What to Know Before Borrowing a Car
Before you even think about accepting the offer to borrow a friend or family member’s car and getting behind the wheel, you need to understand the serious legal and safety responsibilities involved.
Just because you have permission from the owner doesn’t automatically make it legal or safe for you to drive their car. Taking a moment to consider the rules can save you from fines, penalty points or far worse consequences.
Here’s a breakdown of everything you need to know before borrowing a car.
Eligibility
First and foremost, you must hold the correct driving licence for the vehicle you intend to borrow. This means you need a full, valid UK driving licence, not a provisional one, unless you are properly supervised according to the law.
Check that your licence covers the specific type of vehicle. For example, if your friend has a van, ensure your licence category permits you to drive it. Some insurance policies also impose age limits, often requiring drivers to be over 25.
Before proceeding any further, confirm that you meet these fundamental legal driving requirements.
Insurance
You cannot assume the owner’s car insurance policy covers you. Most standard policies only cover the main driver and any specific ‘named drivers’ listed on the policy. Driving without valid insurance is a serious offence that carries significant penalties.
The simplest and most effective way to ensure you are legally covered is to take out your own policy. You can arrange for temporary car insurance online in minutes, providing you with comprehensive cover for as little as one hour up to several weeks. Arrange for the right insurance cover before you get in the car.
Safety
Your personal safety and the safety of others are the most important factors. Since you’ll have less experience driving the vehicle, you must pay extra attention, driving within your limits and according to the conditions of the road.
Test drive the car in a familiar place first, getting used to the gear changes and how to bite the clutch. A quick check of the tyres, lights and windscreen wipers ensures the car is roadworthy.
Considerations
Finally, a quick conversation with the car’s owner can prevent future misunderstandings.
You should agree on expectations for things like fuel. Will you be expected to return the car with a full tank or replace the fuel you use?
It’s also wise to know what their breakdown cover includes and what they will want you to do if you have an accident. Discuss these practical points with the owner before you set off.
