brickboy

Friend is picking up a new car tomorrow. He is trading in two cars against the new one.

My question is -- am I legally allowed to drive one of his cars to the dealers, to save him two trips?

I have fully comp in my name with Direct Line. I rang to add his car to my insurance for a day, but friend's car is still insured in his name, so Direct Line would not add it to my policy (risk of double-claim, they say).

So am I covered under Road Traffic Act (3rd party)?

Any guidance welcomed!

Mrs ESC

Did you not ask them while you were on the phone then. At least you will know for sure

Sub97

Did you ask to see if you are covered Third Party to drive any other insured vehicle? OR, ask your friend to put you on his insurance policy for the day.

They usually charge for this though..

PeteBrant

You will probably be covered 3rd party - but always worth ringing and checking with your insurer

briforbes

Not sure, but....

Short Term Car and Van Insurance from dayinsure.com

///\oo/\\\

brickboy

Automatic cover 3rd party for other vehicles used to be part of fully comp on your own, but not always nowadays.

Would probably be easier and cheaper for your friend to add you to his insurance for the day

David Lock

1) You own insurance docs will surely say if you are covered to drive another car?

2) I added a driver to a car of mine for a week (daughter's boyfriend) and somewhat to my surprise there was no extra charge. Liverpool & Victoria.

3) Get the garage to come and collect. Your mate can always take the garage driver back with him?

brickboy

thanks all -- found policy docs online, covered

Moley

iTrader: (9)

Just make sure the car you are driving is still insured by him, as although you are covered 3rd party the car still needs insurance on it.

David Lock

I don't think this is correct. I looked into this once and asked my insuance company and other car does not need to be insured. It surprised me at the time. dl

Moley

iTrader: (9)

All the time you are in the car it is fine, but if you get out of it you are in theory leaving an un-insured car on the public road, which is an offence.

David Lock

Fair enough. I needed the facility when I was trying to sell an uninsured car (in wife's name) and needed to drive it around the block to show that it worked! Good job I didn't break down then

Moley

iTrader: (9)

Your insurance company were correct though, as you were in thery legal to drive.
If you had broken down make sure you stayed in the car and got someone to push you

Richard_P

The policy docs alone dont say you are insured.

You need check your insurance certificate to check it doesnt note any exclusions.

For example my policy docs say cover to drive other cars 3rd party but because I was under 25 at time of arranging cover the certificate of insurance says i'm not.