Many people who do not own a car may still wish to drive someone else’s, from time to time.  It may be a parent’s car that is used once a week for shopping or a partner’s car that is used more frequently.  In these circumstances the person who does not own the car should ensure that they are named on the owner’s insurance policy.  This can be done quite easily and cheaply, however, failure to ensure that the so-called ‘named driver’ option is activated on a particular policy could result in an insurance provider refusing to meet a claim if an accident occurs.

Named drivers may also be car owners with their own separate insurance on a different vehicle.  However, someone with their own insurance policy should not assume that they are automatically covered to drive cars owned by other people.  Even if you have comprehensive insurance cover, all drivers should ensure that they can legitimately get behind the wheel of another vehicle.  With most policies there will be an option known as ‘drive other cars’.  Before driving another vehicle this option must be in place and the terms of the policy checked to check the level of cover that is applied.

Not all insurance companies provide this useful addition to the standard policy.  In addition, not all drivers will be eligible to take advantage of a ‘drive other cars’ clause, because many companies only offer the option to drivers who fulfil certain criteria, for example that they are over 25 years of age.