We know situations can arise where someone may need to jump behind the wheel of somebody else’s car. Maybe somebody has had a few too many down the local pub, or perhaps they’re simply not feeling very well - there are various perfectly reasonable reasons for doing it, but it’s important to understand the legality before jumping in.
Is It Legal to Drive Someone Else's Car in Ireland?
The short answer is yes, it is legal to drive somebody else’s car in Ireland, but there are a few caveats to this:
1. Perhaps it goes without saying - but you never know - before driving someone else's car in Ireland, you must be absolutely sure that you have permission to do so. That doesn’t mean, ‘I thought it would be ok’. Any vehicle taken without the owner’s express permission can be classified as theft.
2. The second important point is that you actually have your own car insurance. There are a few limitations here, but generally, as long as you have car insurance in your own name, you can usually drive another vehicle for a short period. However, check your insurer or level of cover first before driving another car.
What Types of Insurance Policies Allow You to Drive Another Person's Car?
Rules can vary based on the insurance provider and the specific policy, but as long as you tick the relevant boxes, there shouldn’t be too many issues.
Types of Policies
Most Third-Party, Fire and Theft, and Comprehensive policies allow you to drive legally in somebody else’s car. However, be aware that the level of coverage may vary, so it’s best to check with your insurer first.
In Ireland, it’s common for young drivers to be included on their parent's insurance policies as a Named Driver, which means they can legally use the vehicle as long as a qualified driver is in the car, they have their provisional licence, and the vehicle has L plates clearly displayed. While we have seen a rise in unaccompanied named drivers, a fine of up to €1000 and a car seizure should be enough to put most off.
Coverage Limitations
There are various limitations that you’ll need to consider if you’re going to be driving somebody else’s car:
- Mileage Restrictions - You can’t simply drive a friend’s car for an indeterminate amount of time. This coverage is typically reserved for emergencies; therefore, excessive mileage used in a vehicle that’s not yours could negate the coverage.
- Age - Most insurance providers limit this service to those over 25 with a full licence.
- Vehicle Limitations - You normally can’t drive somebody else’s vehicle if it is a van, car-van, or jeep-type vehicle with no seats in the back or a van adapted to carry passengers. It’s also worth remembering that high-powered vehicles, i.e., sports cars, will also probably not be covered.
What Are the Legal Consequences of Driving Without Proper Insurance in Ireland?
Driving without car insurance comes with some tough fines. Sadly, Ireland has some of the highest rates of uninsured drivers in all of Europe, with 7.8% of the vehicles on the road in 2021 being uninsured - behind only Greece - with over 9,000 people caught by the Gardaí in the first six months of 2023.
Penalties for driving without the required insurance can be as high as €5,000 and 5 penalty points, while a six-month prison sentence isn’t unheard of, especially if you were driving recklessly while uninsured or caused a serious accident.
These penalties are precisely the same whether you’re driving your car or another person’s. If you don’t have insurance, you’re going to get stung.
Can a Learner Driver Drive Someone Else's Car in Ireland?
Learner drivers often face stricter rules and requirements than other drivers in Ireland, which is perfectly understandable as they’re just starting out in the driving world.
Learner Driver Regulations
A learner driver may drive another person’s car if they are included as a Named Driver on the policy. There will also need to be a fully licensed driver in the car at all times and L plates displayed on the vehicle.
If you are a learner driver, you cannot drive somebody else’s car because you do not have the effective cover to drive someone else's car yet. If caught, it could be a while until that learner permit becomes a full licence.
Insurance Requirements for Learners
Learners need to be included as a Named Driver on somebody else’s insurance policy, which covers them in the event of an accident. As mentioned above, learner drivers cannot be covered for driving any other person’s car other than the one they are a named driver on.
What Happens If You Get Into an Accident While Driving Another Person's Car?
Both insurance and legal consequences can be complex if you are involved in an accident while driving somebody else’s car.
Insurance Claims
Remember that your insurance policy will kick in if you’re involved in an accident, not the owner of the car. If you are a named driver on the car owner's insurance policy, that is the policy that is in force, not the driver's policy. If you only have third-party coverage and are involved in a major accident, your insurance will cover the damage to the other vehicle but not to the one you were driving.
Legal Responsibilities
The legal responsibility for what happens while you are driving falls squarely on your shoulders. Liability for any damages and issues of criminal matters will be focused entirely on you, whether it was your car or not.
Conclusion
There are many instances where using somebody else’s car is needed, and, by and large, it’s entirely legal. However, it’s important to remember the few limitations and restrictions that are in place. Namely the age of the person borrowing the car, the type of vehicle, how much you will be using it, and, of course, ensuring that you are insured to do so.
If you still have questions, why not contact 123.ie for a car insurance quote and speak to a personalised advisor? We’ll be happy to guide you through the process, leaving you fully informed on the matter and ready to go.
