01
A genuine emergency is not a general exemption
People sometimes assume they may drive uninsured because a relative is ill or their own car has broken down. The legal requirement still applies. If life is immediately at risk, call the emergency services rather than relying on an uninsured private journey.
02
Check the quickest valid option
The owner’s insurer may be able to add a driver. If eligible, temporary cover can often start promptly. Read the start time on the certificate and wait until cover is active before moving the vehicle.
03
Do not forget the driver
Stress, tiredness, medication and unfamiliar controls can all affect safe driving. If the borrower is not fit to drive, a taxi, family lift or recovery service may be the better answer even after insurance has been arranged.
04
Keep the owner informed
Explain where the car is going and when it should return. Take the owner’s contact details and breakdown information. If the situation changes and somebody else needs to drive, arrange cover for that person too.