Can you drive a UK car if the owner is abroad?

What the Law Says About Driving Someone Else’s Car

In the UK, it’s perfectly legal to drive someone else’s car, but only if you have the right permissions and insurance cover in place. If you drive a car without valid insurance, you risk serious legal consequences, including fines, penalty points, or even having the car seized.

It’s also important to check if the car itself is legal to be on the road. If it’s taxed, has a valid MOT (if required), and hasn’t been declared off-road (SORN), then you’re part of the way there. However, just because the car is legally roadworthy doesn’t mean you’re legally allowed to drive it.

Understanding Insurance Considerations

Even if the car owner has an active insurance policy, it doesn’t necessarily mean you’re covered to drive it. Many policies require named drivers, and unless you’re specifically listed, you might not be insured. Some UK policies allow third-party cover for driving another vehicle, but this isn’t always included and usually only applies in emergencies.

Since the owner is abroad, you can’t simply assume they can add you to their policy whilst sipping cocktails on a beach in Spain. It’s always worth checking in advance rather than assuming everything may be fine.

Options for Driving a Car Whilst the Owner Is Away

If you need to use the car whilst the owner is away, here are some options to ensure you’re driving legally:

• Get Added as a Named Driver: If the owner is reachable and their insurer allows it, you may be able to be added to their policy. However, not all insurers permit this if the main policyholder is out of the country for an extended period.
• Take Out Short-Term Cover: A flexible option, short-term insurance may allow you to drive the car for a specific period without affecting the owner’s existing policy. This could be useful for anything from a day to a few weeks.
• Check Your Own Insurance: If you already have a UK car insurance policy on another vehicle, it’s worth checking if it allows you to drive another car with permission. However, this is usually limited to third-party cover, meaning you wouldn’t be covered for damage to the vehicle itself.

What If You Have an Accident?

Accidents happen, and if you’re involved in one whilst driving a car that isn’t yours, the situation can become complicated. Without proper insurance, you could be personally liable for damages and face legal action.

Even with cover, it’s important to understand the claims process. If you’re driving under the owner’s policy as a named driver, a claim could affect their no-claims discount. If you have temporary cover, the claim would likely go through your policy instead.

Can You Take the Car Abroad?

If you’re planning to take the car outside of the UK whilst the owner is away, there are additional legal hurdles. You need permission from the owner (preferably in writing) and must ensure that the car is covered for international travel. Some policies may offer EU cover, but it’s not automatic.

What Happens If You’re Stopped by the Police?

If you’re pulled over whilst driving someone else’s car, the police might check:

• That the car has valid insurance.
• That you have insurance allowing you to drive it.
• That the car is taxed and has a valid MOT.
• That you have permission from the owner.

Not being able to prove any of these things could result in fines, points on your licence, or the car being seized.

What If the Car Breaks Down?

Breakdown cover is another factor to consider. If the owner has breakdown assistance in place, it may only apply to them, not to other drivers. If you’re planning to use the car for a prolonged period, it might be worth arranging your own cover for a confidence in protection.

Final Observations:

Driving a UK-registered car whilst the owner is abroad is possible, but it requires the right preparation. The key points to remember are:

• Make sure you have valid insurance before driving.
• Confirm that the car is taxed and has a valid MOT.
• Check if the owner’s policy allows additional drivers.
• Consider short-term insurance if needed.
• Have written permission from the owner, especially if driving abroad.

Need to Get Insured?

If you’re planning to drive a car whilst the owner is abroad, make sure you’re properly covered. Click now for a short-term car insurance quote..