Unnamed learner driver on fully comp policy

xinran

Can my son, who has a provisional licence, use my car (for which I have fully comprehensive insurance) to get some practice, without being a named driver, and without my having to pay extra/tell the insurance company?
Is it legal/ is there insurance cover - I appreciate it will be 3rd party only?
Thank you.

Bennifred

Not on public roads.

xinran

Really? I thought that fully comp insurance covered anyone (legally driving) third party? Or is it just those with a full licence?

gazebo

fully comp covers the named drivers - not the vehicle

Bennifred

The non-named driver would have to have their own fully comp insurance on another vehicle in order to drive yours with 3rd party cover (and only then if their policy says so - doesn't always!)

shaun_from_Africa

Really? I thought that fully comp insurance covered anyone (legally driving) third party?

No. All fully comp insurance does is to fully cover the car, the occupants and any 3rd party in the event of an accident.
It used to be the case that most fully comp policies also provided cover to allow the people named on the policy to drive any other vehicle not owned by them (and this cover was usually 3rd party only), which is what you may be thinking of.

The only way to ensure that you and your son both stay legal is to inform your insurance company and pay the required premium.

xinran

shaun_from_Africa wrote: »

It used to be the case that most fully comp policies also provided cover to allow the people named on the policy to drive any other vehicle not owned by them (and this cover was usually 3rd party only), which is what you may be thinking of.

I think you're right...that is what I was thinking of.

Shockingly expensive, trying to get my son on the road

thenudeone

When insurance was much cheaper it used to be common for people to insure their cars for any driver. This is completely different to comprehensive cover which just means that damage to the insured vehicle is covered as well as any other parties.

It is is probably still possible to get "any driver" cover, but it would be very expensive and there are often limitations such as "any driver over 21". Even so, they would probably ask you to identify and name any drivers who had regular access. Failing to disclose your son would, in that case, probably invalidate your policy.

corbyboy

xinran wrote: »

Shockingly expensive, trying to get my son on the road

Just wait until he passes and gets his own car. Then you will know the real meaning of "shockingly expensive"

xinran

Thanks for the replies eveyone.

I see there's no way to avoid the expense - I'm just a bit stunned. I suppose we need to consider the cost of more lessons against adding him to my policy.
Then once he passes his test, I see the insurance rockets further...ah well...

xinran

corbyboy wrote: »

Just wait until he passes and gets his own car. Then you will know the real meaning of "shockingly expensive"

I know, but I can see the logic for that a bit more. However, having me or his dad sitting next to him, on a quiet suburban road, with hands ready on the hand brake – to my mind, the risk is not much greater whether he’s 17 or 30, but the cost is.