Insurance
Can you insure a car you don't own?
How to get the right insurance when driving a friend or family member's car
Ryan Barham
Last updated: 29/09/2025
Ryan Barham
Last updated: 29/09/2025
The short answer is, yes, you can insure a car that you don’t own – and there are different ways you can do this.
Even if someone else insures a car, you can have third-party protection through your own policy if you have driving other cars (DOC) cover. However, most people tend to choose a temporary car insurance policy or ask for their name to be added to the registered keeper’s existing policy for that car.
Insuring a car you don’t own is simple – and there are a few ways you can go about it, depending on your situation.
If you only need to be insured for a short period, temporary car insurance is an effective option. It offers drivers the flexibility to get insurance as and when they need it for as long as they need.
You can get temporary car insurance for as little as one hour or up to one month, depending on the provider and policy you choose. You’ll just need to provide your personal details and the registration plate of the car you’d like to be insured on.
You can also get your own insurance policy for someone else’s car. A single car can be covered by more than one policy. However, this might not be the most cost-effective approach when you don’t own the car.
It may be sensible to go for temporary car insurance if you’re borrowing the car for a short period or ask if your name can be added to the main driver’s policy for that car if you plan to drive it more frequently.
If you plan to drive someone else’s car regularly and temporary car insurance isn’t enough, you could ask for your name to be added to their policy. This means you won’t need to take out your own insurance policy to be eligible to drive the car.
Make sure you both understand the terms and conditions that apply when doing this. This can affect the premium of the main driver. For instance, if any named drivers have an accident and need to make a claim, it could affect the policyholder’s no claims discount and premium price.
There are other things to consider beyond this:
You need to be careful not to fall into the trap of ‘fronting’, which is where someone insured on someone else’s car drives it more frequently than the person who is named as the main driver. This is classed as insurance fraud and is against the law. Sometimes, less experienced drivers engage in fronting to save costs. Due to rising cases, the Insurance Fraud Bureau (IFB) has issued warnings about the consequences of fronting. This is thought to be caused by record-high quotes being issued, particularly to young drivers.
Legally, you must have motor insurance to drive in the UK. Beyond this, you need to have at least third-party cover, regardless of whether you own the car or not. Otherwise, you could face serious penalties.
If you’re caught driving without the correct insurance, the police could give you a fine and penalty points. However, if your case goes to court, you could get an unlimited fine or be disqualified from driving altogether.
These conditions apply whether you’re driving your own vehicle or someone else’s. It’s also illegal for someone to allow you to use their car unless you have the correct insurance in place.
Yes, unless you are added to someone else’s insurance policy, you can buy your own insurance to drive someone else’s car.
It works in a similar way to insuring your own car and involves taking out a policy with an insurance company. You’ll need to you would like to be insured to drive someone else’s vehicle. Your other option is to secure temporary car insurance.
The registered keeper of a vehicle is the person who uses the car the most and is classed as the car’s main user. The registered keeper is the main, primary user of the car. This information can be found in the V5C registration document.
On the other hand, the owner is the person who has purchased the car or a person who has been gifted the vehicle. This applies to company cars – where the company owns the car – or when parents buy a car for their children.
Responsibilities of the registered keeper include making sure the vehicle is taxed, has an up-to-date MOT certificate and is roadworthy.
Yes, so long as you are legally able to drive, you can be insured on someone’s car with permission and as long as you meet the criteria of the insurance company. It doesn’t matter whether you own or have ever owned your own car.
This comes down to how long the owner and registered keeper is happy for you to be insured on their car. Most car insurance policies are renewed annually, so this will likely prompt discussions on whether you should remain on someone’s policy or be removed.
When taking out temporary car insurance, you can select a length of time that suits you and the registered keeper. You can get policies on an hourly, daily, weekly and monthly basis.
If you own a car and have fully comprehensive cover, this isn’t enough to cover you when driving a car you don’t own. This is because the insurance covers the car, not the driver – and isn’t transferrable from vehicle to vehicle. For this reason, you’ll need to take out a separate policy to drive a car you don’t own.
Occasionally, comprehensive cover will include a ‘driving other cars’ (DOC) clause with third-party-only protection. However, not all comprehensive policies don’t include this. Bear in mind that if you regularly drive someone else’s car, it may be worth being insured on their car under their main policy.
Taking out temporary car insurance is designed to be quick and easy so you can be on your way as soon as possible. You can get a quote within a couple of minutes with Tempcover.
If you get added to someone else’s policy, you’ll need to provide them with your details such as:
To take out your own policy on someone else’s car, it may take a little longer – just as it would if you were taking out a policy for your own car.
There is no set answer, but factors that will be considered include:
The flexibility of temporary car insurance can be beneficial – it can open up options when you might otherwise be restricted. At Tempcover, we’ve issued temporary car insurance to thousands of customers over the past 15 years. We’re rated ‘Excellent’ on Trustpilot based on over 30,000 reviews!
To get started, simply get a quote online. Alternatively, if you would like to speak to our friendly team about arranging temporary car insurance you can get in touch via our live chat or by completing our online form. Alternatively, you can email [email protected] for more information. Or try our Help Centre which covers a variety of insurance topics.
If you’re the registered keeper, this means you’re the person who’s using and keeping the vehicle. This doesn’t always mean you own or pay for the vehicle though. The owner might be someone different.
You don’t have to be the registered keeper to insure a car. However, it’s worth bearing in mind that some insurers may be more reluctant for you to be insured unless the registered keeper is a partner, family member or employer. If you are leasing your car, this should also be ok, as the leasing company will technically be the registered keeper and owner.
Just make sure your insurer is fully aware of the circumstances.
If you have been added to someone else’s insurance as a named driver, you won’t need to take out your own insurance policy to drive their car.
You can be a named driver on someone else’s policy, while also owning your own car with its own car insurance.
You can be the registered keeper of a vehicle and not be the insurance policyholder.
Although most insurers will assume that you own the car you want to insure, they may also acknowledge that you could be a parent, partner or an employer that pays for the vehicle on someone’s behalf.
Make sure you check the details when seeking an insurance policy, as some insurers may be more hesitant than others where someone is the policyholder but isn’t the registered keeper.
If you’re the registered keeper, this means you’re the person who’s using and keeping the vehicle. This doesn’t always mean you own or pay for the vehicle though. The owner might be someone different.
You don’t have to be the registered keeper to insure a car. However, it’s worth bearing in mind that some insurers may be more reluctant for you to be insured unless the registered keeper is a partner, family member or employer. If you are leasing your car, this should also be ok, as the leasing company will technically be the registered keeper and owner.
Just make sure your insurer is fully aware of the circumstances.
If you have been added to someone else’s insurance as a named driver, you won’t need to take out your own insurance policy to drive their car.
You can be a named driver on someone else’s policy, while also owning your own car with its own car insurance.
You can be the registered keeper of a vehicle and not be the insurance policyholder.
Although most insurers will assume that you own the car you want to insure, they may also acknowledge that you could be a parent, partner or an employer that pays for the vehicle on someone’s behalf.
Make sure you check the details when seeking an insurance policy, as some insurers may be more hesitant than others where someone is the policyholder but isn’t the registered keeper.
Yes, it's possible to insure a car not registered in your name with the DVLA. Many providers, like Tempcover, offer insurance for individuals driving a car owned by someone else. However, not all insurers offer primary driver coverage for non-registered keepers, so make sure you carefully review the policy details.
Indeed, you can obtain non-owner car insurance for a vehicle you don't own. It's crucial to notify your insurer that you're not the registered owner. This cover, often temporary, is useful for various reasons, such as borrowing a friend's car or driving a company vehicle.
Yes, you can insure a car you don't own by becoming a named driver on the owner's policy, obtaining temporary insurance, or getting non-owner car insurance. Always secure the owner's consent and be honest with the insurer about your status. The optimal choice depends on your driving frequency and needs. Check your existing policy as it may already cover driving other cars.
Yes, you can be a car's registered keeper without owning it. The registered keeper, named on the V5C logbook, handles DVLA contact, police matters, road tax, MOT, and parking fines. This is common with company or gifted cars. However, the person who bought or received the car retains legal ownership.
UK law mandates continuous car insurance; there's no grace period. The Continuous Insurance Enforcement law implies immediate penalties if your cover lapses. Therefore, it's vital to ensure uninterrupted insurance, possibly through temporary car insurance during policy gaps. If you don’t have insurance, you could face penalty points and fines.
In the UK, driving without car insurance can result in losing your licence, unlimited fines, disqualification, or 6-8 penalty points. Police may seize your vehicle, and new drivers risk licence revocation after accumulating 6 points. Always verify your insurance status before driving. If your vehicle is unused and stored privately, you can file a Statutory Off Road Notification (SORN) with the DVLA to avoid continuous insurance.
Your no-claims bonus or discount (NCD) generally remains valid for two years. If you lack car insurance beyond this period, you may lose your NCD. However, insurance providers' policies differ, with some more lenient. Always confirm with your provider to prevent unexpected issues.
Yes, you can insure a car you don't own via temporary insurance, becoming a named driver, or a non-owner policy. The car owner's permission is required and not all insurers offer these options. Temporary car insurance suits occasional use, while adding a named driver is cost-effective for those close to the owner. A non-owner policy is ideal for frequent drivers of different cars.
Yes, you can own a car without being the registered keeper, as seen in company or family-owned vehicles. The V5C registration document lists the keeper, not the owner. It's crucial to inform your insurance provider about this setup and you may require temporary insurance. The registered keeper bears responsibility for car usage, road tax payment, and notifying the DVLA of changes.
The registered keeper of a vehicle is identified on the first page of the V5C document, which provides their name, address, and the number of previous car owners. This process is straightforward and the V5C document offers all necessary information clearly and concisely.
Although you can't view a physical V5C logbook online, the GOV.UK website allows you to manage vehicle details and check the last V5C issue date. By creating a Driver and Vehicles account, you can manage vehicle details and set tax reminders. If your V5C is lost or damaged, you can apply for a new one online, typically arriving within five working days.
Yes, you can insure a car you don't own by informing your insurer that you're not the registered keeper, under 'non-owner car insurance'. This is useful for situations like borrowing a friend's car or occasionally driving a company vehicle. Temporary car insurance offers the flexibility and coverage needed in such scenarios.
Tempcover’s temporary car insurance allows you to insure a car you don't own for 1-28 days, with some providers extending up to three months. Ideal for borrowing a car or short trips, it's flexible, easy to arrange, and cost-effective. Always check the policy's terms and conditions, as coverage length varies between providers.
Yes, you can get non-owner car insurance to cover yourself on your mum's car, even if you're not the owner or registered keeper. This flexible solution is ideal for temporary use of another's car, whether it's your mum's, a friend's, or a partner's. Policies vary among providers, so check details thoroughly. Always obtain the car owner's permission before arranging insurance.
Indeed, you can be a car's registered keeper without owning it. The registered keeper, named on the V5C logbook, is responsible for daily maintenance, tax, MOT, and parking fines. The owner, who purchased or was gifted the car, retains ownership. This is common with company cars or gifted vehicles.
Being fully insured doesn't guarantee you can drive any vehicle. Your policy may have a Driving Other Cars (DOC) clause, but it's not guaranteed. Always check your policy specifics or consult your insurer before driving another car to avoid unexpected issues. Stay informed before you drive.
You can insure yourself to drive your parents' car, even if it's already insured. Acquiring your own policy, possibly a temporary one, is a wise method to guarantee full coverage without affecting your parents' No Claims Bonus. This flexible solution allows worry-free driving.
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Temporary Car Insurance