Is it okay to let someone borrow your car?
Asked by: Dr. Lauriane Metz | Last update: October 11, 2025Score: 4.8/5 (29 votes)
If they have a current license, a clean record, and a valid insurance policy, you may feel more comfortable lending them your car. Consider the circumstances. Is your friend impaired in any way or unfit to drive? If the answer is “yes,” then your answer to them should be a resounding “no.”
How to safely let someone borrow your car?
Make sure that person's driver's license is legal and valid.
Check in with your car insurance company to find out their rules concerning someone else driving your vehicle and what they would cover if a car accident occurred while that person was driving.
Is it bad to let someone else drive your car?
Trust is the important part. If you have a sense that they'll respect your property and everyone's safety, there's nothing wrong with letting someone else drive your car. They'll get a kick out of it, you'll feel like a hero and the risk is minimal.
How does insurance work if I let someone borrow my car?
Generally, insurance follows the car, not the driver. So any one who legally borrows your car is covered for liability under your insurance policy.
Can you get in trouble for letting someone use your car?
In any case, you won't go to jail assuming you didn't deliberately cause a car accident or steal your friend's car, and it's not illegal (in the US) to lend somebody your car even if they don't have any insurance. Obviously, one would still need a driver's license. (Source.)
Can Anyone Borrow Your Car?
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.
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 ...
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.
Should I let my son borrow my car?
One of the primary concerns when lending your car to family members, especially those not listed on your insurance policy, is the potential risk it poses. Insurance companies may refuse to cover the damages if the person driving the car is not a named insured.
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.
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 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 I let my friend borrow my car for a week?
Although you should check your individual policy, usually, you can let your friend drive your car without violating your coverage. As long as you give the person permission and they only drive the car occasionally, there shouldn't be an issue. Accidents, however, can happen anytime.
Can someone take my car loan?
In summary. Most car loans can't be assumed by someone else. When you're figuring out how to transfer a car loan to another person, it's important to understand that it's typically seen as a big risk by most lenders. There are other strategies that you may consider when looking for help managing your car loan.
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 my wife drive my car if she's not on my 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.
Whose insurance covers a borrowed 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.
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.
Am I responsible for someone else driving my car?
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 don't add my child to my auto insurance?
One of the biggest risks of not adding your teenager to your car insurance is what happens if they get into an accident. Even if it's a minor fender bender with no injuries or property damage, it can open up a can of worms with your 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.
What is permissive use?
Permissive use in an automobile insurance policy means that you give a person—who is not specifically covered by name or as a household member—permission to drive your car. For example, if you allow a friend to borrow your car, that is permissive use. You have given your friend your permission to use your car.