Should you let other people drive your car?
Asked by: Tina Hegmann | Last update: April 11, 2025Score: 5/5 (19 votes)
Is it okay to let someone else drive your car?
Yes, as long as that person is legally licensed to drive. In the USA, most if not all car insurance policies cover the occasional driver who is known by you and for which you give that person permission to drive your car. Be careful if you have a room mate and only you have a car.
Should I let other people use my 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.
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 I get in trouble for letting someone drive my rental car?
You won't go to jail for letting someone drive your rental, HOWEVER, it is a breech of contract that you made with the rental company, so they can sue in a civil court, for breaching the contract, and if there are any damages you'll be responsible to pay for them.
WHY you shouldnt let anyone drive your car
What are the risks of renting a car for someone else?
One of the risks of renting a car for someone else is that if they get into an accident while driving the rental car, you may still be responsible for the expenses, depending on your collision insurance. One way to safeguard yourself is to pay for a Collision Damage Waiver (CDW).
Why do car rentals charge for extra drivers?
In their mind, additional drivers increase the chances of an accident. How much you pay for the extra driver(s) on your rental varies based on the rental car company and location. Most rental companies require you to fill out additional driver forms and have a cap on the number of drivers you can include.
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.
How do you 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.
What happens if you lend someone your car and they get 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.
Should I let my son drive my car?
Even if your insurance policy permits occasional use by family members, you should be aware of the potential financial risks if your son is involved in an accident while driving your car without insurance. You may be held financially responsible for any damages or injuries.
Can someone else drive my loaner car?
Who is authorized to drive the Loaner Vehicle? Only you, and any immediate family member living within the same household, specifically listed on your insurance policy, and is over the age of 25. Any additional driver covered under your insurance policy will need to supply a valid drivers license.
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.
Does insurance cover if someone borrows your car?
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.
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.
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 someone drive my car if they are not on my insurance Progressive?
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 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.
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 I let other people drive my car?
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.
Should you lend your car to a friend?
Here are a few things you can consider to help you decide: Ask your friend about their driving history and insurance status. 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.
Am I responsible for someone else driving 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 ...
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.
Can I drive a rental car if it's not in my name?
While you can't rent a car in your name for someone else, you can rent a vehicle and then add someone else as an additional driver on the agreement. Here's everything you need to know about adding an additional driver to your Hertz car rental.
Can my parents rent a car for me?
No, you cannot rent a car for someone else. The person who has reserved the rental is the one who needs to pick it up. However, you may be able to add a driver onto your rental contract. Avis requires the additional driver to sign a form before allowing them to drive the rented vehicle, and there may be added fees.