Designated Driver Insurance

What are The Benefits of Being a Designated Driver

You might think that being the designated driver means drawing the short straw and having a boring night, but there are actually plenty of perks to taking the wheel rather than sinking pints.

• You save a fortune. Nights out are expensive. When you cut out the rounds of drinks and the surge-priced taxis home, you’ll wake up with a much healthier bank balance.
• No hangover. While your mates are nursing sore heads the next morning, you’ll be fresh, productive, and ready to tackle the day.
• You’re the hero. Getting everyone home safely is a big deal. Your friends will appreciate it, and you get the peace of mind knowing they didn’t take any risks.
• You stay in control. You decide when it is time to leave, you choose the music in the car, and you don’t have to worry about hangxiety the next day.

With how many nights out crop up over the festive period, foregoing the booze on a couple of them can help you stay feeling fresh and help avoid burning a hole in your wallet.

How to Be The Best Designated Driver

If you’re taking on the mantle, you might as well do it right. Here are a few tips to make the night run smoothly for everyone.

• Set Ground Rules Early: Before the first drink is poured, agree on a rough leaving time. There’s nothing worse than being the sober driver ready to go while your passengers are begging for one more pint for another hour.
• Prepare Your Vehicle: If you’re driving your own car, clear out any clutter to make room for passengers. It’s also worth checking your fuel and tyres – especially in winter. Check out our winter driving tips to make sure you’re ready for the conditions.
• Enjoy The Alternatives: Being sober doesn’t mean sticking to tap water. The market for alcohol-free alternatives is booming, with many bars offering great mocktails and 0% beers. Some venues even offer free soft drinks to designated drivers as a thank you.
• Keep It Fun: You’re the vibe controller for the journey home. Get a good playlist ready and keep the mood light. Just remember that as the driver, your focus needs to be on the road, not the rowdy karaoke happening in the back seat.

How Designated Driver Insurance Can Help

Sometimes, the plan changes. Maybe the original designated driver has had a drink, or perhaps it’s easier to take a friend’s larger car instead of your own. This is where temporary car insurance becomes a game-changer for:

• Driving Someone Else’s Car: Legally, you can’t just hop into a friend’s car and drive it. To drive someone else’s car, you must be insured. Don’t be fooled into thinking that if you have comprehensive insurance on your own vehicle, you can drive any car. Driving without insurance is a serious offence that can lead to fines and points.
• Emergency Cover: We’ve all been there – a night out where the planned driver ends up having one too many. If you’re sober but don’t have your car with you, you can use hourly car insurance to insure yourself on their vehicle instantly. It’s a quick, legal solution that ensures everyone gets home safely. This works much like emergency car insurance, giving you peace of mind when plans go awry.

Top Tip: You can take out a separate short-term policy on your friend’s car in minutes. It gives you comprehensive cover to drive their vehicle without affecting their No Claims Discount if you have an accident. This is perfect for sharing the driving on long trips or taking over if the car owner isn’t fit to drive. Get a quote in under two minutes, or in just a few taps through our temporary insurance app.

Being the designated driver is a noble task, and it shouldn’t be complicated by insurance worries. Whether you need to drive a mate’s car for an hour or let someone else drive your car over a festive weekend, we have you covered.

Our temporary policies are flexible, affordable, and protect the vehicle owner’s No Claims Discount. You can get a quote in under two minutes and be on the road legally and safely.

So next time you’re the sober driver, make sure you have the right designated driver insurance in place if you’re using someone else’s car. It’s the smart way to enjoy the festive period, without the risk.