
Here’s how to approach it strategically:
Choose comprehensive cover
DOC is rarely, if ever, included on Third Party or TPFT policies. A fully comp policy doesn’t guarantee DOC—but it’s a required baseline.
Keep a clean driving record
No recent claims or convictions makes you a lower-risk profile, which increases the likelihood of getting DOC included.
Age matters
Many insurers only offer DOC to drivers over 25. If you’re younger, it may not be available regardless of other factors.
Occupational risk
Certain jobs (e.g. couriers, delivery drivers) are often excluded from DOC. Insurers look at your risk profile holistically.
Limit mileage and secure your vehicle
Lower mileage and parking on a driveway or in a garage can improve your overall risk rating and reduce the cost of your main policy.
If DOC isn’t included—what are your options?
- Temporary car insurance – If you only need to drive another vehicle occasionally (e.g. moving house, borrowing a friend’s car), short-term cover can be cheaper and more flexible.
- Become a named driver – Being added to the other car’s policy ensures full protection and is ideal for regular, shared use.
- Ask about add-ons – Some insurers will offer a specific endorsement to include DOC, particularly for long-standing policyholders with a strong history.
So while you can’t click a box and “add” DOC, you can absolutely reduce the cost of getting access to it—or find safe, legal alternatives that serve the same purpose.
How To Compare Driving Other Cars Insurance At SimplyQuote.co.uk?
DOC cover isn’t available on every policy—so when comparing car insurance, it’s vital to choose a comprehensive policy and check the policy details carefully before assuming it’s included.
At SimplyQuote.co.uk, we make it easy to compare quotes from over 120 UK insurers in one place. While DOC cover isn’t offered as a standalone option, the comparison process still lets you filter and identify comprehensive policies—those most likely to include it.
Here’s how to compare effectively:
- Start with your details
Enter your personal information, postcode, licence type, driving history, and the vehicle you want to insure. Make sure the car you’re insuring is your own—DOC doesn’t apply otherwise. - Select a comprehensive policy
To be eligible for DOC, you’ll almost always need to select a comprehensive cover level. Lower tiers like TPFT rarely include it. - Use filters to narrow results
Some providers may list whether DOC is included in the policy summary. If it’s unclear, look for options like “policy documents” or “more details” next to each quote. - Check the insurer’s terms
Once you’ve narrowed your options, click through to view the insurer’s documentation. Look for any mention of “driving other vehicles” or “DOC extension” in the certificate of motor insurance. - Consider alternatives if DOC is missing
If the quotes you receive don’t include DOC, and you expect to drive another car, consider whether temporary insurance or adding yourself as a named driver on the other policy is more appropriate.
Because DOC eligibility depends on factors like age, driving history, and job title, it may not appear in every quote, even with comprehensive cover. That’s why it pays to compare across a wide panel—and avoid assumptions.
At SimplyQuote.co.uk, you can revisit your quote at any time and adjust your details to see if a different profile unlocks new options. It’s about finding a policy that works for how you actually drive—not just what looks cheapest.
*51% of consumers could save £515.24 on their Car Insurance. The saving was calculated by comparing the cheapest price found with the average of the next six cheapest prices quoted by insurance providers on Seopa Ltd’s insurance comparison website. This is based on representative cost savings from December 2024 data. The savings you could achieve are dependent on your individual circumstances and how you selected your current insurance supplier.
Frequently Asked Questions
No. DOC only applies to cars you don’t own and haven’t hired, and only if your policy explicitly allows it. It’s not a blanket permission to drive any car.
No. While DOC is sometimes included in comprehensive policies, it’s not guaranteed. Insurers often limit it based on age, driving history, and occupation.
If you’re stopped or involved in an accident without valid DOC cover, you could face fines, penalty points, or even a driving ban for uninsured driving.
Usually not. Most policies only permit DOC use for social, domestic, and pleasure purposes—not for commuting or business-related travel.
Generally no—DOC isn’t an add-on. It’s either included based on your risk profile or not offered. Some insurers may offer an endorsement, but this is rare.
No. DOC only provides Third Party cover. If the borrowed car is damaged or stolen, the driver using DOC is personally liable unless the owner’s policy covers it.
Yes. Even if your DOC extension is valid, you must have the owner’s explicit permission. Driving without it could invalidate cover or count as unauthorised use.
Short-term (temporary) car insurance is the safest option if you need to drive another vehicle. It offers full cover for a set period without relying on your main policy.
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Written by Chris Richards
Page last reviewed on 24th March 2025 by Chris Richards