Drivers who borrow and drive other people’s car or van believing they are covered by their own fully comprehensive car or van insurance have been warned that they could be breaking the law.

The warning comes from Swinton as a study from the insurance retailer found that many UK drivers conclude that they are automatically covered by their insurance policy even when they drive any other vehicle.

Against this backdrop Swinton warned motorists who take fancy in driver other people’s car or van that they could face heavy fines and points on their licence if found out.

It warned further that in the event of an accident such drivers could risk going to prison or be sued by the injured driver.

Although some policies provide third party cover for people to drive in emergency situations, the firm reminded that it is not every fully comprehensive policy that has such provision.

More than 80 per cent of respondents said there were times they either borrowed or wanted to borrow someone else’s vehicle.