AN insurance specialist is warning North-East drivers to check they are covered to drive cars other than their own after a number of major companies changed their policies.

Driving Other Cars cover (or DOC) has been a common feature of comprehensive motor insurance policies, providing third party insurance to motorists driving another vehicle.

Some of the big insurers have recently dropped the benefit, complaining that some policyholders were using it to get cheaper cover on a second, more expensive or more powerful car.

But other companies are still offering DOC, saying that cancelling it will only mean more people driving uninsured.

Martin Littleton, managing director of Darlington-based BiB Group, said: "The removal of DOC was a recommendation put forward by Professor David Greenaway following his independent investigation into uninsured driving in Britain.

"However, the industry seems to be split over whether DOC cover is a good thing or not. For those who are against it, it is insurance by the back door; for those retaining it, it means a motorist is covered at least third party for any vehicle he or she drives."

Mr Littleton said that although insurers could not change their policies mid-term, it was vital that all motorists checked their policy at renewal to find out if their insurer was one of those who had dropped the DOC extension.

He added: "The main thing is not to take it for granted that you are insured to drive other vehicles otherwise you could be caught out. The penalty for driving without insurance is serious - a fine, points and even worse if you are involved in an accident.

"There is confusion at the moment. As a broker we know which companies have dropped DOC cover and which are continuing to offer it as part of their fully comprehensive policies. We are advising our clients accordingly when their policy is due for renewal.

"But I am worried for the drivers who inadvertently find themselves driving without insurance because they haven't had the time or inclination to check their policy."

Mr Littleton also predicted that DOC cover was likely to be highlighted as an extra benefit to customers by those companies still offering it in the battle between insurers to attract business.

With wintry weather expected in most parts of the country this weekend, motorists are being advised to drive with extra care on icy or snowy roads and take steps to avoid car trouble.

A main cause of vehicle breakdowns is due to problems with electrics, in particular the battery.

Nigel Charlesworth, of Green Flag, said: "Nonstarts due to battery problems account for almost 50 per cent of all requests for breakdown assistance. With some simple maintenance and preventative action as soon as the battery starts to fail, many of these breakdowns could be avoided.

"In fact, many garages provide a free check of the battery charge and can offer advice on the options available."

To minimise the risk of breaking down in adverse weather, Green Flag advises motorists to spend a few minutes checking the following before setting off:

Check their region's weather forecast before setting off and throughout the journey.

Remove ice to ensure you have good all-round visibility Ensure tyres are inflated to the correct pressure and have adequate tread depth Check the oil and water levels and top up if necessary Ensure wiper blades are in good condition and top up screen washer bottles Make sure all lights are clean and in good working order to ensure optimum visibility.