Owning and insuring and others driving the car

I am obviously in a lull right now to even think this far ahead but it will give me something to consider, or not...

Neither of us can drive these days and since trains are expensive and can't get to every place of interest, I am thinking maybe a used car.

I like used cars and am not a car fancier, just want efficient, safe and reliable 4 door. Since others will be driving it would it be best to get automatic?

And as for others driving it, will insurance companies be calm about this?

Aren't there any Toyota's or Nissan's there?

I like used cars and am not a car fancier, just want efficient, safe and reliable 4 door. Since others will be driving it would it be best to get automatic?

Who will be driving it? The majority of British drivers drive manual cars as automatics aren't very common over here... so if the people driving the car are British, then there's probably not much point in getting an automatic.

However, if the drivers are American and used to driving automatics, an automatic might be better so they don't have to learn to drive a manual.

And as for others driving it, will insurance companies be calm about this?

Not sure how the insurance will work, to be honest. Usually the holder of the insurance policy needs to be the registered owner of the car, but I don't know how that would work if you don't drive (do either of you have a licence?). I think you can take out policies where you are covered for anyone else to drive the car as long as you give them permission take responsibility for them driving it though.

Aren't there any Toyota's or Nissan's there?

Of course there are .

I took my UK driving test in a Toyota Corolla in 2001 and I've been driving Nissans in the UK ever since (I'm British and grew up here in the UK)... in fact, my parents have owned only Nissans and Toyotas for over 20 years now!

Who will be driving it? The BritishThe majority of British drivers drive manual cars as automatics aren't very common over here... so if the people driving the car are British, then there's probably not much point in getting an automatic. Good info

However, if the drivers are American and used to driving automatics, an automatic might be better so they don't have to learn to drive a manual.

Not sure how the insurance will work, to be honest. Usually the holder of the insurance policy needs to be the registered owner of the car, We will be ownersbut I don't know how that would work if you don't drive (do either of you have a licence? Not anymore). I think you can take out policies where you are covered for anyone else to drive the car as long as you give them permission take responsibility for them driving it though. It isn't a problem here except that I have to watch as some companies think they have to charge extra because of added drivers. They don't and I refuse to state just a couple of people can drive it. I need flexibility in my life not more limitations so whenever friends want to drive me/us they drive.

Of course there are .

I took my UK driving test in a Toyota Corolla in 2001 and I've been driving Nissans in the UK ever since (I'm British and grew up here in the UK)... in fact, my parents have owned only Nissans and Toyotas for over 20 years now! I love these cars!!!

I took my UK driving test in a Toyota Corolla in 2001 and I've been driving Nissans in the UK ever since (I'm British and grew up here in the UK)... in fact, my parents have owned only Nissans and Toyotas for over 20 years now!

Sorry to rain on your parade but a few minutes ago I got a call from my daughter and her Nissan Quest van won't start. It is a 2007 and has about 125,000 miles on it. She will not buy another one. Too many problems. She needs to be on her way because she needs to get home which is 600 miles away.

One thing to be aware of...if someone takes their driving test in an automatic car, then that is the license they will hold.  If you test in a manual car, then you will be licensed for either.  So, just because someone is ABLE to drive a manual, doesn't automatically mean they are ALLOWED to do so.

In general here, the driver is insured the car is not.

For instance I went home to the US and drove my parent's car for two weeks.  This was fine under their insurance.

The same can't be said for the UK.  I had to name anyone who would be driving my car and I have full comprehensive.

As far as I am aware, the insurance usually doesn't allow people to drive cars. Because when I went to test drive used cars, if it was a private seller I had to have my own insurance.

I think the big difference between US/UK insurance is that in the States anyone can drive your car with "permission" from the owner. Not to say that for long periods you should add them...but there really isnt any way to prove your friend has been driving it alot.... In the UK on the other hand if you want to be able to drive a car you MUST be on the insurance or most or all your coverage will not be applied.

Yes!  Thanks, that is what I was trying to say in my clumsy way. 

Ho hum.

I am on the policy here in the states. I will work out something when the time comes. Sometimes things aren't common knowledge if it isn't a common question! I will ring up some UK insurance companies tomorrow. Non-disabled people expect us to give up WAAAAAAAY too soon and get out of their way. 

Not sure what being disabled has to do with it.  These are just the rules of the majority of UK insurance companies.  When we considered getting a car in the UK and went to see a few, the owners wouldn't even let us take a short test drive because we were not insured to drive their cars.  One of our good friends wouldn't even let us drive his car around the block to see what it was like. It's very different than it is in the US.

Yes Geeta.  Exactly. 

I suppose there might be special insurance for people who are disabled, but I am sure anyone who will be driving you needs to be named on the insurance.

I didn't have time to phone this morning but thanks everyone for your input. It isn't any big deal, I was just curious. Wondering how fast I could get 50 drivers added on and taken off over a certain span of time? Funny how 'they' (power, money, law, the world) expect us to get out and move around, or rather that we don't.

Guess this on a bumper sticker is out. "To boldly go where all others have gone before." (:

Here is what I was saying...I will be able to have the bumper sticker afterall, just as I figured! (Word of advice, when you become disabled, quit giving up so blasted quick and never take no for an answer).

A person can own the car and get an "any driver" policy. Just like in the states, the drivers of course have to have a good driving record. The policy costs a bit more if drivers are under 18.