Can You Insure a Car You Don’t Own? A Complete Guide

With a growing car-sharing trend in the UK, it’s no surprise that many people find themselves behind the wheel of a vehicle they don’t own. But what if you need insurance to protect yourself while driving someone else’s car? Can you insure a car you don’t own?

Don’t worry. You’re not alone with this question!

This blog post will answer all your questions regarding non-owner car insurance in the UK. We will also walk you through 6 simple steps to insure a car you don’t actually own.

So, without any further ado, let’s get started!

Can You Get Insurance for a Car You Don’t Own?

Yes, you can insure a car that isn’t yours. This type of insurance is called non-owner car insurance. But to obtain non-owner car insurance you must inform the insurer that you are neither the registered keeper nor the vehicle owner. Because some insurers may only allow you to insure a car that belongs to specific individuals, such as a spouse, parent, or employer.

The non-owner car insurance is mainly designed for people who regularly drive company cars or borrowed vehicles. But there are many cases where this type of insurance may come in handy.

For instance, learner drivers might want to take non-owner car insurance while learning to drive on someone else’s car. This would help to keep the no-claims bonus of the registered keeper of the car intact, in case the learner has to claim insurance.

Why Car Insurance is Needed to Drive Someone Else’s Car?

There’s a technical point to understand here. When it’s the driver that has insurance and not the car, then why would you need to get insurance for driving cars other than your own? You have the insurance as the driver, so why do you need another?

This is because most insurance policies don’t provide you full coverage while driving other cars. So, if you drive someone else’s car without getting a separate policy (in case your own policy isn’t comprehensive) you might be committing a serious offence that can lead to hefty fines.

The only case where you don’t need separate insurance to drive a different car is when your insurance policy includes the Driving Other Cars (DOC) provision. We will discuss this type of insurance in detail in the next section.

4 Main Ways to Insure a Car You Don’t Own in the UK

There are four primary ways to insure a car you don’t own in the UK. Each option has its advantages and disadvantages:

1. Take Out a Full Insurance Policy on the Car

You can take out a full insurance policy on a car you don’t own. However, you must inform the insurer that you are neither the registered keeper nor the owner of the vehicle. Some insurers may allow it while others may not, so be sure to check with your insurance company if you can get full insurance from them for driving other cars.

But it is important to note that if multiple people get full insurance on the same car, only the person driving at the time of an accident can file a claim under their own policy.

2. Be Added as a Named Driver to the Owner’s Existing Policy

A more common option is to be added as a named driver to the owner’s existing insurance policy. It’s usually a simpler and cheaper way to add someone who regularly drives your car to your insurance policy as an additional driver. It comes with a great benefit too. If the person you added has a clean driving record, it might help lower your insurance premiums in the future.

3. Take Out Temporary Car Insurance

If you only need coverage for a short period, temporary car insurance might be suitable. While its premiums are typically higher than standard policies, it can be the most cost-effective option for short-term needs. Another benefit of temporary insurance is that the actual owner of the car can protect their no-claims bonus in case the temporary driver gets into an accident.

Related: Can You Test-Drive a Car Without Insurance?

4. Use Driving Other Cars (DOC) Coverage from Your Own Policy

If you have comprehensive car insurance, you might have Driving Other Cars (DOC) coverage. This allows you to drive other vehicles in the UK, but it usually only covers third-party liability. You’ll still need the owner’s permission to drive their car.

How to Insure a Car You Don’t Own in the UK? (Simple 6-Step Guide)

Here are 6 simple steps to get insurance for someone else’s car in the UK:

1. Understand Your Options

You have at least four different options when choosing non-owner insurance. We have gathered data about all four above. We recommend that you thoroughly understand these options and choose one that suits you the best.

2. Assess Your Needs and Budget

Think about how often you’ll be using the car and the level of cover you need. You should also consider your budget and compare the costs of different options.

3. Gather the Necessary Information

Collect all the details about the car you’ll be driving. This includes the make, model, registration number, and engine size. You’ll also need information about the car owner, such as their name and address. Don’t forget to have your driving licence ready.

4. Contact an Insurance Provider 

Many insurance companies offer non-owner car insurance. Use comparison websites to find the best deals. When you contact an insurer, clearly explain your situation and ask for a quote for the right type of cover.

Remember to shop around for the best deal, consider higher excesses to potentially lower your premium, and check if you qualify for any discounts.

5. Provide Accurate Information

Be honest about your driving history when applying for non-owner insurance. This includes any accidents, previous claims, or convictions. Ensure all the information you provide is correct to avoid any problems with your policy later.

6. Review Your Policy Carefully

Read your policy carefully to understand exactly what it covers. Check the details, including what’s excluded, the excess you’ll pay, and how to renew the policy. If you’re unsure about anything, contact your insurer to clarify. 

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to insure a car you don’t own?

The cost of insuring a car you don’t own depends on various factors. Generally, non-owner insurance tends to be pricier than standard policies. You’ll find that the type of insurance you choose, the level of coverage you select, your driving history, age, experience, claims, convictions, and even the car’s type, value, and engine size can impact the insurance cost.

Who is the registered keeper of a car?

The registered keeper of a car is the individual who is responsible for its day-to-day use and management, which includes ensuring that the vehicle is taxed, insured, and has a valid MOT.

This person is listed on the car’s V5C registration document but isn’t necessarily the same as the owner. So, it’s important to distinguish between the owner and registered keeper, especially when considering insurance and legal matters.  

Can I get car insurance as the main driver if I’m not the registered keeper?

Yes, you can get car insurance as the main driver even if you are not the vehicle’s registered keeper, but it depends on the insurer’s policies. While many insurers expect the main driver to be the registered keeper, some will allow you to take out a policy as the main driver if the registered keeper is a spouse, partner, parent, employer, or leasing company.

How long can I drive a car as the named driver?

There’s no specific time limit on how long you can drive a car as a named driver in the UK. However, it’s crucial to remember that you shouldn’t be the primary user of the vehicle. If you’re using it more frequently than the main policyholder, it’s considered ‘fronting’ and is a form of insurance fraud.

Wrapping Up: Can You Insure a Car You Don’t Own?

Driving someone else’s car without insurance is a serious offence, so don’t risk it. Protect yourself and others on the road by ensuring you have adequate coverage.

You can easily get non-owner car insurance by following the steps outlined in this guide. But Remember to assess your needs, compare options, and choose the best policy.