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The short answer
Often, yes. Many insurers will cover a car you do not legally own if you are the registered keeper or have the owner's permission and use it regularly. Other options are being added as a named driver to the owner's policy or buying short-term cover. Rules vary by insurer, so say exactly who owns and keeps the car.
Owner and registered keeper are different
The registered keeper is the person named on the V5C log book, who is responsible for the car being taxed and insured. The owner is the person who bought it. They are often the same, but not always, for example with a car on finance or a family car.
- Insurers ask both who owns the car and who keeps it.
- A car kept on the road must stay insured even when not driven, unless declared off the road with a SORN.
Taking out your own policy
Some insurers will sell you a policy on a car owned by a partner, parent or finance company, as long as you are the main user and have permission. Others only insure the owner or registered keeper, so declare the ownership truthfully when getting quotes.
- Have the owner's consent before insuring their car.
- Lease and finance cars may have conditions on the insurance you buy.
Named driver or temporary cover
If you only borrow the car sometimes, being added as a named driver to the owner's policy is usually simplest. For a few days or weeks, short-term (temporary) car insurance can cover you without touching the owner's policy or no-claims bonus.
- Named drivers must not be the main user of the car.
- Temporary cover still needs the owner's permission.
Driving other cars cover
Some comprehensive policies once included driving other cars as standard, usually third party only. Many insurers now restrict or remove it, so never assume you are covered without checking your certificate.
- Check the 'driving other cars' wording on your certificate.
- It is not a substitute for proper cover if you drive a car regularly.
Before you decide
- Know who the owner and the registered keeper are.
- Get the owner's permission in writing if possible.
- Choose your own policy, named driver or temporary cover to match how often you drive.
Frequently asked questions
Do you have to own a car to insure it?
Not always. Many insurers accept a registered keeper or regular user with the owner's permission, but each insurer sets its own rules.
Can I insure my parent's car in my name?
Possibly, if you are the main user and they agree. If they are the main user, being a named driver on their policy is the honest option.
Can I drive someone else's car on my insurance?
Only if your certificate says you can drive other cars, and that cover is often third party only. Check before you drive.
Sources and further reading
Prepared by CompareDirect using the sources above. Policy eligibility, cover and claims depend on the provider’s current documents and your circumstances.
Before you buy
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