Research from Covertime shows millions of motorists may misunderstand what their annual insurance actually covers.
- 77% of drivers are unsure or mistaken about driving another person’s vehicle under their own insurance.
- 60% do not know DOC cover is usually limited to third party only.
- Around 6.8 million drivers misunderstand both points.
- Checking your policy takes just two minutes.
- For the full research findings visit: covertime.com/guides/insurance-knowledge-gaps
LONDON, UK, July 9, 2026 – Borrowing a friend’s or family member’s car is something many motorists do without a second thought, yet new research indicates a large number could be making incorrect assumptions about their insurance. The findings reveal many drivers are unclear about whether they have Driving Other Cars cover and what protection it actually provides.
The study by temporary car insurance provider Covertime surveyed 1,120 licensed UK drivers. Results showed that 77% either incorrectly believe or are uncertain that their annual insurance allows them to drive another person’s vehicle. In reality, many policies do not include Driving Other Cars cover, particularly for younger motorists.
The research also found that 60% of respondents were unaware that DOC cover, where it exists, usually only provides third party insurance. This means the borrowed vehicle is generally not protected if it is damaged.
Another key finding showed that 17% of UK motorists, equal to around 6.8 million people, both assume they can drive another person’s car and do not understand the limits of DOC cover. As a result, many may think they have comprehensive protection when they do not.
The issue is important because uninsured driving remains a significant problem. The Motor Insurers’ Bureau estimates that approximately 300,000 uninsured vehicles are driven every day in the UK, costing around £1 billion annually. Nearly 160,000 uninsured vehicles were seized last year, the highest total for 17 years, with misunderstanding potentially playing a role.
Tom Warsop, motor insurance expert at Covertime, said: “Many drivers simply believe they are covered without checking their policy.
“It only takes a couple of minutes to confirm whether you have Driving Other Cars cover.
“Even where DOC cover exists, it is usually limited to third party protection and does not cover damage to the borrowed vehicle.
“If drivers discover they are not covered, temporary insurance provides a straightforward way to arrange comprehensive protection.”
For the full research findings visit: covertime.com/guides/insurance-knowledge-gaps
