New study highlights confusion around Driving Other Cars cover, with a quick policy check helping drivers avoid unexpected insurance gaps.
- 77% of UK drivers are either incorrect or unsure about whether their annual policy lets them drive another person’s vehicle.
- 60% do not realise Driving Other Cars cover usually only provides third party protection.
- 17% face both misunderstandings, representing an estimated 6.8 million motorists who may wrongly believe they have full cover.
- Reviewing your insurance policy before borrowing a car only takes a couple of minutes.
- For the full research findings visit: covertime.com/guides/insurance-knowledge-gaps
LONDON, UK, July 9, 2026 – Millions of drivers across the UK may be relying on assumptions instead of checking the details of their insurance before borrowing a vehicle. New research from Covertime.com suggests uncertainty around Driving Other Cars cover is widespread, leaving many motorists unaware that they could be driving without the protection they expect.
The research, conducted by temporary car insurance provider Covertime, surveyed 1,120 UK licensed drivers. It found that more than three quarters, 77%, either incorrectly believe or are unsure that their annual motor insurance allows them to drive someone else’s car. In many cases, Driving Other Cars (DOC) cover is not included, especially for younger or less experienced motorists.
The survey also found that 60% of drivers did not know that DOC cover, where available on a comprehensive policy, is generally limited to third party protection. This means damage to the borrowed vehicle is not usually covered.
Researchers also identified that 17% of UK drivers, around 6.8 million people, hold both misconceptions. They believe they can drive another person’s vehicle under their own policy while also being unaware that any DOC cover is usually third party only. This combination could leave drivers believing they are fully insured when they may have little or no protection.
The findings are significant because driving without valid insurance can have serious consequences. According to the Motor Insurers’ Bureau, around 300,000 uninsured vehicles are driven on UK roads every day, creating an estimated £1 billion annual cost to the economy. Last year, almost 160,000 uninsured vehicles were seized, the highest number recorded in 17 years. The survey suggests confusion may be contributing to this issue.
Tom Warsop, motor insurance expert at Covertime, said: “This is not about catching people out. It is about helping drivers understand what their policy actually covers before they borrow a car.
“The most important step is to check your insurance rather than assume you are covered. It only takes a couple of minutes.
“Driving Other Cars cover is not included with many comprehensive policies and, where it is available, it is normally restricted to third party cover. That means it protects other road users, not the vehicle you are borrowing.
“If your policy does not include the cover you need, temporary insurance can provide comprehensive protection for the borrowed car.”
For the full research findings visit: covertime.com/guides/insurance-knowledge-gaps
