What is a Driveway

David487

Hi, sorry if this sounds like a totally stupid question, but for car insurance what do they count as a driveway. I live in on a small private road with six houses, in two terraces of three. The houses are on one side of the lane, and there are two parking spots for each house on the other side of the lane, opposite their respective houses. I have one car so use either of my two, but both can be seen from the front of the house. 

So, is this 'on the street / road' parking, even though it's not actually on the road, or is it a driveway as it's private, off the road and should only be used by the residents, but I guess anyone could park there, just like anyone could park on any drive, if they were so inclined? I'm just asking as usually driveways are at the front or side of a house, and not directly across from it. Any thoughts would be appreciated as I don't think this parking has the same level of risk as 'on the street' does.

Many thanks, D

TadleyBaggie

A picture would help. 

XRS200

If it's on the road it's not a driveway. A driveway is on your property.

David487

Thanks @TadleyBaggie, @XRS200.

Here's a picture, and I've highlighted what're approximately my pair. They are stated on my house deeds as being owned by me, so I guess that means that they're 'on my property'?

Emmia

I'd say that is on street parking. The car would not be off road and directly adjacent to your house, there is a road area in between the property and the car 

You also couldn't SORN your vehicle if it was parked there. It would need to remain taxed and insured.

David487

Emmia said:

I'd say that is on street parking. The car would not be off road and directly adjacent to your house, there is a road area in between the property and the car 

You also couldn't SORN your vehicle if it was parked there. It would need to remain taxed and insured

Or would this be classed a 'private property'? It's one of the options on many comparison sites now....

XRS200

Definitely not a driveway. Maybe private parking.  How was parking described when you bought the house

bryanb

Asked my insurer, they said tick driveway. Mine is on the deeds outlined red, referred to as parking spaces

HillStreetBlues

Is this of any help?
https://www.comparethemarket.com/car-insurance/content/overnight-parking/

Car insurance parking definitions

When you get a car insurance quote, you might be asked to select a description of where your car is kept. You need to tell the truth and be as accurate as possible.

This is what these descriptions generally mean, but each provider might have their own definition so you may want to check which applies to you.

• Garage – this is typically on your property. You may be asked whether you have a locked or unlocked garage.
• Driveway – can be anywhere outdoors, but somewhere on your property.
• On the road – typically, your insurance provider will assume that you park as close to your home as you can.
• At work – for example, if you do shift work and regularly park there overnight. You might need to obtain proof of this from your employer.
• Residential car park – car parking that’s laid out and designated by the local council for the use of residents (which isn’t on a road or in a locked compound).
• Locked compound – a secure site that can be accessed only with a key or code. Typically, this might be a commercial secure car park or the dedicated car park for your building.
• Other – this could be a car port on your drive, an unlocked garage or a locked compound, if not offered as an option in a list.

user1977

I would have said driveway was the best fit for this - it's an exclusively-owned parking spot immediately outside your house. Definitely off-road anyway, not sure why it wouldn't be SORN-compliant (not that that was the question!).

David487

user1977 said:

I would have said driveway was the best fit for this - it's an exclusively-owned parking spot immediately outside your house. Definitely off-road anyway, not sure why it wouldn't be SORN-compliant (not that that was the question!).

@user1977, that's what I would have thought, as it's not on the road as such.... Thank you all, I'll be contacting whoever I get the best quote from to ask them.