Can I let my friend borrow my car in California?
Asked by: Agustin Jones | Last update: July 24, 2025Score: 4.5/5 (62 votes)
Can you let someone borrow your car in California?
Yes, you can borrow or lend a vehicle as long as the driver has the car owner's permission. However, there are exceptions, so you need an expert lawyer to help you review your insurance policy and guide you with any claims or compensation you might have.
Can someone drive my car if they are not on my insurance in California?
It's legal to drive someone else's car with their permission. The state requires you to have your own license and for the car to carry liability insurance [that would be issued to the car's owner]. That insurance generally covers other drivers, too.
What happens if someone else is driving my car and gets in an accident in California?
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.
Is it okay 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.
Think twice before letting your friend borrow your vehicle...here's why!
How does insurance work if I let someone borrow my car?
While there are exceptions, car insurance generally follows the car and not the driver. 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.
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.
What happens if my friend borrowed my car and gets in an accident?
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 insurance follow car or person in California?
Insurance in California follows the vehicle, not the driver. This means you will be covered by the same insurance that covers the car if you drive a friend's car in California. The insurance company will cover everything they typically do when the owner is behind the wheel.
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 insurance in California?
If you exclude a driver by name, permissive use no longer applies. If you allow the excluded driver to drive your car, or you negligently allow the driver access to your vehicle, you will have no insurance coverage in the event of an accident. In this case, you and the driver will be held personally liable for damages.
Can someone drive my car if they are not on my insurance Progressive?
If you give someone outside your household permission to drive and borrow your car (also referred to as "permissive use") and they aren't rated on your policy, any accident they're involved in may be covered by your insurer, depending on your state and insurer.
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.
Can I drive my wife's car if I'm not on her insurance?
If you're not on the owner's policy, applicable coverage will again depend on consent. Assuming the driver gave you consent to operate the vehicle or, at the very least, there is reasonable belief that you had permission to drive it, then you're probably covered.
How do I give my car to a friend in California?
In California, gifting a car requires specific paperwork to be completed. The giver and the recipient need to fill out a Statement of Facts (REG 256) form, which you can easily get from the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) website.
What is a permissive driver in California?
California Permissive Use Statute Defined
Permissive use statute essentially means that if you allow someone to use your vehicle with your permission, they are covered under your insurance policy while driving it.
Can I lend my car to a friend?
Ultimately, it's usually safe to loan your friend your car for occasional errands or projects. And the same goes for borrowing a car. Just make sure it's for “normal” use. You'll want to confirm that the car has coverage and that your insurance, whether you're the owner or borrower, will apply.
What happens if you don't add a driver to your insurance?
If someone in your household, who is unknown to your insurance company, gets in an accident, your insurer might rescind or cancel your policy and/or deny your insurance claim because they've been kept in the dark.
Is insurance tied to person or car?
The Insurance Policy Follows the Car and Not the Driver
Under California law, in most instances, the insurance policy attaches to the car itself. If someone was driving your car, it would be your insurance policy that paid for the damages.
Who is liable if you let someone borrow your car?
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.
Does getting pulled over in someone else's car affect their insurance?
It is highly unlikely it will affect the owner in any way, as it is tied to your personal driving record and not the vehicle itself. It won't even affect their insurance.
Does Geico cover 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 you drive your parents car without being on the insurance in California?
Generally, yes, you can drive another person's car with their permission and be covered by their insurance. If you are specifically excluded from coverage under the policy, or you drive it often enough that the insurer would require you to be listed as a driver on the policy, that would be a problem.
Can I let my son borrow my car?
The answer is yes, someone can drive your car with your permission, even if they are not covered by your insurance. This is known as "permissive use," and it allows friends, family members, or even strangers to borrow your vehicle for a short period of time.
Whose insurance covers a borrowed car?
In general, when you borrow a car, you borrow car insurance, too. Insurance typically follows the car, not the driver. That means if you are involved in an accident while driving someone else's car (not on your insurance policy), the owner of the car will probably be held responsible for any financial damages.