Are You Insured to Drive a Courtesy Car?

When Might You Be Offered One?

You’ll usually be offered a courtesy car if you have a comprehensive insurance policy and your vehicle is in for repairs. However, not all policies include courtesy car cover, so it’s important to check your policy documents carefully. Whether you’re entitled to one may also depend on the reason your car is off the road and whether it’s being repaired at an approved garage.

Are You Automatically Insured to Drive a Courtesy Car?

In most cases, yes if you have a comprehensive policy that includes courtesy car cover. Some insurers also extend this to named drivers, but others may limit it to the main policyholder only. That’s why it’s so important to check your insurance documents before getting behind the wheel. Never assume you’re covered; driving without valid insurance, even by accident, can result in serious penalties.

It’s also worth noting that while your own car might have comprehensive cover, some providers only offer third-party protection on courtesy cars. That means any damage to the courtesy car wouldn’t be covered under your policy.

If you want the peace of mind that comes with comprehensive protection, temporary insurance is the answer. With our flexible durations on offer, you can take out additional cover on your courtesy car for exactly as long as you need – whether that’s insurance by the hour, day, week or monthly cover – so you’re comprehensively insured while your own car is off the road.

Can Someone Else Drive Your Courtesy Car?

Some policies cover named drivers, but it’s important to double-check before anyone else gets behind the wheel. If they’re not already insured, they’ll need to take out their own policy for the courtesy car.

We make it quick and easy to arrange temporary courtesy car insurance if someone else ever needs to drive your courtesy car. That way, they’ll be fully covered while driving, and your no-claims discount stays protected if anything goes wrong.

How Long Does it Take to Get a Courtesy Car?

Most insurers will arrange a courtesy car within 24 hours of your claim being approved and the repair being booked. Some may even provide one the same day, depending on availability.