What happens if my friend borrowed my car and got into an accident?
Asked by: Caterina Moore | Last update: January 27, 2026Score: 4.6/5 (42 votes)
What if my friend borrowed my car and crashed it?
As the insured, you should contact your insurance company to have the claim setup. In terms of your deductible, since your friend was at fault, your friend should pay the deductible. If all else fails, you can sue to recover that.
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 my friend is driving my car and gets in an accident?
Insurance Coverage: Generally, the car owner's insurance policy will cover the damages if someone else is driving their vehicle with permission. This means that the insurance could pay for repairs to the car, medical expenses, and liability for damages to other vehicles or property.
What is the Oregon law on car accidents?
Oregon is what is called a “modified comparative negligence” state. This means that you can recover damages in a car accident, but only according to your level of negligence. If your negligence is greater than that of the other parties, however, you will be barred from recovering compensation.
If my friend borrows my car and crashes it, who pays for the damage
What happens if someone else is driving my car and gets in an accident in Oregon?
Auto insurance coverage follows the vehicle, so your car will generally be covered while your relative is driving, the same as if you were driving.
Is Oregon a no-fault accident state?
Oregon is not a “no fault” state. Oregon follows a “fault” based system. In Oregon, the person who was “at fault” for causing the accident is responsible for any damages or harm resulting from the accident. This would include injuries, damage to vehicles, lost income, etc.
Who is liable if someone borrows 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.
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.
What happens if my boyfriend is driving my car and gets in an accident?
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.
What happens if I borrow a car and get 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 ...
What happens if you let a friend borrow your car?
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 you don't add a driver to your insurance?
Unless you list them on your policy, you may not have coverage for any accidents they're involved in. If someone who works for you but lives outside your home starts using your car regularly, ask your insurer whether you should list them on your policy.
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 happens if someone drives my car and is not on my insurance in New York?
NY Car Insurance Follows the Car
In New York, your car insurance coverage includes coverage for other drivers of your vehicle—following the car rather than the driver. This applies to collision, uninsured motorist protection, comprehensive, personal injury protection (PIP), and property damage liability insurance.
Does Geico cover permissive use?
Which insurance companies offer permissive use? Most of the big auto insurance companies — Allstate, AAA, GEICO, and USAA — allow for permissive use, but you should always confirm your policy details. If you have a named driver policy with any of those companies, you will not have permissive use.
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 someone else is driving my car and gets in an accident in Texas?
Texas follows a fault-based insurance system, meaning the at-fault party (responsible for the accident) is liable for the resulting damages. This applies regardless of whether the driver or the vehicle owner caused 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 I let someone borrow my car and they commit a crime?
Even if you were not aware of the criminal intentions of the person you let borrow your vehicle, the prosecution may try to name you as an accomplice. It will be up to you to prove your innocence in this scenario. Loaning someone your vehicle can have serious consequences.
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 happens if someone backs into your car?
If someone on the street hits or sideswipes your parked car and you can prove who caused the damage, their insurance should cover you. If you don't know or can't prove who hit your car but have collision or UMPD coverage, your insurance should cover the damages.
What happens if you don't report an accident in Oregon?
If you do not file a report when required, Oregon law requires DMV to suspend your driving privileges for five years or until you file a report, whichever is sooner. (ORS 809.417(1)).
What state has no-fault lines?
The few states with none or hardly any (ND, SD, NE, KS, OH, WV, DE, FL) are almost entirely covered with sedimentary rocks that have not been faulted since the rocks were deposited. The faults in CA, NV and the coasts of OR and WA are potentially active.
How long do accidents affect insurance in Oregon?
Oregon: At least five years5.