Can you insure a car you don't own?
Learn how to insure a car you don’t own. Explore options and key considerations.
Can you insure a car you don’t own?
Yes. It’s possible-but only under specific conditions and using the right type of cover. This guide explains your options, what matters most before you drive, and how 1st Central can help you stay protected.
Key Points
- You may drive someone else’s car with valid cover if your policy includes it.
- 1st Central offers Driving Other Cars (DOC) cover under defined terms.
- You can also be added as a named driver on someone else’s policy.
- Always get permission, check your policy’s Certificate of Motor Insurance, and follow the rules.
Why You Might Need to Insure a Car You Don’t Own
There are a number of reasons why you may need to insure a car that you do not own, these include:
- Borrowing a family or partner’s car – occasional or regular use of their vehicle.
- Company or shared-use cars – where ownership is in another name.
- Temporary needs – borrowing a car for errands, trips, or while yours is being repaired.
- Liability protection – ensuring you’re legally covered if something goes wrong.
Options for Getting Car Insurance Without Ownership
Driving Other Cars (DOC) Cover
Some 1st Central comprehensive policies include DOC cover. It only applies if it’s listed under Section 5 of your Certificate of Motor Insurance.
Key rules:
- Cover is third-party only. Damage to the borrowed car is not covered.
- You must be aged 25 or over.
- You must have the owner’s permission.
- Your own car must still be insured, taxed, and roadworthy.
Named Driver
If you’ll be driving someone else’s car regularly, the policyholder can add you as a named driver. This is arranged through Your Account or by calling 1st Central. Premiums may change, and fees can apply.
Read more about how to add a named driver.
Key Considerations Before Taking Out Insurance
- Check your documents – DOC cover only applies if shown on your Certificate of Motor Insurance. Don’t assume it’s included.
- Know the limits – DOC is for social, domestic and pleasure use only, and is third-party only.
- Get permission – you must have the owner’s consent to drive their vehicle.
- Be transparent – misrepresenting (such as fronting) who owns or mainly drives the car could invalidate cover.
Important information from 1st Central.
How 1st Central Can Help
With 1st Central, you have two main ways to stay covered when driving a car you don’t own:
- Driving Other Cars (DOC) cover – Some of our comprehensive policies include DOC. Check your Certificate of Motor Insurance in Your Account to see if you’re covered.
- Named driver option – If you’ll be using someone else’s car regularly, the owner can add you as a named driver on their policy through Your Account or by calling us.
Not sure which option works for you? Explore our car insurance products and get a quote today to see the cover that fits your situation.
Conclusion: Making the Right Choice
Driving a car you don’t own is possible, but only if the right cover is in place. For occasional use, Driving Other Cars cover may be enough - if your policy includes it. For regular use, being added as a named driver is the safer, more comprehensive option.
The key is to check your policy documents and choose the cover that matches how you’ll actually use the car. That way, you’ll stay legal, protected, and confident on the road.
Ready to get started? Get a car insurance quote from 1st Central and make sure you have the right protection in place.
FAQs
What is the difference between non-owner insurance and being a named driver?
Non-owner car insurance is a standalone policy in your own name that provides cover when you regularly drive a car you don’t own. A named driver, on the other hand, is added to the car owner’s existing policy and usually only drives the car occasionally.
1st Central does not offer standalone non-owner car insurance. If you don’t own the car, you’ll either need DOC cover (if included on your policy) or to be added as a named driver on the owner’s policy.
Does fully comprehensive insurance let me drive other cars?
Not automatically. DOC cover only applies if it’s shown on your Certificate of Motor Insurance, and it provides third-party cover only.
Can I drive someone else’s car without insurance?
No. Driving without valid cover is illegal and may result in fines, penalty points, and your car being seized.