The guide room
Borrowing and lending a car
Choose the situation closest to yours. Each guide tells you what to check, what not to assume and where temporary cover may fit.
Can I drive someone else’s car?
Sometimes you can, but the owner’s insurance does not automatically cover you. Check your own policy and arrange suitable cover before you drive.
Read the guide →02What does Driving Other Cars cover mean?
The small print matters. A Driving Other Cars extension can be useful, but it is not the same as comprehensive cover on every car you borrow.
Read the guide →03Borrowing your parent’s car
Being part of the family does not put you on the policy. Sort out the cover first, then agree the practical details before the car leaves the drive.
Read the guide →04Can I borrow my partner’s car?
Living together, sharing bills or being married does not automatically give either of you cover to drive the other person’s car.
Read the guide →05Borrowing a friend’s car
A friendly agreement is not an insurance arrangement. Take a few minutes to confirm the cover and the condition of the car before setting off.
Read the guide →06Can I lend my car to someone?
Yes, provided they have your permission and valid insurance for the car. The owner still has a few things worth checking personally.
Read the guide →07Temporary insurance for a borrowed car
A separate policy can cover one driver on a borrowed car for a limited period. It is useful in the right circumstances, but eligibility and exclusions matter.
Read the guide →08Borrowing a car for the weekend
Weekend borrowing sounds simple, but the cover must include the whole period and the sort of journeys you intend to make.
Read the guide →09Borrowing a car in an emergency
Urgency does not normally remove the need for insurance. If there is time to collect keys, there is usually time to check or arrange cover online.
Read the guide →10Sharing the driving on a long journey
A second driver can make a tiring journey safer, but they must be insured before taking a turn at the wheel.
Read the guide →11Borrowing a car while yours is being repaired
The loan may last longer than first expected, so arrange cover that can cope if the garage needs another day or two.
Read the guide →12Will lending my car affect my no-claims discount?
It depends on whose policy deals with a claim. Separate temporary cover can help keep the borrower’s insurance apart, but there are still reporting duties to check.
Read the guide →13Before you lend your car
Ten quiet minutes before the handover can prevent arguments and uncover gaps in cover.
Read the guide →14Driving an unfamiliar car
Even experienced drivers need a few minutes to settle into a different car. Do the fiddling while parked, not at the first busy junction.
Read the guide →15Borrowing a car for a holiday
A relative’s larger car may suit the luggage better, but check the insurance period, drivers and permitted use before packing it.
Read the guide →16Learner driver borrowing a family car
Private practice can be valuable, but it needs learner-driver insurance, a suitable supervisor and a car that meets the rules.
Read the guide →17Borrowed car insurance checklist
Work through these questions before taking the keys. If an answer is uncertain, check the policy or ask the insurer.
Read the guide →