Driving other cars - insurance problem!

MessyMare

Hi,

Earlier this year I took out car insurance for my beetle, and was informed that there was a policy I could have that had driving other cars included. This policy was £50 more than the other one I could have had, but decided that benefit was worth it.

When I got the policy through I checked all the main details but didn't think to check for the driving other cars part (I know, I know).

Now I've had cause to look, I can't actually see it anywhere on the policy document. I know I should have checked for it when I got the policy, so I'm aware I might not have a leg to stand on, but what does everyone think? I was assured by the person on the other end of the phone two or three times that I did have this benefit, so if it comes out that I don't actually have it, could I be in for a refund of that £50?

Insurance office is closed today, but will have to ring up early on Monday. Any thoughts until then are much appreciated

Thank you!

ohreally

If the term isn't explicit i'd be inclined to assume, until assured in writing otherwise, that you don't have this courtesy included in your cover.

dacouch

Have a look on the actual Certificate of Insurance, it normally states whether you are covered to drive other cars next to where the Certificate confirms who is covered to drive

jack_spratt_2

The term to look for in the policy schedule is " you are covered to drive any other vehicle RTA( road traffic act ) which is not owned by you or hired to you .
I must point out that this cover is the very minimum needed by law and will not cover any loss to your own vehicle and the cover will be very limited .
Also do not forget if this cover is there it will be just for the benefit of the policyholder

MessyMare

It definitely says insured only. I suppose it's my own fault really because I assumed that asking over and over if he was sure that the policy had DOC on it and being told that yes he was sure was enough. Oh well, ringing them Monday morning. Thanks for your help

Quentin

Have you looked at your insurance certificate (the one that shows your own car reg number), not your policy?

This shows what cover (if any) you have for driving other cars.

MessyMare

I've checked all the documents I have. I have the certificate printed out and in a file with all my other car bits (and a maintenance log...joys of owning a classic car!)

Quentin

The cert is the only one which will say if you are covered to drive other cars, (TPO).

(Maybe a rude question, but are you over 25?). Nearly all insurers that provide this cover don't grant it to under 25s.

dacouch

I agree with Quentin.

I would also point out that a lot of policies that are "specific" classic car policies do not include the Driving Other Cars extension

jack_spratt_2

ColleenPamela wrote: »

It definitely says insured only. I suppose it's my own fault really because I assumed that asking over and over if he was sure that the policy had DOC on it and being told that yes he was sure was enough. Oh well, ringing them Monday morning. Thanks for your help

It will not say on the certificate as such it may say certain sections of the policy schedule are operative such as section a-b-d-e-( also look on the back of the insurance certificate) if you then refer to your policy schedule and look at the appropriate sections to see which ones are active .

It is very difficult for people to advice you as a insurance company will write there insurance certificates and policy schedules differently

Quentin

No.

It must say on the certificate, otherwise you don't have the cover!

The certificate is the legal document which shows if you are insured or not.