What happens if I let someone drive my car and they get in an accident?
Asked by: Dora Grady | Last update: May 10, 2025Score: 4.6/5 (74 votes)
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.
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.
What happens if someone wrecks your car and they aren't on your insurance Progressive?
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.
What happens if my girlfriend is driving my car and gets in an accident?
If a friend or girlfriend drives your car and causes an accident, the general rule is that the driver who causes the accident is liable for the damages. If the other driver is at fault, their insurance is usually responsible for covering costs.
What happens if someone else driving my car gets in an accident?
What happens if a friend drives my car and gets into 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 ...
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 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.
Should I file a claim if I'm not at fault?
Always File a Claim, Regardless of Who Was At-Fault
One of the primary questions we receive from clients who have been in an accident is whether they should report the accident to their own auto insurance carrier, particularly when the accident was not their fault. And the answer to that question is: always.
Can I drive my boyfriend's car if I'm not on his insurance?
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 someone not on your insurance gets in an accident?
In most cases, your car insurance covers your vehicle, not you, the owner. So, the good news is, if you give your friend permission to drive your car, and they get into an accident, your insurance will probably cover it.
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.
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.
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.
Can I sue my boyfriend for wrecking my car?
You can sue someone for wrecking your car. Potentially recoverable losses include: Past and future medical care and additional expenses for accident injuries. Lost wages and diminished earning capacity.
How does insurance work when driving someone else's car?
Car Insurance Coverage When You Drive Someone Else's Car
In general, car insurance will typically follow the car no matter who is driving it (assuming the driver has permission to drive it).
Is it better to not file an insurance claim?
Always file a claim if there's serious property damage or potential injuries. Even if the other driver is honest and the accident was only a fender bender, the damage might be more serious than it appears. Additionally, a car might have hidden damage that won't be found until it's been looked at by a mechanic.
What happens if no one claims fault in an accident?
But what will happen if no one is at fault for your car accident? You can always file a no-fault car insurance claim. The insurance provider will compensate the policyholder and its passengers for the cost of minor injuries and loss of income regardless of who caused the accident.
What happens if someone else is driving my car and gets in an accident in Texas?
If you gave permission for someone to drive your car, your insurance should cover the damages resulting from the accident. However, if the driver took your car without permission, you may not be able to so easily resolve the other party's claims. Your insurance may decline to cover part or all of the damages.
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 someone who isn't on your insurance crashes your car in Georgia?
Q: What Happens If Someone Who Isn't on Your Insurance Crashes Your Car in Georgia? A: If someone who isn't listed on your insurance crashes your car in Georgia, your insurance may still cover the damages, depending on your policy terms. Typically, auto insurance follows the vehicle, not the driver.
Does insurance cover if you let someone borrow 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.
Can my wife drive my car if she's 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.
Is it okay to lend your car to someone?
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. Even a minor accident can cause confusion about whose insurance covers the damage. Find out what happens when you lend your car to a family member or friend.
Does it cost money to add a driver to insurance?
According to CarInsurance.com, there is usually no charge for adding a driver to your insurance policy. The Automobile Association notes that some insurers charge a small administration fee to update policies. You may also find your premiums change.