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COVER / EXPLAINED

Insurance when borrowing a car

What to check before driving a friend’s or family member’s vehicle.

THE SHORT VERSION

What to check before driving a friend’s or family member’s vehicle.

01 / THE DETAILS

Borrowing is not the same as being insured

Permission from the owner does not automatically provide insurance. Being a named driver on one vehicle also does not necessarily cover another. Check the actual policy terms or apply for cover in your own name if eligible.

02 / THE DETAILS

Agree the details with the owner

Confirm the registration and vehicle condition, ask about any use restrictions and agree when the vehicle will be returned. If you are arranging separate insurance, be accurate about where the car will be kept and what you plan to do with it.

03 / THE DETAILS

Avoid an assumption about “driving other cars”

Some annual policies have limited driving-other-cars clauses, and many drivers have no such extension. Where it exists it may have restrictions and may provide only third-party protection. Rely on your actual wording, not something you have heard from another driver.

GOOD TO KNOW

Common questions

Does the car owner need to cancel their policy?

Not necessarily; different policies may coexist, but any insurer conditions and disclosure duties still matter.

Does borrowing a car guarantee eligibility?

No. The insurer assesses the driver, vehicle and proposed use before accepting cover.