Are you borrowing a car for a weekend away, a few days of errands or because your own car is off the road? If so, it can feel like a simple favour. But the insurance side can be a bit less clear.
The good news is that there are a few straightforward, legal ways to make sure you’re covered in the UK. In this guide, we’ll talk you through your options and help you choose what makes sense for you.
Am I automatically insured to drive someone else’s car?
Short answer: not usually.
Even if the owner has insurance, that doesn’t automatically mean you’re insured to drive their car. Permission to borrow a car is not the same thing as insurance.
To be insured, there needs to be a live policy that specifically covers you as a driver for that car. If you’re not sure, it’s always worth checking before you set off.
What is temporary additional driver insurance?
Temporary additional driver insurance is a general way of describing short-term cover that lets you legally drive a car you don’t usually drive.
In practice, it usually means one of two things:
- You’re added to the owner’s policy as a named driver, for a short time.
- You take out short-term car insurance that covers you to drive that specific car for a set period.
What that means in real terms:
- Who is insured — You, either on their policy or your own temporary cover.
- Which car is insured — The car you’re borrowing.
- What happens if there’s a claim — This depends on which option you choose, so it’s important to pick the right one.
Your main insurance options when borrowing a car
Most short-term borrowing situations come down to three options:
Option 1: Adding a named driver to the existing policy
A named driver is someone added to the owner’s insurance so they’re allowed to drive that car.
In practice:
- You’re covered to drive the owner’s car under their policy.
- The owner needs to arrange this with their insurer.
- Any claim is usually handled under the owner’s policy.
This can work well if you’ll be sharing the driving for a few days, like visiting family or taking turns on a short trip. Just bear in mind it can take time to set up and some insurers charge a fee.
Option 2: Taking out temporary car insurance for a few days
Temporary car insurance (or short term car insurance) covers you to drive a specific car for a set amount of time. This could be a few hours, a day or a week.
In practice:
- It’s often simpler for one-off borrowing, like a weekend.
- The owner doesn’t usually need to change their annual policy.
- You can choose clear start and end times, so you know exactly when you’re covered.
If you’re looking for something self-contained and time-limited, this is often the most straightforward route.
Option 3: Driving other cars cover (DOC)
Driving other cars cover (DOC) is a feature that is included in some annual car insurance policies. It’s also one of the most misunderstood.
In practice:
- You might not have it at all.
- If you do, it’s often third party only. That means it may cover damage you cause to others, but not damage to the car you’re borrowing.
- It can come with restrictions.
Because of this, DOC is rarely the best option for borrowing a car for a few days unless you’ve checked it carefully and know exactly what it covers.
Named driver insurance vs short-term cover: which is better for a few days?
Use this as a quick guide to help you decide:
- Named driver: Might suit you if you’ll drive the car repeatedly for a short stretch and the owner is happy to update their policy.
- Short-term cover: Might suit you if it’s a one-off need and you want a clear, self-contained option.
- DOC: This only makes sense if you’ve confirmed you have it and you understand what it does and doesn’t cover.
If you’re unsure, don’t guess. A quick check now is much easier than dealing with problems later.
How to check you’re insured before you drive
Before you take the keys, it’s worth running through this simple checklist:
- Confirm which option you’re using (named driver, temporary cover, or confirmed DOC).
- Check the exact start and end time of the cover.
- Check the level of cover (for example, third party vs comprehensive).
- If anything is unclear, ask before you drive
- If you’re given documents:
- The IPID (Insurance Product Information Document) gives a short summary of what’s covered.
- The policy wording sets out the full terms and conditions.
The safest way to borrow a car for a few days
The safest approach is always to make sure there’s a clear policy in place that:
- covers you as the driver,
- covers that car,
- is active for the exact time you’re driving
In short:
- Don’t assume you’re automatically covered.
- DOC is often not the simple answer people expect.
- Named driver cover or temporary cover are usually the most reliable short-term options.
How Dayinsure can get you on the road faster
Borrowing a car for a few days doesn’t need to be stressful. Once you understand your options, it’s much easier to choose the one that fits your needs so you can drive with confidence.
If you want a simple short-term option that doesn’t require changing the owner’s annual policy, short-term cover might be worth exploring. Get in touch and check your options for short-term cover with Dayinsure.
Short-term insurance FAQs
Can I drive someone else’s car with their permission in the UK?
Only if you’re insured to drive that car. Permission alone isn’t enough. There must be an active insurance policy that covers you as a driver for that vehicle.
Am I insured to drive someone else’s car if I have fully comprehensive cover?
Not necessarily. Fully comprehensive cover doesn’t automatically include driving other cars. You’ll need to check your policy to be sure.
What is driving other cars (DOC) cover and do I have it?
DOC is an optional feature on some policies, not a guarantee. Many drivers don’t have it at all. The only way to know is to check your policy documents or ask your insurer.
Is DOC cover fully comprehensive or third party only?
It’s usually third party only. That means it may not cover damage to the car you’re borrowing. Always confirm before relying on it.
What’s the best way to insure an additional driver for a few days?
Usually either named driver cover or short-term car insurance. Named driver cover works if the owner updates their policy. Short-term cover is often simpler for short, one-off use.
