Am I covered to drive someone else’s car?

Your 123.ie car insurance policy may allow you to drive someone else's car, but only if your Certificate of Motor Insurance explicitly states that the "Driving Other Cars" (DOC) benefit applies.

This benefit typically provides third-party cover only, meaning that if you damage the borrowed vehicle, the cost of repairs would not be covered by your policy​.

Conditions for Cover:

• You must have permission from the car owner.
• The car must not be owned by you, your spouse, employer, or business partner.
• The car must not be hired or leased to you under a hire purchase or leasing agreement.
• The car must not be in the custody or control of a motor trade business of which you are a member, director, or employee.
• The vehicle must not be a two-seat van, motorcycle, or commercial vehicle.
• The car must be insured under another active policy in someone else's name (not your spouse/partner).
• The car must be registered, taxed, and normally situated in Ireland and comply with all Road Traffic legislation.
• The car must not be modified beyond the manufacturer’s standard specification.
• Your own car (the one insured under your policy) must still be owned and insured by you and must not be written off​.

What If My Policy is Comprehensive?

If your policy includes Comprehensive cover, you may also have accidental damage cover while driving another car. However, this is subject to additional conditions, such as:

• The engine capacity must be less than 2500cc or not exceed 75kWh for battery-powered electric cars.
• The vehicle’s value must not exceed €50,000.
• Your Certificate of Motor Insurance must explicitly confirm DOC cover.

Always check your Policy Schedule to confirm if these terms apply to you​.

What Is Not Covered? (Exclusions & Limitations)

Always confirm with 123.ie Customer Support before driving another vehicle to avoid invalidating your insurance. Our exclusions & limitations are:

• No cover for death, illness, or bodily injury to the driver.
• No cover for trailers, property inside the vehicle, or any vehicles under the policyholder’s control.
• No cover if there is another policy in place that covers the car being driven.
• No cover for modifications beyond the manufacturer’s standard specification.
• Motor Breakdown Assistance does not apply to any car driven under this section.

What Should I Do Before Driving Another Car?

• Check your Certificate of Motor Insurance – If the DOC extension applies, it will be clearly stated.

• Verify with 123.ie Customer Support – If you’re unsure, contact our customer care team before driving another vehicle.

• Confirm with the car owner – Ensure the vehicle is legally insured, registered, and meets the eligibility criteria.

Need More Information?

If you have questions about driving other cars under your policy, contact us before taking the wheel. To review your specific cover details, check your policy documents and ensure you’re compliant with the latest policy terms.