Covertime study finds widespread uncertainty over Driving Other Cars cover and encourages motorists to check their policy before getting behind the wheel.
- 77% of UK drivers are incorrect or unsure about whether they can drive another person’s car on their annual insurance.
- 60% do not understand that DOC cover is generally third party only.
- Around 6.8 million motorists misunderstand both aspects.
- A simple policy review can prevent costly mistakes.
- For the full research findings visit: covertime.com/guides/insurance-knowledge-gaps
LONDON, UK, July 9, 2026 – New research suggests millions of UK drivers could be making assumptions about their insurance that do not match the cover they actually have. The study found many motorists are uncertain whether their annual policy allows them to drive another person’s vehicle, highlighting the importance of checking before borrowing a car.
The survey was carried out by temporary car insurance provider Covertime and included responses from 1,120 licensed UK drivers. It found that 77% either misunderstood or were unsure about whether their annual insurance included Driving Other Cars cover. Many insurers no longer provide this benefit as standard.
The findings also showed that 60% of respondents did not know that DOC cover, where included, is typically limited to third party insurance. Damage to the borrowed vehicle is therefore not usually covered.
An estimated 17% of UK drivers, around 6.8 million people, were found to misunderstand both whether they are covered and what level of protection DOC provides. This combination may leave some motorists believing they have comprehensive cover when they do not.
The findings come against the backdrop of ongoing uninsured driving across the UK. The Motor Insurers’ Bureau estimates around 300,000 uninsured vehicles are used daily, with an economic impact of approximately £1 billion every year. Nearly 160,000 uninsured vehicles were seized last year, marking the highest total in 17 years.
Tom Warsop, motor insurance expert at Covertime, said: “People often assume their insurance covers them to drive another person’s car, but that is not always the case.
“Checking your policy takes very little time and gives you certainty before you borrow a vehicle.
“Where Driving Other Cars cover exists, it is usually third party only, so it does not protect the borrowed vehicle against damage.
“If you are not covered, temporary insurance offers a simple way to arrange comprehensive protection for the period you need.”
For the full research findings visit: covertime.com/guides/insurance-knowledge-gaps
