Two commonly misunderstood features are Open Drive Insurance and Driving Other Cars. While both similar, they each serve different purposes and it’s important to understand the difference to avoid any complications. While one allows individuals to drive your car (Open Drive), the other permits you to drive other vehicles (Driving Other Cars).
Open Drive Insurance vs. Driving Other Cars
Open Drive Insurance
Open Drive Insurance, sometimes referred to as 'Open Driving' or 'Open Driver,' allows certain individuals, with your permission, to drive your car. This feature is particularly advantageous for those who want to let friends or family members use their vehicle without needing to explicitly name them on the policy.
Key Features of Open Drive Insurance:
- Flexibility: Allows others to drive your car, provided they meet specific criteria.
- Optional Add-On: Available for a small additional cost to your motor insurance policy.
- Coverage: Applies only to your vehicle, extending the type of cover you have to other drivers.
It is important to note that Open Drive Insurance covers other drivers in your vehicle, it does not permit you to drive other vehicles.
Who Can Drive My Car with Open Drive Insurance?
If you opt for Open Drive Insurance, you have the discretion to allow others to drive your vehicle. However, these drivers must meet certain conditions:
1. Be aged between 30 and 70 years old
2. Are medically fit to drive
3. Hold a clean licence - this means they can have up to 6 penalty points (no more than two offences).
What happens if the other driver has an accident in my car?
If another driver has an accident while driving your car, the coverage under your policy extends to them. This means that if you have fully comprehensive insurance, they are covered as well. However, any claims will be under your policy, potentially affecting your No Claims Bonus.
Driving Other Cars
Driving Other Cars allows you to drive other vehicles. If you find yourself needing to drive another person's car occasionally, you can add Driving Other Cars to your motor insurance policy, so long as you’re over 25 years old.
This option will allow you to drive another private car with the owner’s permission provided the car:
- Does not belong to you or your employer
- Is not hired or leased to either of the parties described above under a hire purchase or leasing agreement
- Is not the property of or in the custody or control of a motor trade business of which you are a director, member or employee
Key Features of Driving Other Cars
Personal Coverage
Allows you to drive vehicles not listed on your policy. Please note: it is restricted to Third Party cover only. Fire, Theft or Accidental Damage covers do not apply while you are driving in these circumstances and cover is limited to use within Ireland and the United Kingdom only.
Optional Add-On
Available for a small additional cost to your motor insurance policy.
Purpose
Ideal for those who need occasional access to cars outside their own.
It’s important to remember that this benefit is intended for infrequent use, such as driving a friend home who has fallen ill. For frequent use, becoming a named driver on the other car's policy is the appropriate approach.