Can my dad drive my car?

Asked by: Kyla Crona I  |  Last update: December 10, 2025
Score: 4.2/5 (70 votes)

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.

Can I let my dad drive my car?

Your car insurance typically will cover other drivers operating your vehicle if they're listed on the policy. This may include your spouse or significant other, your parents, your siblings or your children. It also may include other household members.

Can I give permission for someone to drive my car?

Sure, You can let anyone drive your car if you wish. You do not need your insurance company permission to let a person drive your car.

Can I let my son drive my car if he's not on my insurance?

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 I drive my parents car if my name isn't on the insurance?

The simplest answer is, yes, if you have the vehicle owner's permission to drive their vehicle, it is currently insured and you are legally licensed. The best way to confirm you being covered would be to have your friend confirm with their agent or insurance company.

BeamNG but your dad is driving

25 related questions found

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.

Is it illegal to drive your parents' car?

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 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.

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.

Do I need to be added to my parents insurance to drive their car?

To have the ability to be covered by a vehicle insurance policy you must be added as an additional driver to the vehicle owners policy. Your parents will need to contact their insurer to do so.

How does insurance work if you borrow someone's 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.

Can my husband drive my car if he is 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.

Can I drive my parents car if I dont live with them?

If your parents' have insurance, then you don't necessarily need your own insurance policy to drive their car. If you don't live with them and just borrow it occasionally then you don't need to be listed as a driver on their policy either.

Does it cost more to add a driver to your insurance?

Typically, adding drivers to your policy can increase your premium. For example, there is a reason adding a teenage or newly licensed driver to an auto policy can result in an increase in insurance premiums.

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.

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

Yes, your son can drive your car with your permission, even if he is not insured. It is known as “permissive use” and is generally allowed by insurance companies. Check your auto insurance policy to see if it allows for occasional or permissive use by family members.

Am I liable if I let someone drive my 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 ...

Am I insured to drive another car?

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.

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.

Does insurance follow a car or driver?

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. However, that does not mean that you should assume that the driver is covered.

Can I exclude my son from my car insurance?

Generally you can't remove a household member from your policy unless they have their own separate insurance coverage. You should have the option to exclude your son from the policy if you don't want him to impact your rate, but that means he will not be covered to drive any of the vehicles you currently insure.

Can you go to jail for taking your parents car without permission?

well, that is theft of the vehicle, so you could be arrested for stealing the car.

Can my parents just give me their car?

How to Give a Car Away to a Family Member. According to Carbrain, you may or may not have to pay taxes when you give or receive a car as a gift. It all depends on what state you live in. California residents who are gifted a vehicle can apply for a tax exemption at the Department of Motor vehicles.

When should you take your child off your car insurance?

Many parents generally opt to retain teens on the family's automobile insurance policy until they graduate from college, assuming they find employment and live away from home. At this point they should be paying for their own housing, food and credit card bills, building up a positive credit rating.