What happens if my girlfriend crashes my car?
Asked by: Casey Hauck | Last update: July 24, 2025Score: 4.1/5 (41 votes)
Is my girlfriend covered by my car insurance?
Most insurers allow you to add a significant other, such as a boyfriend, girlfriend, fiancé, or domestic partner, to your car insurance policy if you live together. Depending on the insurer, a significant other can also add their vehicle to a joint policy if both cars are kept at the same permanent residence.
What happens if my boyfriend is driving my car and gets in 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.
Am I responsible if someone else crashes my car?
In the US. Legally, they are responsible for the accident, providing it was their fault. They are responsible for any injuries, providing it was their fault. The driver would receive any citations the police decided to issue to the driver of your car.
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.
MY GIRLFRIEND NEARLY CRASHES MY CAR
What happens if I let someone borrow my car and they crash?
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 ...
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.
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.
Am I responsible for my spouse's car accident?
California follows the Family Purpose Doctrine, which holds the owner of a vehicle responsible for damages caused by a family member using the vehicle for family purposes.
Will my insurance go up if a friend crashes my car?
If a friend crashes your car and causes minimal damage to only your vehicle, your collision coverage will typically pay for repairs, but you'll need to cover the deductible. Keep in mind, this claim could increase your insurance rates, even if your friend has their own insurance.
What if my girlfriend crashes my car?
If someone else drives and wrecks your car, but they are not at fault, the other driver's liability coverage will cover the property damage and bodily injury. If the at-fault driver doesn't have enough coverage, your policy's uninsured/underinsured motorist protection may be necessary to cover the difference.
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.
Is my boyfriend insured if he drives my car?
If an accident occurs while the driver has your permission, your liability coverage will act as the primary coverage and cover damages up to your policy limit. In this scenario, the driver's insurance would act as secondary coverage, covering the remaining damages until their policy limit is exhausted.
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 your girlfriend use your insurance?
Can my domestic partner be added to my benefits? Yes.
Who is liable if someone else is driving your car?
If you allow somebody else to take your car and they get into an accident, your insurance provider is liable to pay the claim, based on your policy's coverage. The claim would be marked on your insurance record, which might have an impact on your future insurance costs.
Do you call the other person's insurance in a car accident?
You do likely have to talk to your own insurance company as they will need your account of what happened. There is, however, times when speaking to the other driver's insurance company will benefit you and will depend heavily on the specifics of your case.
Why does my spouse have to be on my car insurance?
Adding your spouse to your policy ensures that you're both covered in the event of an accident. If you and your spouse have good driving records, a joint car insurance policy can save you money with lower premiums and a multi-car discount (if your insurer offers one).
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.
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.
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.
Do I call my insurance if I'm not at fault?
Yes. Regardless of fault, it is important to call your insurance company and report any accident that involves injuries or property damage. It is a common myth that you needn't contact your insurance company if you aren't at fault.
Is it better to use your insurance or theirs?
After a car accident, you should notify your insurance company and file a claim, and not deal with the other driver's insurer. Except in rare circumstances, it is not wise to contact them. Your insurance company represents you, and the other driver's insurance company represents them.
How do I claim insurance if it's not my fault?
After a car accident that's not your fault, you can file a third-party claim with the at-fault driver's insurance by providing details of the accident and supporting evidence like photos and a police report. Geoff Williams is a freelance journalist and author in Loveland, Ohio.