Driving other cars debate continues

Friday, October 14, 2005

The debate over whether or not the driving other cars (DOC) clause should be included in car insurance took another turn today.

Direct Line has announced it will continue to offer the term in its insurance policies as standard, despite claims that it nurtures the problem of uninsured driving.

Recently firms such as Norwich Union have declared that the clause allows drivers to register insurance under one car and then drive a car where the premiums would be much higher.

However, Direct Line believes that denying people this right will "exacerbate" the problem.

"Other insurers are saying they are removing the cover because it increases the problem of uninsured driving and it is open to fraud by younger motorists who want to drive high powered vehicles," said Emma Holyer, motor spokesperson for Direct Line.

"If these specific few motorists are causing this problem insurers should think about specific underwriting rules rather than removing the cover for all motorists."

Earlier in the week, the AA announced that it too would continue to provide the cover to its motorists.