By John Healy of Healy Insurances

What's the difference between ‘open driving’ and ‘driving other cars’?

This is a question we get asked on a regular basis. There can be some confusion on the differences. Let’s explain.

‘Open driving’

When open driving is present on your policy then anyone with a full EU licence can drive the vehicle with your permission and subject to the policy conditions. The cover on the policy, e.g. comprehensive, will extend to the other drivers. It is a very handy cover extension especially if you have friends or family who may use your vehicle. There are different types of open driving from ‘full open driving without age restrictions’ to ‘restricted open driving for 25 years old to 70 years old’ for example. Open driving can be an optional extension for private car and commercial vehicle policies.

‘Driving other cars’

This extension means that the policyholder has cover under their own policy to drive somebody else’s vehicle (the cover is on a Third Party basis). This means that if the policyholder has an accident whilst driving someone else’s car and makes a claim, only damage done to the other car will be covered. If there is damage to the car the policyholder is driving, the costs of those repairs will be borne by the policy holder. If a friend or family member regularly uses your car then it may be best to name that person on your policy. Some insurers may limit the engine size or age of the vehicle that you can drive under the driving other cars extension. Driving of other cars may not be available if the policyholder is aged under 25 however we do have some insurers who can include this cover. Driving other cars is not available for commercial vehicle polices.

As there is a diverse difference in cover across the market it is important to get the right advice in relation to your own motor policy.