Can You Drive Any Car with Comprehensive Car Insurance?

Have you ever found yourself in a situation where you need to get somewhere but don't have access to your own vehicle? Maybe your car is in the shop for repairs, or you are travelling and don't want to rent a car. In these instances, you may get tempted to borrow a friend's or family member's car, but there is one question that often comes to mind: Am I allowed to drive this car legally?

While it may seem like a small detail, driving someone else's car without the proper permission and insurance coverage can lead to serious consequences.

Although it is not necessary to purchase separate insurance in India to drive other cars, it is crucial to understand that your current insurance coverage may not extend to other vehicles that you drive. It is best to check with your insurer or the rental company to determine the level of coverage provided and, if necessary, consider purchasing additional coverage.

Let’s delve a bit deeper and try to understand whether you can drive any car with comprehensive insurance.

Do you need separate insurance for driving other cars?

• Third-Party liability coverage:

In India, it is mandatory to have third-party liability coverage for any vehicle that you own. This policy covers damages or injuries you may cause to another person or their property while driving your four-wheeler.

• No coverage for other cars:

Third-party coverage only applies to your vehicle and not any other four-wheeler you may drive. Therefore, if you drive someone else's car and cause an accident, the original owner's insurance policy will cover damages to their four-wheeler and any third-party liability.

• Rental car insurance:

If you are renting out a car, the rental company will typically provide insurance coverage as part of the rental agreement. However, this coverage may only offer basic protection and may not cover all damages or injuries in the event of an accident.

• Non-owner car insurance:

If you frequently drive other people's cars, you may want to consider purchasing non-owner car insurance. This type of insurance provides liability coverage for you as the driver, regardless of whose car you are driving.

• Pay-as-you-drive insurance:

Under this, you pay for the insurance based on how much you drive your vehicle. It uses technology, such as telematics devices, to monitor and track the distance and time a driver spends on the road to determine their insurance premium.