Drivers warned over little-known rule when borrowing a mate’s car that could see you fined £1,000s & risk losing licence
NIPPING out in a mate's motor could cost Brits thousands of pounds due to a little-known driving law.
According to experts a small detail in a car insurance policy could be the difference between being billed for the error or getting to a destination invoice-free.
The tip comes from motor firm Lease Car, who have warned drivers that unless they have a specific type of cover in their policy they run a big risk of a legal issue.
The cover is called a Driving Other Cars (DOC), and it permits roadsters to drive cars they don't own.
It's worth checking if you have it already but the chances are slim as it has become rarer in the last few years because insurance companies are said to be cracking down on it, reports the Express.
Motoring expert, Tim Alcock, said: “We’re pleading with drivers not to make the mistake of assuming they can use someone else’s vehicle with their current insurance.
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“It’s not as easy as being able to borrow a mate’s car for a short journey even for those who have taken out a fully comprehensive policy. The same goes for using a loved one's vehicle even when living at the same address and sharing a surname.
“Fully comprehensive insurance doesn’t entitle drivers to take other people’s vehicles for a spin unless they have DOC included in their policy.
“It’s not just a simple slap on the wrist for those caught without the right type of insurance as it can range from a £300 fine with six penalty points to being charged thousands as well as a loss of license."
The warning has also been backed by RAC Car Insurance, who have urged drivers to check their policy.
They said that being insured to drive a friend or family member's car is not standard and the same can be said for a comprehensive car insurance policy which they claim is also "less common".
They advised that the best way to make sure you keep out of trouble is to be named driver on seperate car's policy.
According to Tim, even drivers who have a DOC should take extra precautions when whipping a mate's motor as it will only include "third-party cover " even for those "who have taken out fully comprehensive insurance".
MORE MONEY-SAVING TIPS
Last month this expert revealed a mistake that could cost motorists thousands when buying a new set of wheels.
The self proclaimed go-to-girl for car advice has warned drivers to check one thing before they "even test drive" a new motor.
Elsewhere, a little-known button found in most motors could save cash-strapped Brits hundreds of pounds.
The money-saving feature only takes a second to turn on and nets drivers more miles per full tank of fuel.
And finally, this motor firm noted seven nifty ways to slash motor-running costs - and it could bank drivers a tidy sum.
The cash-saving tips were highlighted by car company Zego, who specialise in car insurance.
