Can I drive the deceased’s car?

Sometimes it’s the unthought of things that can catch out the recently bereaved. funeraldirections.com hopes to give just that extra piece of help and guidance.

When a policyholder dies, their insurance policy typically ends, including any multi-car insurance plans they may have had. This means that all vehicles insured under the deceased’s policy may be at risk of being uninsured in case of an accident, fire, theft, or any other damages.

If you need to drive any of the vehicles covered under the deceased’s single or multi-car insurance policy, it’s crucial to contact the insurance company immediately. They will be able to advise you on what steps to take, including whether you can continue driving the vehicle, if there is a grace period to transfer the policy, or if you need to get a new policy for the vehicle.

It’s also essential to note that some insurance policies may have a provision allowing for the transfer of the policy to a surviving spouse or another family member. In such cases, the insurance company will guide you through the process of transferring the policy to ensure that you remain covered.

Note; if the police stop you for driving without insurance in the UK, they have the power to immediately prohibit you from driving it until you have valid insurance. In some cases, the police may allow you to drive to your destination (home) if it’s a short distance and can be done safely. However, this is at the discretion of the police officer and is not guaranteed.

Driving after a bereavement can be a challenging and emotional experience, and it’s essential to prioritize your safety and that of other road users. The grief and stress that comes with losing a loved one can affect your concentration, reaction time, and decision-making abilities, all of which are crucial when driving. Assess your emotional state before getting behind the wheel and make sure that you’re in the right frame of mind to drive safely.