Warning to drivers over ‘family and friends’ rule which could void their insurance and cost them £1,000
Motorists can face a hefty fine – and even points on their license – if they make this little-known mistake.
If you use a car owned by a family member or close friend, you could run into trouble when it comes to car insurance laws for even the shortest trips.
Driving a car – if you are not a ‘named driver’ on the insurance policy – would result in a motorist not being properly insured and in some cases being fined £1,000.
According to experts from Easyquote, both the driver and the owner of the car are at risk of punishment if an unnamed driver is behind the wheel.
Easyquote spokesperson Chris Richards urged drivers to ensure they had ‘specific’ insurance cover before travelling.
Motorists can earn a hefty £1,000 if they let friends and family get behind the wheel of their car without the right insurance (stock image)
“Borrowing a car for short-term use, whether for a road trip, family activities or events, requires specific insurance coverage,” he revealed.
‘Simply adding a name to an existing policy is not always sufficient. After all, there are precise conditions that both the driver and the vehicle must meet in order to qualify for temporary coverage.’
Drivers have previously been warned about the ‘significant fines’ associated with incorrect cover, according to The Express.
Some drivers who are caught could face eight points on their license or possibly a driving ban.
In some cases, the vehicle owner can even be taken to court for allowing an uninsured family member or friend to get behind the wheel of their vehicle.
By going against the rule, some road users may also risk having their entire car insurance policies immediately voided.
Many drivers believe that a fully comprehensive policy can have them covered because the Drive Other Cars (DOC) clause is often included, which provides third-party protection for those driving another car.
But it should not be immediately assumed that this will be the case, according to EasyQuote.
They explained that many insurance companies no longer include DOC coverage in their agreements.
Chris continues: ‘Making sure you’re properly insured isn’t just about avoiding fines. It’s about protecting yourself and others along the way.”
Many motorists think there is a DOC (Drive Other Cars) clause included in their comprehensive insurance policy, but sometimes this is not the case (stock image)
This comes shortly after a car expert urged motorists to notify their insurers if the device is plugged into their car.
Many dashcans simply require users to plug them in via the vehicle’s USB port or cigarette lighter.
While a wired dashcam offers several benefits, such as staying on when no one is there or when the engine is not running, it is considered a modification.
Car insurance comparison site Confused.com also confirmed that an insurer must be notified about a wired dashcam.
“It’s frustrating to think that doing something proactive to protect yourself from a claim, or even theft, could come back to bite you, but motorists need to be aware of the legalities surrounding dashcams,” said Managing Director at Select Van Leasingsaid Graham Conway.