How does insurance work if you borrow someone's car?
Asked by: Ms. Audreanne Morissette | Last update: October 4, 2025Score: 4.7/5 (52 votes)
How does insurance work when you lend your 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.
How does insurance work when 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. If you're not on the owner's policy, applicable coverage will again depend on consent.
What happens if you get in an accident while borrowing someone's 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.
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.
Think twice before letting your friend borrow your vehicle...here's why!
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 ...
What if my boyfriend drives my car and has an accident?
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. The claim would go on your insurance record and could affect your car insurance rates in the future.
Who is liable if you let someone borrow your car?
When Someone Else Was Driving. California requires all motorists to carry at least liability insurance on their vehicles. If you have insurance coverage on your car, the licensed driver you let borrow it will also be covered under your policy.
How does insurance work if someone crashes your car?
Your own insurance company's collision coverage would kick in and cover the damages up to your policy limit if they were the one to cause the crash. Even though you gave permission for them to use your own vehicle, you will face potential consequences, such as increased car insurance rates and insurance costs.
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 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 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.
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.
Is it a good idea to let someone borrow your car?
Make sure you are fully aware of the liability you may be opening yourself, and your auto policy, up to before handing over your keys. "Don't be cavalier about lending your car," adds Salvatore. "If you know someone isn't a good driver, think twice about giving your permission.
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.
How does sharing a car work with insurance?
To ensure coverage, your roommate should be listed as a driver on your policy before they drive your vehicle. Damage to your vehicle may be covered if you've given your roommate permission to drive your car and they aren't listed on your policy, but it will depend on the situation and the insurer.
What happens if my friend borrowed my car and gets in an accident?
What Happens If Someone Borrows My Car and Has an Accident That Wasn't Their Fault? If the borrower of your vehicle has an accident and another driver is at fault, California's fault rule comes into play. You and the borrower would both have grounds to file claims against the at-fault driver's insurance policy.
Does insurance cover hitting someone's car?
If you hit a parked car on the street or in a parking lot, your auto liability insurance covers damages to the other driver's car. Collision insurance covers repairs for damage to your own car.
What are three things you should do before lending your car to a friend or family member?
Confirm your friend or family member has a valid driver's license. Check to make sure your insurance information and car registration are in the vehicle. Understand your personal auto policy. If you're unsure of coverage, contact your insurance representative and ask any questions you may have.
Am I insured if I 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 if someone else drives my car and gets into an accident?
Liability When Someone Else Drives Your Car
When it comes to insurance coverage, policies in California typically follow the vehicle, meaning that your policy would cover damages even if someone else was driving your car.
What happens if I let someone borrow my car and they commit a crime?
Even if you were not aware of the criminal intentions of the person you let borrow your vehicle, the prosecution may try to name you as an accomplice. It will be up to you to prove your innocence in this scenario. Loaning someone your vehicle can have serious consequences.
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.
What happens if someone wrecks your car and they aren't on your 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.
What happens if someone else drives your rental car and gets in an accident?
When someone is driving a rental car, the rental company assumes that their name is on the contract. If an unauthorized driver is in control of the vehicle, all insurance plans or coverage options offered by the rental company are null and void. The unauthorized driver's insurance will be used to pay for all damages.