Can you insure a car you don’t own?

What does the law say if you want to borrow somebody else’s car? Can you insure a car you don’t own? This type of insurance is called non-owner car insurance, and it’s both legal and easy to arrange through your insurance provider.

Here, we’ll unpack the steps involved in getting the right insurance in place.

Can you insure a car you don’t own?

Yes, you can insure a car you don’t own. You might want to do this if your job requires you to use someone else’s car to perform your duties, or if your car is in for repairs and a friend or family offers to lend you theirs. Perhaps you share someone else’s vehicle with them in order to save costs. In any of these scenarios, however, you need to have the right insurance in place.

If you drive someone else’s car in the UK, you aren’t automatically covered by their insurance or by your own — even if one (or both) of you has comprehensive insurance. It’s the car that’s insured, not the driver. Driving without insurance is illegal, and if you’re caught driving someone else’s car without your own non-owner insurance, you could receive six penalty points on your licence and a fine of £300. If your case goes to court, you might even be disqualified from driving.

As you prepare to insure a car that you don’t own, remember these important points:

• Be transparent with your insurer: Always be honest with your insurance company about the ownership and primary use of the vehicle. This includes being totally clear about who owns the vehicle, who is the registered keeper, and who is the primary driver. Misrepresenting any of this can lead to denied claims and policy cancellations.
• Show that you have insurable interest: Insurers will probably require you to demonstrate insurable interest. This means that you would suffer financially if the car were damaged or stolen.

It’s also important that you understand what fronting is. Fronting is when the person listed as the car’s main driver doesn’t in fact do most of the driving. It’s usually done in an effort to try and get cheaper insurance, often by young drivers who tell insurers that a more experienced friend or family member is the main driver. Fronting is a type of insurance fraud and is illegal.

Now, let’s look into the different insurance options available to you.

How to get insured on someone else’s car

While it’s technically legal to get insured on someone else’s car, every insurer works a little differently. As you start researching your options, you might find that your insurer will only let you take out a non-owner policy if the car belongs to your spouse, partner, parent, or employer. Speak to your insurer about their terms and conditions — an experienced broker can also help.

Generally, these are the options you’re most likely to be offered if you want to drive someone else’s car.

1. Add yourself as a named driver

If the owner of the vehicle adds you as a named driver to their policy, you’ll be covered if you drive their car. This is usually the easiest way to insure someone else’s car and is often more affordable than taking out separate cover. Be warned though, that if you have an accident and need to claim, this will likely affect the owner’s no-claims bonus and premiums.

2. Take out your own insurance policy

If you take out your own insurance policy, it’s important that you tell your insurer that you’re not the car’s owner or registered keeper. Some insurers might not allow this. If they do, it’s likely that you’ll end up paying more.

3. Buy a temporary insurance policy 

If you only need to drive someone else’s car for a short period of time — for example, if you’re house-sitting while friends are away — then a temporary policy might suit you best. Temporary car insurance typically lasts between one day and several weeks. If you need it for slightly longer than that, chat to your insurer. Some allow temporary policies for up to three months.

4. Opt for learner driver insurance

Learner driver insurance only applies if you’re using a family or friend’s car while you learn how to drive. This policy will run alongside the owner’s insurance policy.

No matter which option you choose, your insurer will likely require a few details about you, the additional driver. This information will include:

• Your full name
• Your age
• Your occupation
• Your driving experience
• Your driving history, including your claims history and any convictions you might have

As with most forms of insurance, you’re likely to pay more if you’re a new or inexperienced driver.

Quickfire summary

It’s possible to insure a car you don’t own. Start by speaking to your insurance provider, and make sure you’re completely upfront about the car’s owner, its registered keeper, and its main driver. It’s also important that you explain what your role will be going forward.

You can insure someone else’s car by becoming a named driver on their policy, taking out your own policy, or taking out a temporary policy. If you’re just using someone else’s car while you learn to drive, you’re probably after learner driver insurance.

Navigating this process can be tricky at times, and there are serious ramifications if you get it wrong and accidentally drive without insurance. To ensure you’re on the right side of the law, chat to the team at Howden. We’ll assess your unique circumstances and make sure you have all the cover you need. Contact us today.

Also read:

• Free MOT checker - Check a vehicle's MOT history
• How to check if a car is insured
• When is my car insurance due?
• Can you insure a car without an MOT?
• CAR INSURANCE GUIDES

Are you looking for car insurance cover? Get in touch with us! A member of the Howden team would love to help you find the perfect policy!

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