What happens if my boyfriend is driving my car and gets in an accident?
Asked by: Ms. Roxane Stamm | Last update: April 21, 2025Score: 5/5 (31 votes)
Does my insurance cover my boyfriend driving my 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. However, there are exceptions to this coverage, which we will discuss in the following subsections.
What happens if someone else drives your car and has 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 ...
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 someone borrows your car and gets 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 else driving my car gets in an accident?
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 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 my husband drive my car if he is 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.
Do I call the other person's insurance if they hit me?
If the at-fault driver is uninsured or leaves the scene, your own insurance will pay if you have the right coverage. Always call your own insurance company, even if you think the other driver is at fault.
Does insurance go up if you add a driver?
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.
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.
What happens if you let someone drive your car with no license?
In California, it is a misdemeanor to allow an unlicensed driver to drive your car (14604 vehicle code). The law says the owner of a vehicle is required to determine that the person they allow to drive their car has a valid license. In practice, this means that you reasonably believe they have a license.
What happens when 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.
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.
Can I let my bf drive my car?
"Generally, it's not a problem if they're driving with your consent," says Jeanne Salvatore, Senior Vice President of Public Affairs and consumer spokesperson for the Insurance Information Institute.
What if my boyfriend crashes my car?
If someone else crashes your car, what happens next depends on various factors. In general, your insurance company will cover the accident if the person driving had permission to use your car and caused the accident. If they didn't cause the accident, the at-fault driver's coverage usually kicks in.
How does insurance work when someone hits your car?
Collision coverage typically helps pay to repair or replace your vehicle if it's hit by another vehicle (or if you hit another vehicle or object), regardless of who is at fault. Even if you cannot find the other driver, you may be able to file a claim under your own auto insurance policy's collision coverage.
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.
What happens if someone sues you for more than your insurance covers?
You may face a lawsuit for the uncovered amount when damages exceed your policy limits. The injured party could attempt to seize your personal assets, which may include: Savings accounts. Wages (via wage garnishment)
Is my boyfriend insured if he drives my car?
Most car insurance policies will cover drivers you've listed on the policy, or anyone whom you give permission to drive your car, says Nolo.com. This means your insurance will likely cover another driver in the event of an accident, if they had your permission to drive your vehicle.
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 in Canada?
In most cases, the answer is yes. As long as they have your permission and meet certain criteria, your car insurance coverage typically extends to other drivers. However, it's important to understand the nuances to avoid surprises if an accident happens.
Does everyone in the household have to be on car insurance?
All household members should be known to the car insurance company but do not necessarily have to be listed as covered drivers depending upon the situation. But you must list everyone in your household and anyone who might get behind the wheel of your car, even occasionally.
Is it okay to let someone borrow your car?
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.”
Does it cost extra to add a driver to insurance?
Yes, adding a named driver to your policy would affect your insurance premium to account for the named driver insurance risk factor. Additionally, if the named driver gets into an accident, for instance, the claim would go under your shared vehicle policy, impacting your overall premium.