Currently most fully comprehensive motor insurance policies provide policyholders with third party cover when driving any other vehicle with the owner’s permission. However, by the end of the year this feature will no longer be available.
The ‘Driving other cars’ (DOC) cover which was enjoyed by millions of fully comprehensive policyholders is now being phased out by Norwich Union, RAC and Asda because they claim it is being abused by consumers and stands in the way of a government clampdown on uninsured drivers. Other Insurance companies also considering the move are Royal &Sun Alliance, More Than, Cornhill Direct and Axa who admit they may be looking to follow suit in the near future.
The cover was initially intended for emergencies only but policyholders are using it as an alternative to getting cover on a second, more powerful vehicle” says Craig Martin, product manager for motor at Norwich Union.
The push to remove DOC cover has divided the insurance market in that insurers such as Admiral, Churchill and Sainsbury’s are refusing to cancel the cover because they claim it will lead to thousands of motorists driving around unaware that they are no longer insured. The removal of the DOC cover however, is fully supported by the police as it has been recommended by the Greenaway Report as a way to clamp down on uninsured drivers.
In consideration of the situation it is advised that motorists contact their insurer when taking out or renewing a motor insurance policy to find out what exactly they are covered for.