What Is Driving Other Cars Cover?
Driving Other Cars cover, often abbreviated to DOC, is an extension sometimes found on comprehensive car insurance policies, allowing the named policyholder to drive a vehicle they don't own, with the owner's permission, typically providing third party cover only.
Why You Shouldn't Assume You Have It
What DOC Cover Typically Excludes
- Cover for the vehicle being driven itself, usually only third party protection applies
- Named drivers, DOC often applies only to the main policyholder
- Vehicles owned by the policyholder or their household
- Business use of the other vehicle, in many cases
How to Check If You Have DOC Cover
Review your policy schedule and wording, or contact your insurer directly, to confirm whether DOC cover is included, and exactly what it covers if so. Never assume it applies without checking, given how much this varies between insurers and policies.
Alternatives If You Don't Have DOC Cover
Frequently Asked Questions About Driving Other Cars Cover UK
What does Driving Other Cars cover mean?
An optional extension on some comprehensive policies allowing the policyholder to drive another vehicle with the owner's permission, typically on a third party only basis.
Is DOC cover automatic on comprehensive policies?
No, it's not universal, many modern policies don't include it, and it should never be assumed without checking your specific policy documents.
Does DOC cover apply to named drivers?
Usually not, it typically applies only to the main policyholder, not other named drivers on the policy.
Does DOC cover protect the car I'm driving?
Generally no, it usually provides third party cover only, meaning damage to the vehicle you're driving typically isn't covered.
What should I do if I don't have DOC cover but need to drive another car?
Consider arranging temporary or short term insurance for that specific vehicle instead of assuming any existing cover applies.
Conclusion
Driving Other Cars cover is a limited, increasingly uncommon extension that should never be assumed without checking your specific policy. If you need to drive a vehicle you don't own, confirm your cover directly with your insurer or arrange appropriate temporary insurance instead.
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