How to get insured to drive other people's cars?


Editorial team Published on

You can get insured to drive someone else's car through three main options depending on how often you plan to drive the vehicle:

1. Get Non-Owner Car Insurance

If you do not own a car but frequently borrow or rent vehicles, you can buy a non-owner car insurance policy.

  • What it covers: It provides secondary liability coverage for bodily injury and property damage you cause to others in an accident, which kicks in after the car owner’s primary insurance limits are exhausted.
  • What it does not cover: It typically does not cover physical damage to the car you are driving or your own injuries (unless you add specific medical payments coverage).
  • How to get it: Contact an auto insurance provider (such as Progressive or Allstate) online, by phone, or through an agent to quote and purchase a policy.

2. Be Added as a Named or Occasional Driver

If you regularly drive a specific family member's or roommate's car, the owner should add you to their existing auto insurance policy.

  • Why it matters: Most insurance companies require all licensed household members or regular operators to be listed on the policy. Driving someone else's car constantly without being listed can lead to claim denials.
  • How to get it: The vehicle owner must contact their insurance company and request to add you as an occasional or named driver, which may adjust their premium based on your driving record.

3. Rely on Permissive Use (Occasional Borrowing)

If you only borrow someone's car once in a while, you generally do not need your own separate policy.

  • How it works: Under a permissive use clause, the car owner's auto insurance policy typically follows the car rather than the driver, meaning their insurance covers you if you have their verbal or written consent to drive.
  • The catch: You must have a valid driver’s license, not be an excluded driver on their policy, and not live in the same household (unless listed). If damages exceed the owner's policy limits, you could still be personally liable.