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Does Car Insurance Cover Backseat Drivers?

Does Car Insurance Cover Backseat Drivers?

While the image of a backseat driver may be one which often raises a smile – Hyacinth Bucket and her verbal assaults on poor old Richard for example – there are considerable dangers in distracting the driver, especially as car insurance policies do not always cover backseat drivers.

Mark Bower-Dyke of Be Wiser Insurance comments:

“Passengers need to be aware that, if accidents happen, they could be held responsible where backseat driving was a factor. They could face financial ruin if found responsible for an accident. They would be expected to meet all the costs of damages and injuries that resulted – and that amount could be limitless.”

In a recent poll conducted by Be Wiser Insurance it was found that almost one in ten backseat drivers would grab the wheel from the driver if they were concerned for their safety, while one in eight would operate controls for the driver if they felt it was necessary.

This level of interference is obviously dangerous, but any distraction could mean the passenger taking their share of responsibility when it comes to insurance claims.

Mark Bower-Dyke comments:

“Although back-seat drivers believe they are helping, most are doing more harm than good. A distracted driver cannot drive to the best of their ability.”

The survey also found we express our fear in cars in more subtle ways too – for example 21% of us move our braking foot as passengers.

Mark Bower-Dyke concludes:

“Whilst we all know how we should behave in a car, some of us occasionally have issues with not being in control. It is at times like this that it is crucial to be covered by a quality car insurance company – ideally with full legal protection.”

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