A clause in car insurance policies could be landing motorists in trouble on the road and leave them without valid cover.
The driving other cars (DOC) clause allows motorists to sue someone else’s vehicle and potentially be covered with third-party insurance.
It still exists as an option for motorists today but it is becoming much less common and more restricted.
As a result, thousands of motorists are unwittingly breaking the terms of their car insurance as a result of using this clause incorrectly.
According to the Motor Insurers’ Bureau (MIB) over 3,000 vehicles were seized between July 2016 and June 2018 due to the misunderstandings.
The Driving Other Cars (DOC) extension does not apply to any motorist which has fully comprehensive cover, despite many believing that this is the case.
Many assume that just by having fully comp cover that they can drive any other vehicle and have third party insurance.
Insurers are systemically not adding this extension to car insurance policies.
Neil Drane, Head of Enforcement Services at MIB, said: “What may seem like a quick trip in your mate’s car could result in you losing your vehicle, fines to pay and points on your licence.
“We want all drivers to think before just jumping in another vehicle. Are you actually insured to drive it?
“People should also remember that if you are involved in an accident and you are uninsured, you remain liable for any costs so it really isn’t worth the risk.”
DOC clauses only apply to motorists who are the policyholder and the named driver on someone else’s car.
Motorists under 25 are unlikely to also be covered by the DOC clause. Driving without valid insurance can land you a £300 fine.
Neil Greig, Director of Research and Policy at IAM RoadSmart, said: “Letting someone drive your car uninsured can lead to a lot of unnecessary trouble.
“If stopped at the roadside your car may be towed away and impounded, and on top of walking home you will have to stump up for storage and release fees if you leave it for days without paying all the fines.
“The police could give your friend a fixed penalty of £300 and six penalty points, and if the case goes to court you could get an unlimited fine.
“Uninsured driving is not a victimless crime as all law-abiding drivers have to pay a levy to the Motor Insurance Bureau to provide cover for those who get hit by lawbreakers.”
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