Dad’s illegal dash to visit sick child unearths serious insurance fallacy
A MOTHER is warning drivers to check their insurance policy after her son was penalised for illegally driving her husband’s car.
The woman from North Bitchburn, who didn’t wish to be identified, said she was shocked when she found out her son wasn’t insured to drive the car even though he has a full insurance policy of his own and her husband’s car is also comprehensively covered.
She said: “My son’s car had broken down so he needed to borrow my husband’s to visit his sick son in hospital. He was pulled over by the police because he wasn’t wearing a seatbelt which is his own fault. He was completely shocked when the police said he was driving without insurance.
“Now he faces going to court and the car was impounded, it cost us £175 to get it back. Driving without insurance is a very serious offence, we had no idea he was illegal because he has his own fully comped cover as does my husband. “he got caught out it makes me think there must be thousands of people out there who are also completely innocently breaking the law. I would urge everyone to check their policies, everyone I have spoken to had no idea it was illegal.”
Insurance broker Michael Curry from Mapp’s Mortgage and Insurance Service, said it is a common misconception that motorists can drive any car if they are fully insured on their own.
He said: “The driving other cars is an extension provided by some insurance companies usually for drivers over 25 and who have a good record. The other car has to be insured by someone as well.
“In theory it’s there for emergencies, like if you’re car broke down and you had to borrow your mother’s to get to work. It will say on your insurance certificate whether you can drive another car or not, if it doesn’t say it then you can’t. I would urge everyone to check their certificates to make sure.
“It is becoming less common now because companies are fazing it out to comply with new European laws.”
PC Billy Crampsie from the Crook neighbourhood beat team said while each case will be investigated on its own merits, ignorance is no defence.
He said: “It is imperative people check their policies, just because they are fully covered for their own car doesn’t mean they can drive anybody elses.
“For Under 25s its not normally allowed by their policy. If people do have queries then they can pop in and speak to us or to their insurance company.
“Each case is looked at on its own merits but the standard for someone caught driving without insurance is points on their license and a fine. The car can also be recovered and the person has to pay to get it back. It has been known for drivers to be disqualified for it as well.”