Borrow a Car Insurance (UK) — Compare Options in Minutes

If you're borrowing someone else's car, you still need valid insurance to drive it in the UK. Some drivers have cover to drive other cars, but it's not automatic — and it may not apply to every situation.

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What you'll need to start a quote

•Vehicle details (registration or make/model)
•UK postcode
•How long you need cover for (day/week/month)
•Your relationship to the car (owner is a friend/family)

Who this page is for

This page is for UK drivers who:

need to drive someone else's car for a short period
want to understand how cover typically works when borrowing a car
want to compare options quickly using accurate details
want to avoid assumptions that could leave them uninsured

Do you need insurance to borrow a car?

Yes. In the UK, you must be insured to drive. There are a few common ways drivers may be covered, depending on the situation:

being added as a named driver on the owner's policy
taking out a separate policy for the period you need
having "driving other cars" cover (if your policy includes it — and if conditions are met)

Always check policy documents and terms. If you're unsure, arranging cover before driving is the safest option.

What affects whether you're covered?

Cover varies by provider and policy. Things that commonly matter include:

your age and driving history
the car type and value
whether the car is already insured
how long you need cover for
where the car will be kept and used (postcode)
the owner's permission and policy conditions

Comparing options can help you see what's available for your details. For very short periods, check temporary car insurance or day insurance options.

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Quick checks before you drive

Don't assume you're covered — confirm the policy terms
Use accurate driver and vehicle details
Choose cover length that matches your need (day/week/month)
Make sure you understand excess and exclusions
Only drive once you're confident you have valid cover

If you need cover for a day, one week, or longer, temporary car insurance can sometimes be a flexible option depending on your circumstances.

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FAQs: Borrow a car insurance (UK)

Can I drive someone else's car on my insurance?

Sometimes, but not always. Some policies include "driving other cars" cover, usually with conditions. Always check your policy documents.

Is it better to be added as a named driver?

It can be a simple option for some situations, but it depends on the owner's policy and the insurer. Comparing alternatives can help.

Can I get cover for just a short period?

Some providers offer short-term options depending on your details and the vehicle.

Does the owner's insurance cover me automatically?

Not usually. The owner's policy covers specific people (usually the policyholder and named drivers) based on the policy terms. You should confirm before driving.

What details do I need to arrange cover?

Typically vehicle details, postcode, driving history, and how long you need cover for.

What if I only need to drive the car once?

Some drivers look at short-term cover options. The best choice depends on your details and the car.

Will my age affect whether I can get cover?

Age can affect pricing and availability depending on the provider.

What's the fastest next step?

Start a quote journey with accurate details and review the cover options and breakdown.

Ready to compare options?

Start your quote online now and view options available from UK providers.

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How we created this page (transparency)

This page was created to help UK drivers understand how insurance typically works when borrowing a car and what to check before driving. It is reviewed for clarity and updated as needed to stay accurate and useful.

Important information

MySupermarketCompare is an insurance comparison website. We introduce customers to our quote partner to help them compare insurance options. Information on this page is general and is not financial advice.