Working out who else can drive your car in the UK can be confusing, especially if insurance rules are different in your home country.
Some people think their friends or family are automatically covered by their car insurance to drive their car. Others assume that any fully comprehensive insurance or third-party cover lets anyone drive the vehicle.
Unfortunately, that is not how UK car insurance works.
This guide explains who can legally drive your car, how named drivers work, and what to do if someone else needs to use your vehicle.
Can anyone drive my car if I give permission?
In the UK, permission is not enough for someone else to be legally allowed to drive your car.
Someone can only drive your car if your car insurance policy covers them or if their own policy specifically allows it.
If a person is not insured to drive your car and they take it on the road, you could both face penalties. This includes points on your licence, fines, and potentially the car being seized.
Who is automatically covered on a car insurance policy?
Usually, only the main driver and policyholder are automatically covered. Everyone else must be added or must have their own policy that includes the correct cover.
On a Marshmallow policy, the people covered are:
- The main driver
- Any named drivers you choose to add
- No one else
If you need someone else to use your car, you will need to add them as a named driver through the Marshmallow app.
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What is a named driver?
A named driver is someone you add to your insurance policy so they can legally drive your car.
Adding a named driver can be useful if:
- You share the car with a partner or family member
- Someone occasionally needs to borrow your car
- You want to help a new driver gain experience
When you add a named driver, they receive the same cover level as you. However, you must still list the correct main driver on the policy. Putting someone down as the main driver when they are not is called fronting, and it is illegal.
What is Driving Other Cars (DOC) cover?
Some insurers offer “Driving Other Cars” cover, which allows the policyholder to drive someone else’s car with third-party only cover.
Important things to know:
- It rarely applies to named drivers, only the policyholder
- It usually only applies in emergencies
- It does not cover damage to the car you borrow
- Many modern insurers no longer offer DOC cover
Marshmallow policies do not include Driving Other Cars cover. This means someone cannot drive your vehicle under their DOC allowance, and you cannot drive someone else’s car using DOC.
Can my family or friends drive my car?
Being a family member does not automatically allow someone to drive your car. You can’t let your son drive your car or daughter borrow it if they are not insured. You would need to either:
- Add them as a named driver on your policy, or
- They would need to be covered to drive your car under their own insurance (which is uncommon)
Family relationships do not automatically provide insurance cover in the UK. Even if you trust them, they must be properly insured.
Can I add someone to my Marshmallow policy?
Yes. You can add a driver through the Marshmallow app. You will need:
- Their full name
- Date of birth
- Driving licence details
- Driving history (claims, convictions, years licensed etc)
Once added, they are legally insured to drive the car from the start date you choose.
Who cannot drive my car under any circumstances?
Someone cannot drive your car if they:
- Are not included on your policy
- Are disqualified from driving
- Do not hold the correct licence (for example, a provisional licence without supervision)
- Believe they are covered by Driving Other Cars, but your policy does not include it
- Only have insurance in another country
- Only have travel insurance or rental insurance (these do not count for personal cars)
Driving without proper cover is illegal, even if it is only for a short trip.
What if someone drives my car without insurance?
If an uninsured person drives your car, both of you could face problems. These include:
- 6 penalty points or more
- A fixed fine or court appearance
- The car being seized by the police
- Your insurer refusing to cover any damage
If your car is taken without permission, report it immediately.
Can other people drive my car abroad?
If your policy includes European cover, named drivers are usually covered too. But each insurer has its own rules, so check before you travel.
Marshmallow provides details of European cover levels in your policy documents.
Read our blog: What do I need to drive on holiday in Europe?
Final thoughts
In the UK, only insured people can drive your car. Being the owner or giving permission is not enough. The simplest way to make sure someone is covered is to add them as a named driver on your policy.
Marshmallow lets you do this quickly in the app, making it easy for partners, friends, or family members to share the car legally and safely.
If you are ready to update your cover or want to add someone today, you can manage your policy instantly through the Marshmallow app.
