If you’ve ever heard the term open car and weren’t sure what it meant, you’re not alone. It can refer to two main things: a type of car insurance policy and a car design with no fixed roof.
In this guide, we’ll break down both meanings of “open car,” how each one works, and what you need to know before choosing one—whether you’re insuring your car or buying your next vehicle.
What Is an Open Car in Insurance?
In the insurance world, an open car refers to a vehicle covered under an open driving policy. This means other people (besides the policyholder) can legally drive the car, as long as they meet certain conditions.
What Is an Open Driving Policy?
An open driving policy allows multiple drivers—often unnamed—to use the insured vehicle. These drivers usually must:
- Hold a full driver’s license (EU/UK/Ireland in most cases)
- Be between the ages of 25 and 70
- Have a clean driving record (depending on the insurer)
Benefits of an Open Driving Policy
- Flexibility: No need to list every driver on the insurance.
- Convenience: Perfect for families, businesses, or shared vehicles.
- Cost-effective: May reduce the cost of insuring several drivers separately.
Things to Watch Out For
Even though open driving policies are flexible, they aren’t without limits. Some insurers only allow certain age ranges or require additional checks. For example, Gallagher Insurance explains that many open driving policies exclude young or inexperienced drivers.
What Is an Open Car in Automotive Design?
In car design, an open car is a vehicle with no permanent roof. It’s often used to describe:
- Convertibles (cars with a foldable soft or hardtop)
- Roadsters (small two-seater sports cars with no roof)
- Touring cars (older models made for long trips, usually with an open top)
Advantages of an Open Car Design
- Stylish Look: Open-top cars are sleek and sporty.
- Enjoyable Driving Experience: Driving without a roof on a sunny day feels exciting and immersive.
- Lightweight Design: Many open cars are lighter, making them more agile on the road.
Downsides of Open Cars
- Weather Exposure: Not ideal in rainy or very sunny weather.
- Less Protection: In case of an accident, they usually offer less rollover protection than hardtop cars.
- Security Risks: Some soft tops are easier to break into.
Open Car Insurance in Morocco
If you’re in Morocco, owning a car means you’re legally required to carry insurance. While open driving policies are more common in the UK and Ireland, Moroccan drivers should check with their local insurer about what’s available.
The ACAPS (Insurance and Social Welfare Supervisory Authority) is the official body that regulates insurance in Morocco and ensures consumer protection.
When choosing an insurance plan, make sure to ask whether your policy includes:
- Open driving coverage
- Driver age restrictions
- Conditions for occasional drivers
This is especially important if you’re sharing your car with others or running a business.
Quick Comparison: Open Driving Policy vs Named Driver Policy
| Feature | Open Driving Policy | Named Driver Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Who Can Drive? | Any qualified person | Only listed drivers |
| Flexibility | High | Low |
| Risk to Insurer | Higher | Lower |
| Premium Cost | Sometimes higher | Usually lower |
External Resource
For a deeper dive into how open driving works, check out this guide on open driving insurance from Gallagher, an industry expert.
FAQs About Open Car and Open Driving
What is the difference between an open car and a convertible?
A convertible is a type of open car with a foldable or retractable roof. All convertibles are open cars, but not all open cars are convertibles.
Is open driving policy good for families?
Yes! If you live with multiple drivers, it can make car use easier without needing to update the policy each time.
Can anyone drive my car under an open driving policy?
Not everyone. The person usually needs to be within the allowed age range (25–70) and have a valid full license.
Is open driving more expensive?
Sometimes. Because the risk to the insurer is higher, premiums may go up slightly compared to named-driver policies.
Does open car insurance exist in Morocco?
Insurance in Morocco is required, but open driving coverage may depend on your insurer. Always confirm the policy details before buying.
Final Thoughts
The term open car might sound simple, but it has powerful meanings in both insurance and car design. Whether you’re buying an open-top vehicle or looking for flexible insurance coverage, understanding this term can save you time, money, and trouble.
Want a stylish convertible or a smart insurance policy for your family car? Knowing what open car means helps you make better decisions—and that’s always a good move.
