What is drive other car insurance? When it comes to car insurance, most people are familiar with the basics; liability coverage, collision, and comprehensive insurance for their own vehicles.
However, what happens if you need to drive someone else’s car? This is where Drive Other Car (DOC) insurance comes into play.
DOC insurance is a special type of coverage that allows policyholders to drive vehicles that they don’t own, providing additional protection and peace of mind.
In this article, we will break down what Drive Other Car insurance is, how it works, and why it might be a smart option for many drivers.
Whether you’re borrowing a friend’s car for a quick trip or using a shared vehicle, knowing what DOC insurance is about can help you make stay covered while you drive.
What Is Drive Other Car Insurance Endorsement?
Drive Other Car (DOC) insurance endorsement is an add-on to a business auto insurance policy. It allows business owners and specific employees to have coverage when driving vehicles the company does not own. This includes rented, leased, or borrowed vehicles.
By adding a DOC endorsement, businesses ensure that their executives and their spouses are protected while using a non-owned vehicle for personal or business-related purposes.
Additionally, employees who occasionally drive or test a vehicle not owned by the company can also be covered under this policy.
Why Businesses Need Drive Other Car Insurance
Businesses that provide company vehicles to employees for personal or professional use should consider adding DOC coverage.
Without it, employees and management may not be covered if they get into an accident while driving a rented or borrowed car.
Standard commercial auto policies usually cover only the vehicles specifically listed in the policy. DOC endorsement expands coverage to other vehicles, reducing financial risks in case of accidents, property damage, or bodily injury.
Employees do not need to be individually named in the policy to use company vehicles, but they typically need permission from their employer.
How Does Drive Other Car Insurance Work?
A DOC endorsement includes a list of employees covered under the policy, along with their spouses. However, it does not extend coverage to other family members.
This coverage usually includes:
- Liability insurance – Covers costs related to bodily injury or property damage.
- Medical payments coverage – Helps pay medical expenses after an accident.
- Physical damage coverage – Covers repairs or replacement of the vehicle.
- Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage – Protects against losses if the other driver is uninsured or underinsured.
For an employee to be covered under the company’s DOC insurance, their name must be listed in the policy.
Who Should Get Drive Other Car Insurance?
DOC insurance is mainly for business owners, executives, and their spouses. It provides protection when they rent, borrow, or test-drive a vehicle that the company does not own.
Without this coverage, employees or the company itself may have to bear the cost of damages and liability in case of an accident.
Some states require businesses to carry liability insurance, but employees using a company-provided vehicle usually do not need personal auto insurance.
However, businesses without employees generally do not need DOC coverage.
Exceptions And Restrictions
- This endorsement is only available to corporations and partnerships.
- It applies only to employees and their spouses, not other family members.
- The company must own a vehicle covered under a commercial auto policy.
- If an employee already has personal auto insurance, they might not need DOC coverage.
Drive Other Car Insurance Limits and Deductibles
DOC insurance follows the same limits as the company’s commercial auto policy. This means the coverage levels set for liability, medical payments, physical damage, and uninsured/underinsured motorist insurance also apply to DOC endorsements.
Final Thoughts
Adding a Drive Other Car endorsement can provide businesses with extra financial protection when employees or management use non-owned vehicles.
It ensures that liability and damages are covered, reducing potential risks. For companies that frequently rent or lease cars, this endorsement is a smart addition to their commercial auto policy.
