What happens if you need to drive someone else’s car in an emergency?

Are You Allowed to Drive Someone Else’s Car in an Emergency?

In the UK, simply needing to drive someone else’s car in an emergency doesn’t automatically make it legal. There are a few key factors to consider before taking the wheel:

• Do you have a valid driving licence? This might sound obvious, but without one, you won’t be legally allowed to drive at all.
• Are you insured to drive the car? Driving without insurance is illegal, even in emergencies.
• Is the car roadworthy? If the vehicle has no MOT or tax, you could face additional legal trouble.

Without proper cover, you could end up making an already stressful situation even worse.

Does the Car Owner’s Insurance Cover You?

Many people assume that if a car is insured, anyone can drive it in an emergency. Unfortunately, this isn’t always the case. Some policies allow for additional drivers, but others only cover the main driver or named individuals.

Possible scenarios include:

• Named Driver Policies: If you’re already listed on the policy, you may be covered to drive the car.
• Driving Other Cars (DOC) Cover: Some fully comprehensive policies allow the policyholder to drive another car, but this is usually restricted to third-party cover and may not apply in emergencies.
• Third-Party Only Cover: If the car owner’s policy only covers third-party damage, repairs to the vehicle itself may not be included.

Checking the policy details before driving is always advisable, but in a real emergency, this may not be possible.

What if you assume you’re insured but you’re not?

Even in an emergency, driving without valid insurance is a serious offence in the UK. If you’re caught driving without proper cover, you could face:

• A fine of up to £300 and six penalty points on your licence.
• The vehicle being seized, with additional costs to reclaim it.
• Higher insurance premiums in the future because of the offence being recorded.

Whilst emergency circumstances might be considered, there’s no automatic exemption for driving uninsured, so it’s best to explore other options.

Could Temporary Insurance Be a Solution?

In situations where you know in advance that you might need to drive someone else’s car, temporary insurance could be a useful option. This type of cover allows you to be insured for a short period without affecting the owner’s existing policy.

Temporary insurance may be useful for:

• Helping a friend or family member who is unable to drive.
• Driving a car in an emergency without long-term policy commitments.
• Avoiding any impact on the car owner’s no-claims discount.

It’s quick to arrange, making it a practical choice if you find yourself needing to drive a borrowed car at short notice.

Alternatives to Driving Without Insurance

If you’re in an emergency and cannot legally drive the car, consider these alternatives:

• Calling an Ambulance: If it’s a medical emergency, it’s always safer to call for professional help rather than risk driving illegally.
• Using a Taxi or Ride Service: If someone needs urgent transport, hiring a licensed taxi or ride service may be the fastest and safest option.
• Asking a Legally Insured Driver: If another person is available who is properly insured to drive the car, they may be the best solution.

Whilst these alternatives might not always be as quick as jumping behind the wheel yourself, they could prevent legal and financial complications.

How to Prepare for Future Emergencies

If you frequently find yourself in situations where you might need to drive someone else’s car, here are some steps to take in advance:

• Discuss Insurance with Family and Friends: If you often help someone with driving, check if you can be added as a named driver.
• Look into Temporary Cover Options: Having a plan for arranging temporary insurance quickly could be useful in emergencies.
• Keep Important Contacts Handy: Have the details of taxis, breakdown services, and alternative transport options saved on your phone.

The Final Chapter:

Needing to drive someone else’s car in an emergency can be stressful, but ensuring you’re legally covered is just as important as getting to your destination. Whether checking the car owner’s insurance, considering temporary cover, or checking out an alternative solution, taking the right steps could help you avoid unnecessary penalties.

Need Insurance Before Driving Someone Else’s Car?

If you think you might need to drive a borrowed car, make sure you have the right insurance in place. Click here to get a short-term car insurance quote..