Can I borrow my car to a friend?
Asked by: Derick Barton | Last update: July 15, 2025Score: 4.9/5 (35 votes)
Is it OK to let your friend borrow your car?
You can't get into trouble for letting a friend borrow a car. But depending on the state they're in, And laws local to their city or town, they could be in a lot of legal trouble. A lot. Just call their local courthouse, ask to speak to the county attorney or prosecutor, and see what advice they give you.
Can someone drive my car if they are not on my insurance nationwide?
Your automobile insurance will cover your covered auto that is driven by you, a household family member, or by a licensed driver who has your (express or implied) permission to use your auto. For example, your friend borrows your car for a day with your permission.
What are three things you should do before lending your car to a friend or family member?
Here are some things to consider before you “lend” your car to your friend. Does your friend have a clean, valid driver's license? Does your insurance cover other drivers besides yourself? Age may be a factor. Will your friend fill the tank with g...
Does it matter whose name is on the car?
Yes, the name on a car title can impact insurance coverage. Insurance companies usually require the policyholder to have an insurable interest in the vehicle, meaning they either own the car or have a significant financial interest in it.
Permissive Use: Can My Friend Borrow My Car?
Can my car be in someone else's name?
If you sign the title over to someone else, they will own the car and can register the car in their name. At that point, they will need to start insurance in their own name and can add you as a driver.
Can I put my car in my friends name?
Most U.S. states allow residents to register and insure their vehicles under different names.
What happens if someone borrows my 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.
What do I need to do to let someone borrow my car?
Check your insurance coverage before lending your vehicle to anyone, and ensure you have appropriate coverages. If the person lives with you or is a family member, make sure they are not listed as an excluded driver on your policy.
Can someone else drive my loaner car?
Who is authorized to drive the Loaner Vehicle? Only you, and any immediate family member living within the same household, specifically listed on your insurance policy, and is over the age of 25. Any additional driver covered under your insurance policy will need to supply a valid drivers license.
Can my son drive my car if he is not insured?
Most insurers cover someone else driving the policyholder's car with their permission once in a while. But, if you're going to start driving one of your parent's cars regularly, you'll need to be added or named on their auto insurance. You can't legally drive your parents' car without any insurance at all, either.
Is my friend insured if he drives my car?
Contrary to popular belief, car insurance typically follows the car — not the driver. If you let someone else drive your car and they get in an accident, your insurance company would likely be responsible for paying the claim, depending on the coverages in your policy.
What happens if you don't add a driver to your insurance?
A driver who lives in your household and isn't listed on your auto policy may be denied coverage if they borrow your vehicle and are involved in an accident. Family members who live in your household and drive your vehicle, including a teenager or your significant other, should be listed as drivers on your policy.
Can I give permission for someone to drive my car?
Most of the time, as long as you gave a driver permission to borrow your car, it's likely not a problem for them to drive your car, even if they're not on your car insurance policy.
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.
Does it cost money to add a driver to insurance?
According to CarInsurance.com, there is usually no charge for adding a driver to your insurance policy. The Automobile Association notes that some insurers charge a small administration fee to update policies. You may also find your premiums change.
What are the risks of letting someone borrow your car?
You may not be covered if the borrower uses your car for business purposes. If your friend drives your car to deliver goods, transport passengers, or perform any other commercial activity, your personal insurance policy may not cover the accident.
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 someone drive my car if they are not on my insurance Geico?
Some states require the car owner's insurance to cover any accidental damage, so if they're not insured or don't have the right coverage, as the driver you may end up being liable.
How does insurance work if you lend your 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.
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.
Does AAA have permissive use?
Which insurance companies offer permissive use? Most of the big auto insurance companies — Allstate, AAA, GEICO, and USAA — allow for permissive use, but you should always confirm your policy details. If you have a named driver policy with any of those companies, you will not have permissive use.
Can I let my friend use my car?
As long as you give the driver permission to borrow your car, they will likely be covered in case of an accident. However, if you expect someone to drive your car regularly, you may need to add them to your insurance policy. Contact your insurance for more information.
Can someone put a car in your name without you knowing?
Yes, it's possible for someone to steal your identity and buy a car in your name.
Does it matter whose name is on the car insurance card?
In most states, police will accept an auto insurance card that lists the car you're driving on it, and it doesn't matter if your name is specifically on the card (some states even accept electronic proof of auto insurance); however, Texas is different.