Be careful what you are getting into

Check with your insurer before driving another vehicle says the A&A Group.

Motorists need to think twice before driving a vehicle they do not own or are not directly insured for, says leading insurance intermediary The A&A Group Ltd.

The warning comes after one leading insurer stated that it would no longer allow its policyholders to drive other people’s cars on a third party basis, even if their own vehicle is insured on a fully comprehensive policy.

"The decision plunges the whole issue of who can drive what into something of a grey area," says A&A Group Chairman Tony Allen, "and whilst the uncertainty exists we would urge motorists to check their certificate or with their insurers before driving any other vehicle. After all it is better to be safe than sorry."

The majority of UK insurance policies have for some years now contained a "Driving Other Cars" clause indicating that the insured is also covered to drive other vehicles on a third party basis as long as they have the owner’s permission.

This in turn has led to some drivers assuming that such a facility is offered with all fully comprehensive policies. In actual fact, this is a benefit that may or may not be offered depending not only upon the specific insurer, but upon the driver’s age and driving record.

However this latest development leaves the situation unclear. According to Tony Allen, "Drivers need to be informed as to what is covered and confident that their requirements are met."

"Specialist brokers such as The A&A Group take time to make sure they get all the relevant facts from a prospective customer and fully understand their requirements. In this way, they can then search the market for exactly the right policy to meet their customer’s needs and ensure they offer the right level of cover at a competitive price."

The message to all drivers regarding this issue is clear; take time to talk to your insurance provider and ask questions of anything about which you are unsure, don’t make assumptions or you could end up driving whilst uninsured and outside the law.