Can I drive someone else’s car?

Some comprehensive insurance policies have a certain level of cover when it comes to driving other cars (DOC). 

To give you an idea, if you're an Aviva Signature customer, you'll be covered for third party only. This is the minimum level to drive legally in the UK. So, we’d pay compensation to someone you injure or for damage you cause to other people’s vehicles, or property in an accident. But we wouldn’t cover you for any loss of, or damage to, the vehicle you’re driving.

DOC covers you to drive other vehicles without being registered as a named driver. However, when you have DOC cover, there’s usually a criteria you need to meet, these can vary from provider to provider. If you took out cover with us* you would need to meet these requirements:

• The vehicle policyholder needs to be aged 25 or over a policy inception or renewal
• You have permission from the owner to use and drive their vehicle
• Your insurance certificate shows you can drive other cars
• You’re only planning to drive the car in Great Britain, Northern Ireland, the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man
• You don’t own or have hired the car you want to drive (this includes any finance agreement)
• Your own car is still in your possession and has not been declared a total loss

*If you're an Aviva Signature customer, DOC cover is only available under this policy and provides third-party cover only.

Named drivers do not have DOC cover and should only drive the vehicle they are listed on as a named driver.

It’s important to verify their coverage before they drive, as driving without proper cover could result in ineligibility to make a claim in case of an accident.

The best place to start is by checking whether your policy includes DOC cover and the level of cover it provides. If it isn't included, you may need to arrange alternative cover to ensure you're properly insured.

Temporary car insurance

If you know you'll need to use a different car occasionally, then you may want to consider our temporary car insurance. With coverage options from as little as an hour, you can get driving straight away. With our temporary car insurance, you will receive comprehensive as standard. This means you’re covered for loss, theft, or damage, and if you need to make a claim, your no-claim discount won’t be affected on your car.

Eligibility criteria, terms and exclusions apply.