The festive driving checklist

There’s so much to fit in around the festive season - putting up the trees, taking in a light trail, shopping at a festive market, visiting friends and family, wrapping the presents, putting on the dinner…

And that’s before we even get to the practicalities of sleeping arrangements and the Tetris-style challenge of fitting many more cars onto one driveway.

Once you’re parked, it’s all good and you can focus on your favourite festive film or prepping the turkey, but if someone needs to get out (and it will always be the car that’s blocked in), you have to be wary. You wouldn’t want a lack of cover to dampen your festive spirit.

As reported on Birmingham Live, recent Tempcover research has shown that 8 million drivers in England are on course to break the law during the month of December.

One in five drivers said they’re likely to drive a friend or family member’s car without the correct insurance in place, which is an offence that - even if just backing a few feet off a driveway - could land you with the following penalties:

• A minimum £300 fixed penalty fine
• 6 points on your licence
• Potential driving disqualification

It’s not worth risking a criminal record for a festive favour. If you’re asked to drive someone else’s car this Christmas, consider the following:

Are you covered for driving other cars?

Tempcover’s research revealed 37% of drivers believe their comprehensive policy will let them drive other vehicles, but this isn’t necessarily true. Driving Other Cars is becoming increasingly rare in policies - or only offers third-party cover when you take the wheel of another vehicle. This means you’d be liable to pay for any damages that may occur to the borrowed car.

It’s worth checking your policy documents before hopping in your father-in-law’s car, as you wouldn’t want to end up spending out if the worst was to happen. It really would be a Christmas catastrophe.

Temporary car insurance is a solution that can add some Christmas cheer. Take out an hour’s policy and enjoy the peace of mind that comes with comprehensive cover that doesn’t impact any existing no claims discount.

The quick trip excuse

The following were common reasons listed as to why drivers would risk driving uninsured over Christmas:

• Moving a car that was blocking their own on a driveway - 33%
• Driving a friend or family member whose had too much to drink’s car - 33%
• Running a short errand - 19%

Any vehicle being driven on a public road (and private land like driveways) must be insured. If you’re caught by the police driving without insurance, they’re unlikely to offer any seasonal goodwill when it comes to breaking the law - despite how short a distance you’re travelling or your best intentions.

Before taking the keys, consider if you should be driving the vehicle. Get a quote for temporary car insurance and purchase the policy. You can then set off with a clear conscience and crank up your favourite Christmas song.

You’re the designated driver

Christmas wouldn’t be Christmas without some parties. If you’ve had enough to drink over the period or are sober and happy to be the designated driver, don’t just start driving anyone’s car.

Although your intentions of getting someone home safe are to be commended, if you were to have an accident while driving without the correct insurance, you’d personally be held liable for all the costs.

Take extra responsibility and arrange temporary car insurance for the evening. You can then take your relative to the venue, drop them off and pick them up with no concerns about whether you have the correct cover.

Drive legally and happily this Christmas time

Enjoy one less stress this Christmas with Tempcover. Don’t be tempted to risk a fine, points or even your licence when you can arrange a quote for cover in under two minutes.

Once you’ve taken out temporary car insurance, you can crack on with your festive travel plans.

Sources

https://www.birminghammail.co.uk/motoring/motoring-news/eight-million-drivers-england-course-32989590