Can I Drive Someone Else's Car in Cyprus?

Who Is Covered to Drive Another Person's Car in Cyprus?

Every Cyprus motor policy lists who may drive the insured vehicle. Some policies name specific drivers, such as the owner and their spouse. Others carry an "any driver" clause, which lets any licensed driver with the owner's permission drive the car, usually for a higher premium.

If you borrow a car whose policy names only the owner, you are not insured to drive it, even for a short trip. Before lending or borrowing, check the policy schedule. If you drive other people's cars often, it can be cheaper to hold your own comprehensive car insurance policy with the drivers you need already listed.

How to Be Legally Covered to Drive Someone Else's Car

There are three reliable ways to make sure you are covered:

1. Be added as a named driver. The policyholder asks their insurer or broker to add you to the policy. This is quick and often free or low cost for occasional drivers.
2. Use an "any driver" policy. If the owner's policy allows any licensed driver with permission, you are covered automatically. Check the age and licence conditions, which often exclude drivers under 25 or with less than a year's experience.
3. Arrange short-term or temporary cover. For a one-off loan, some Cyprus insurers write short-period motor cover. A broker can tell you which ones offer it.

What Happens If You Drive an Uninsured Car in Cyprus?

If your name is not linked to a valid policy for that vehicle, the officer treats you as uninsured, regardless of the owner's own cover. Permission to borrow the car does not create insurance.

If you cause an accident while uninsured, the Motor Insurers' Fund of Cyprus compensates the injured party and then pursues you personally for the full amount, which can reach hundreds of thousands of euros for a serious injury.