Am I covered driving someone else's car Progressive?

Asked by: Kaitlyn Lang  |  Last update: May 31, 2025
Score: 4.1/5 (30 votes)

Liability coverage comes standard in almost all states and extends to all drivers on a policy, no matter which car on the policy they're driving. The same would apply if you drive your spouse's car and hit someone else's vehicle.

Does Progressive cover me if I drive someone else's car?

If a claim is made while someone who is not the owner of the car is driving (given they're accepted under permissive use; see more details below), the policy that the vehicle is insured under will pay out for a claim.

How does insurance work if I am driving someone else's car?

If you're specifically listed on the car owner's insurance policy, you'll be covered when driving that car – even if it's not your own.

What happens if my friend is driving my car and gets in an accident?

Insurance Coverage: Generally, the car owner's insurance policy will cover the damages if someone else is driving their vehicle with permission. This means that the insurance could pay for repairs to the car, medical expenses, and liability for damages to other vehicles or property.

Can my son drive my car if he is not insured?

If your son has a driver's license, he can still legally operate your car if he has his own insurance, because if he does not have insurance, you become liable for his actions.

Does Insurance Cover Someone Else Driving Your Car?

30 related questions found

What happens if someone who isn't on your insurance crashes your car Progressive?

Allowing another licensed driver to borrow your vehicle is known as "permissive use," which means you give someone, who isn't listed on your car insurance policy, permission to operate your vehicle. If they're involved in an accident, your auto insurance may pay for the damages and injuries, up to your coverage limits.

Can my wife drive my car if she's not on my insurance?

Usually, yes. Your car insurance coverage should be able to extend to anyone else driving your car. Even if someone isn't listed on the policy, they can operate your vehicle. If you explicitly name someone as an excluded driver in your policy, however, none of this applies to them.

Who is liable if someone else is driving your car?

Usually, a car insurance policy covers the vehicle itself, not the person driving it, and that means the liability coverage (which is required by California law) should cover the friend. California is an at-fault state, which means the driver responsible for an accident is the one whose insurance will be the primary ...

Does Progressive allow permissive use?

If you plan to let a friend or relative drive your vehicle during your road trip, they may be covered by your auto insurance in the event of an accident. "Permissive use" on your personal auto policy may cover a driver who doesn't regularly use your vehicle.

Am I covered to drive other cars?

To legally drive a car that is not yours, even if it belongs to friends or a family member, you need insurance. You can get insurance as a named driver on their car insurance policy, take out temporary insurance, or you have your own car insurance policy that includes DOC.

How does insurance work if you borrow a car?

Generally, insurance coverage follows the vehicle rather than the driver. So in most instances, as long as the owner of the car has insurance, it's covered even if someone other than the owner is driving it — as long as they have the owner's permission.

What happens if I don't add my teenager to my car insurance?

Failing to add your teenager to your auto insurance can lead to coverage denial, legal penalties and policy cancellation. Lack of driving experience and perceived higher risk contribute to higher car premiums for teen drivers.

Do all household members need to be on car insurance Progressive?

Many insurers, including Progressive, require you to add a spouse to your car insurance policy if you're both living in the same household (unless your state gives you the option to exclude your spouse). Adding your spouse to your policy ensures that you're both covered in the event of an accident.

What happens if someone borrows your car and gets in an accident?

Vehicle Owners Are Liable Under California Law

This law holds a vehicle's owner responsible for collisions caused by the driver of the vehicle – even if the driver is not the owner. Liability is determined by identifying the actual owner of the vehicle.

Can someone drive my car if they are not on my insurance in Alberta?

In Canada, car insurance usually follows the car, not the driver. This means that if you lend your car to someone with your consent, they can be covered under your insurance policy.

Can someone drive my car if they are not on my insurance in Georgia?

Many people wonder whether car insurance covers the car or the driver. Car insurance in Georgia typically follows the vehicle, not the driver. This means your auto insurance policy is usually the first line of defense if someone else gets into an accident while driving your car, regardless of who was behind the wheel.

Does Progressive cover other people driving my car?

Does my car insurance policy cover other drivers? If you lend your car to someone and they cause an accident, Progressive may cover some of the damages they're liable for. Whether the damages are covered depends on the accident, your coverage limits, the specific damages, and other factors.

What is the golden rule at Progressive?

Golden Rule

We value and respect our differences, act with kindness and caring, and treat others as they want to be treated.

Can I drive my boyfriend's car if I'm not on his insurance?

As long as you've got Jessica's permission, it's usually legal to get behind the wheel of her car, even though you're not insured. Why? Because auto insurance generally follows the car, not the driver.

What happens if I get in an accident while driving my friends car?

If your friend or any family members get into an accident while behind the wheel of your vehicle, liability will also take into account whether or not they had driver's permission. California's laws on insurance coverage mean that the car insurance will follow the vehicle, no matter who is driving it.

Are friends covered if they borrow my car?

Car insurance coverage follows the vehicle, not the driver. When you allow a friend, family member, or babysitter to borrow your vehicle, they also borrow your car insurance. Your insurance becomes the primary coverage when lending the car to family members or friends.

Can my son drive my car if he doesn't live with me?

If your son doesn't live with you but needs to borrow your car, he can do so with your permission. It is known as permissive use, which means that when someone who doesn't live with you gets permission to borrow your car, they are also “borrowing” your auto insurance coverage.

What happens if a driver is not listed on an insurance policy?

You regularly allow a family member or friend to drive your car, but they aren't named on your auto policy. If this person gets in an accident while driving your car, your insurance company will likely deny your claim, leaving you liable for the damages.

Can you let someone who is not on your insurance drive your car?

Permissive use

Most car insurance policies will cover drivers you've listed on the policy, or anyone whom you give permission to drive your car, says Nolo.com. This means your insurance will likely cover another driver in the event of an accident, if they had your permission to drive your vehicle.

Is a spouse automatically covered under car insurance?

Spouse – Even if the spouse is not specifically named on the insurance policy, most liability insurance will cover the spouse. However, there may be some exceptions, such as if the spouse is specifically excluded or if the spouses no longer reside together.