New data suggests millions may overestimate the protection provided by their annual car insurance policy.
- 77% of UK drivers are unsure or mistaken about Driving Other Cars cover.
- 60% do not know DOC cover is generally third party only.
- An estimated 6.8 million motorists misunderstand both issues.
- A quick review of your insurance policy can help avoid problems.
-
- For the full research findings visit: covertime.com/guides/insurance-knowledge-gaps
LONDON, UK, July 9, 2026 – A new survey has found that confusion around Driving Other Cars insurance remains common among UK motorists. Many people believe their annual policy automatically allows them to drive another person’s vehicle, but the research suggests that assumption is often incorrect and could leave drivers with less cover than expected.
Temporary car insurance provider Covertime questioned 1,120 licensed drivers across the UK. More than three quarters, 77%, either answered incorrectly or admitted they were unsure whether their annual insurance allowed them to drive someone else’s car. Many comprehensive policies do not include DOC cover.
The survey also showed that 60% of respondents did not understand that DOC cover, where available, usually only provides third party protection rather than comprehensive insurance.
Researchers estimate that 17% of UK drivers, equivalent to approximately 6.8 million people, both assume they are covered to borrow another vehicle and misunderstand the limitations of DOC cover. This could leave many believing they have comprehensive protection when they do not.
Driving without valid insurance carries serious penalties. The Motor Insurers’ Bureau estimates that 300,000 uninsured vehicles are on UK roads every day, creating an annual cost of around £1 billion. Last year saw almost 160,000 uninsured vehicles seized, the highest figure recorded in 17 years.
Tom Warsop, motor insurance expert at Covertime, said: “Drivers should never rely on assumptions when borrowing another person’s car.
“Checking your policy only takes a couple of minutes and could prevent an expensive mistake.
“Driving Other Cars cover is not automatically included and, when it is, it usually only covers damage caused to third parties.
“If your policy does not include the cover you need, temporary insurance can provide comprehensive protection for the time you borrow the vehicle.”
- For the full research findings visit: covertime.com/guides/insurance-knowledge-gaps
