Does a car have to be insured or can it be driven legally by a non owner?

I have just bought a newer second hand car and still have my old car which is taxed for another six months and I am no hurry to sell or scrap it.

I cannot drive it under my new car comprehensive insurance cover, but as I understand from the small print, my wife can drive with third party only cover via the comp insurance on her car, provided she does so with my permisssion as the owner. Is this correct. A broker says yes it is, but the AA said no it was not: the car had to be insured to be on the road. What is the position I wonder at law?

Asked on 12 January 2011 by champerty

Answered by Honest John
No-one can drive it unless it is itself insured.
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