Borrowing your parents’ car for the new year’s party: what you need to do

Have you worked out how you’re getting around on New Year’s Eve yet?

With New Year’s Eve now looming on the social calendar, it’s a great time to start making practical arrangements for how you’re going to deal with the night itself. Depending on the location of your party venue, you might feel that road transport is the only option. And, if you’d like to cut out the expense of a taxi, and you aren’t planning on doing any drinking, then borrowing your parents’ car might represent the best possible option.

What do you need to do before borrowing your parents’ car?

Let’s run through the critical steps you might take before getting behind the wheel of your parent’s (or anyone else’s) car.

Obtain their permission

Let’s be clear, here. If you don’t obtain the permission of the person who owns the car, then you’re stealing it, legally speaking. Even if you don’t believe your parents will press charges, you might sour the relationship considerably. Your parents should be informed of your plans, and given the opportunity to say no.

Outline your plans

The more clearly you can set out your plans for the car, the better. Tell your parents where and when you intend to drive the car. Let them know when you expect to get there, and when you expect to be back.

You don’t have to stick to the plan rigidly, unless your parents insist on it (after all, it is their car). However, you should make sure to communicate your intentions throughout the night. If you know that you’re going to be back late, or you need to ask for permission to stay out longer, then just write a text.

Arrange temporary insurance

In order to legally drive on public roads in the UK, you’ll need to be insured. There are several options to consider, here, but the most straightforward is to look for temporary cover. Temporary car insurance will give you the peace of mind of knowing that you’re on the right side of the law, and that any mishaps will be paid for.

Read more: How to prepare your car for the winter roads

Be firm with your friends

You’ve been placed in a position of trust. But you might have friends who don’t take that trust quite as seriously as you do, because they won’t bear the responsibility when things go wrong. If you feel pressured into doing something that you otherwise wouldn’t, it’s time to say no.

Leave a backup contact

If you can’t answer the phone during the evening (perhaps because you’re driving), then your parents might want to know that they can at least contact someone who knows where you are. Leave the relevant contact details with your parents, and focus on enjoying your evening.