Driving other cars (DOC) - what does it mean?
Driving Other Cars (DOC) is a feature that may be included on some car insurance policies. It allows the policyholder to drive a car they do not own or have hired, subject to strict conditions.
DOC is often misunderstood, so it’s important to know exactly what it does – and just as importantly, what it doesn’t do.
What is driving other cars cover?
Driving Other Cars cover allows the policyholder only to drive another vehicle that:
They do not own
Is not registered to them
Is not hired or leased to them
If DOC applies, cover is usually provided on a third party only basis.
This means you are covered for damage or injury you cause to others, but not for damage to the car you are driving.
Is DOC automatically included?
No. DOC is not automatically included on all policies.
It is most commonly found on comprehensive policies
It is often restricted to policyholders aged 25 or over
Many insurers now exclude DOC altogether
You must check your certificate of motor insurance, policy schedule and policy wording to confirm whether DOC applies to you and, if so, the exact conditions and restrictions that apply. You can locate these within MyPizza.
Who can use DOC?
DOC typically applies only to:
The main policyholder
Not named drivers on the policy
Even if DOC is included, named drivers are usually not covered to drive other cars.
What are the common conditions?
If your policy includes DOC, the following conditions usually apply:
The vehicle must be owned and insured by someone else
You must have the owner’s permission to drive it
The vehicle must be used for social, domestic and pleasure purposes only
Cover is limited to third party only
DOC is for emergency or occasional use, not regular driving
If any of these conditions are not met, cover may be invalid.
What is not covered?
Driving Other Cars cover does not usually cover:
Theft or damage to the car you are driving, however caused
Driving your partner’s or family member’s uninsured car
Obtaining the release of an impounded vehicle
Business use
Vans, motorcycles, or commercial vehicles
DOC should never be relied upon as a replacement for having the correct insurance in place.
Can I rely on DOC instead of insurance?
No. DOC is intended as limited, temporary cover only.
If you regularly drive another vehicle, you should be:
Added as a named driver on that vehicle’s policy, or
Take out your own temporary insurance for that vehicle
Relying on DOC incorrectly could result in driving without valid insurance, which is a criminal offence.
How can I check if I have DOC cover?
To check whether you have Driving Other Cars cover visit MyPizza and:
Review your policy schedule
Check the certificate of motor insurance
Read the policy wording
Or:
Contact us directly via PizzaChat
Never assume DOC applies without confirmation.
Key things to remember
DOC is not guaranteed
Cover is usually third party only
It normally applies to the policyholder only
Conditions and exclusions vary by insurer
If you are unsure, always check with us before driving another vehicle.