Temporary insurance for a friend borrowing your car whilst theirs is at the garage

Is Your Friend Legally Allowed to Drive Your Car?

Before your friend gets behind the wheel, a few key factors need to be checked:

• Do they have a valid driving licence that allows them to drive in the UK?
• Are they insured to drive the car?
• Does the car have valid tax and an MOT certificate?

Even if they’re a fantastic driver, none of that matters if they aren’t legally covered. That’s where temporary insurance could be a useful solution.

Why Might Temporary Insurance Be Necessary?

If your friend isn’t already insured to drive your car, temporary insurance could provide a straightforward way to get them covered for a short period. This type of cover allows them to drive legally without making long-term changes to your existing insurance policy.

Temporary cover may be useful for:

• Friends borrowing a car for a few days whilst theirs is being repaired.
• Short-term use without needing to be added as a named driver.
• Keeping your own policy protected in case of an accident.

Without the right insurance, lending your car could put you both at risk of fines, penalties, and even vehicle seizure.

What Happens If They Drive Without Insurance?

Driving without valid insurance is a serious offence in the UK. If your friend is caught driving uninsured, they could face:

• A fine of up to £300.
• Six penalty points on their licence.
• The vehicle being seized, with additional costs to reclaim it.
• You could be open to a charge of allowing your car to be driven by an uninsured person; a serious offence.

Additionally, if they were involved in an accident whilst uninsured, both you and your friend could be financially liable for any damages or injuries caused.

Other Things to Consider When Lending Your Car

Aside from insurance, there are a few other things to check before letting someone drive your vehicle:

• Check the car’s condition: Ensure the tyres, brakes, and fluids are in good shape.
• Set clear expectations: Agree on fuel use and whether they’ll return the car with a full tank.
• Consider mileage: If your car has mileage restrictions on its main insurance, make sure this won’t be an issue.

Looking Back:

Lending your car to a friend can be a great way to help them out whilst their vehicle is in the garage, but it’s important to make sure they have the right insurance before setting off. Temporary insurance offers a flexible and legal way for them to drive without affecting your existing policy.

Remember that it is your responsibility to make sure that this driver is insured. Claiming that you believed cover to be in place, when in fact it wasn't, could be unlikely to be accepted as a valid defence by a court.

Need Temporary Cover for a Borrowed Car?

If your friend needs to borrow your car whilst theirs is being repaired, make sure they have the right insurance in place. Hit the button to learn more and get a free quote..