Lending Your Car to a Relative This Christmas? Temp Cover Might Be a Good Idea

You may think that because you have Fully Comp cover anyone aged 25 can drive you car fully insured. But generally, that isn’t true – they are only insured third party, so the vehicle itself is NOT covered. So temporary insurance is the solution. Whether it’s helping a friend move house or letting a family member borrow your car to get around this Christmas, there are plenty of reasons to consider some temp Comp cover.

However, not everyone is as willing. A survey conducted by temporary car insurance experts Tempcover examined British opinions on lending cars to family and friends, including children, parents, siblings and partners. The research highlighted the reasons many drivers are reluctant to lend their vehicles and offers simple precautions to help them do so with peace of mind.

Why Many Hesitate to Lend Their Cars: Insurance and Driving Concerns

The research found that 30% of people wouldn’t lend their cars to family or friends due to uncertainty about insurance coverage, with 40% specifically not trusting that their friends have the correct policy in place.

Following insurance concerns, 28% of respondents who wouldn’t lend their car cited worries about the borrower’s driving ability as a reason.

The survey also highlighted some of the challenges drivers have faced when they have lent their car:

• 27% of owners who had previously lent their car reported damage when it was returned

• The average repair cost for the damage was £718

• 24% discovered too late that the borrower’s insurance didn’t cover the damage—or that they didn’t have insurance at all

• After damage or insurance issues, 85% of lenders ended up out-of-pocket

To help address these challenges, Adam Craddock, temporary car insurance expert at Tempcover, offers these three simple precautions to help Brits lend their lend car with peace of mind:

Check Insurance Coverage Thoroughly

Before lending your car, ensure the person driving is fully covered. Many people assume their insurance will extend to driving other vehicles, but this isn’t always the case. Some policies may exclude coverage when driving someone else’s car, or they may only cover certain situations, like third-party damage. Always confirm that their insurance explicitly covers driving other cars.

Set Clear Terms

Talk through details such as where the car will be driven, when it will be returned, and what to do in case of emergencies. Clear communication can help avoid misunderstandings later down the line.

Explore Temporary Insurance Options

Temporary car insurance offers a flexible, cost-effective way to protect both you and the borrower. It ensures comprehensive coverage for a short period, giving you peace of mind.