Most drivers assume that if their motor insurance includes the “Driving Other Vehicles” benefit, they are fully covered to jump behind the wheel of a friend’s car. However, in most cases, this extension only provides the bare minimum “Third Party” cover, meaning if you have an accident, the vehicle you are driving isn’t actually protected.
That is where the Comprehensive Plus policy by One Insurance Limited comes in. It is designed to upgrade that basic protection, providing you with financial peace of mind while you are using another person’s vehicle on a momentary basis.
How the Cover Works
This policy acts as a safety net for the vehicle you are borrowing, provided you have the “Driving Other Vehicles” benefit on your main insurance policy.
- Financial Protection: The policy provides up to £20,000 to cover the repair or loss of the vehicle you are driving.
- Key Protections: You are covered for accidental damage, fire, and theft while the vehicle is in your care.
- Duration: The policy runs in line with your main motor insurance dates.
Important Details to Keep in Mind
To keep the policy simple and effective, there are several specific conditions to note:
- The £500 Excess: Any claim made under this policy is subject to a £500 excess.
- “Momentary Use” Only: This cover is strictly for short, occasional journeys; it is not intended for continuous or long-term use of another vehicle.
- The 3-Hour Rule for Theft: If the vehicle is stolen, the policy only covers the loss if it happens within three hours of you last driving it. After this, the risk is assumed to have returned to the registered owner.
- Journey-End for Fire: Cover for fire damage ends as soon as your specific journey has concluded.
- Vehicle Requirements: The vehicle you are driving must be road legal (with a valid MOT and not declared SORN) and must be insured by its actual owner for at least third-party risks when not in use by you.
- Usage Type: Cover is only valid for Social, Domestic, and Pleasure use, not for commuting, business, or commercial purposes.
- Same address: A claim cannot be made on a vehicle that is owned and/or registered, hired or leased to someone who lives at the same address as you
Peace of mind on the road is invaluable, especially when you are responsible for someone else’s property. If you are reviewing your current policy or planning a journey where you might need to borrow a vehicle, feel free to speak with your insurance broker to see if Comprehensive Plus is a suitable addition for your needs.
The Policy in Action
Imagine you are visiting a friend who lives across town. Your own car is in the garage for a routine service, and you realise you have forgotten a vital ingredient for the dinner you are helping them prepare. Your friend gives you permission to borrow their hatchback for a quick ten-minute round trip to the local shop.
While you are pulling into the shop’s car park, another driver accidentally clips the wing of the car, causing significant cosmetic damage. Because you have the Comprehensive Plus policy, you do not have to worry about the high cost of repairs or the awkwardness of your friend being out of pocket. You simply report the incident, pay the £500 excess, and the policy covers the repair costs up to £20,000.
What to Do in the Event of a Claim
If an incident occurs, you must call One Call Claims on 0203 738 7300 as soon as possible to report the details. It is important to note that you will be the primary contact for the claim, and you will need to provide authorisation for the insurer to speak with the vehicle’s registered keeper.
