To think it’s fine to drive uninsured if it’s just a short distance?

[MourningEveryone]

My car has a flat tyre. My dad wanted me to borrow my mum’s car to drive home in, rather than one of them having to give me a lift. I’m not insured to drive her car. However he says it would be fine as it’s only a very short distance.

I refused, saying this would be against the law. He’s now not speaking to me. AIBU?

op are you with RAC or AA? or do you have anyone else who could help ?

Everyone needs to check their policies to see if it covers them to drive other people's cars - i know a few years ago this had been quietly withdrawn from the majority of polices and people had not realised.

It may have made a comeback but I would tell everyone not to assume you have got it - mine was withdrawn one year when i renewed my policy after having had it for many years.

It's probably covered by one of the many unwritten laws similar to these;

One can go faster than the speed limit if your heater is broken and it is very cold outside.
Shop-lifting is O.K. if the value of the goods is less than £9.50 and 'you wanted it'.
Driving whilst over the 'drink drive limit' is acceptable, if when you close one eye the double vision stops.
'Covid Rules' don't apply to members of the Government.
You can commit bank robbery if you can ever find a bank that is still open.
You can knock a policeman's hat off without recrimination, if you are on a hen or stag night.

This is also the same op with a thread running about her parents wanting to take her 2 year old in their car with just a booster seat, which op didn't want them to do and preferred them to use no car seat at all. I'm not sure op or her parents should be on the road at all

Ah, my apologies. In which case, I take back my comment re: being insured third party, and in your shoes, I'd have done exactly how you did. It's not worth risking the licence, nor anybody else, to drive uninsured so you did the right thing IMO x

Actually yes, it has come up in conversation or I've seen the spare in their car over the years.

I don't think many companies do the, 'drive any car third party' any more. It disappeared off my insurance years ago. Problems with people being doubly insured and driving without consent, etc. It got too expensive/complicated for insurance companies. Not saying it's impossible, but read your documents carefully if you haven't really for years and you assume its OK.

I check every year that I have it. It's something I look for. I have it on my policy

You did the right thing to refuse op. It's your license on the line. Your parents sound irresponsible and childish for not talking to you. I would just say in the most condescending tone you can muster up 'Dad, you can't break the rules like that these days, times have changed!' And then ignore him.

Your dad can't be for real! If he gives you advice in the future I'd suggest you ignore it. He's already caused you serious problems with insurance.

He’s now not speaking to me.
Because you didn't wish to break the law & expose yourself to the potential of an appalling mess of protracted trouble, at his behest?

It's interesting that you have posted to ask if YOUR position is the un/reasonable one, instead of about why your dad treats you so poorly.

It makes me wonder if he has been controlling & overbearing your whole life ..?

No its illegal but are def not covered third party by your own insurance , many are not but some are
My policy allows me to drive others third party only

@TokenGinger not all policies allow this , it used to be pretty standard but isn't anymore

You could simply get TEMPORARY car insurance which will allow you to drive the car.

I've done it for 1 or 2 hours, but you can do it for much longer.

It's a good option for you. Other than that, either learn to change your wheel for a fully inflated one.

Or have Tyre Weld handy in your boot along with an air compressor. Can be very handy and will get you moving again.

If Tyre Weld or similar went through your tyre, you didn't merely have a flat tyre! You must've had quite a gash in the tyre.

Tyre Weld is NOT meant for that kind of damage.

As you say, some people break the law all the time, but you are quite right not to want to be one of them. If you'd had an accident, then you'd be in trouble, I bet you'd be feeling extra twitchy behind the wheel due to the worry. Your dad is BU.

Modern cars don’t usually come with a spare. It’s usually a can of spray stuff to get you home. If your vehicle has a spare then it needs to be roadworthy or fail it’s mot