Insurance On Hire Cars

[crisper]

Mr C has fully comprehensive car insurance, and I'm a named driver on that policy, were having a loan car for 24 hours while our car goes in for an MOT and service, what I'd like to know, does our insurance atomatically transfer/cover us to drive the loan car..or do we need to let the insurance company know ? thanks everso for any answers... Mrs C x

[jomifl]

Does it say on the policy that you are covered whilst driving other vehicles? I once had a policy that automatically covered any vehicle that I drove.

[EDDIE51]

The loan car will have its own insurance seperate from yours. The cost of insurance is normally included in the hire agreement. You may want to take out extra insurance to cover any excess on the hire car insurance, there is normally a £250 to £500 excess for any damage no matter how it was caused.

[Bazile]

Depending on what your policy states - it is common for policies to provide cover to drive another car , with the agreement of the owner .

However it would only be on a third party basis

[EcclesCake]

My garage wanted to see my insurance schedule to determine if I was automatically covered as policies vary. If you are not they will probably charge you ~ £5 to use their policy.

[EDDIE51]

jomifl ^^ even if the questioner does have such a policy ( and not all do) it will be 3rd party only so the car itself will not be covered. The hire company will not allow you to drive their car on 3rd party only insurance.

[crisper]

Thankyou very much for all your answers.. yep the policy states its for any other car... with consent of the owner.. thanks again Mrs C xx

[EDDIE51]

crisper ^^ as I said that insurance will be 3rd party only, the hire car itself is not covered for damage and you are not covered for any injurys to any one in the hire car.

[crisper]

I see Eddie... thanks for that... think to put our minds at rest I'll give the ins company a buzz... and make sure with the garage... Thanks again Mrs C x

[heathfield]

Read your policy very carefully. Many policies state "any other vehicle" but then specificly exclude hired vehicles. (Mine does).

[jomifl]

Eddie, good point..

[bhg481]

Just be aware that it is usually only the policy holder who is allowed to drive cars not belonging to him. So, if the loan car is not covered by insurance from the garage, the chances are that YOU will not be covered to drive it; only your husband.
In any case, if the garage does provide the insurance, make sure it applies to you as well - it doesn't usually.