What happens if my girlfriend is driving my car and gets in an accident?
Asked by: Lilly Hartmann | Last update: May 4, 2025Score: 4.6/5 (57 votes)
Is my girlfriend covered if she drives my car?
Comments Section The insurance travels with the vehicle not the driver. And yes, legal drivers of the vehicle, which includes someone you give permission to, are covered by your insurance.
What happens if my girlfriend gets in an accident in my car?
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 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.
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 else driving my car gets in an accident?
What happens if I let someone borrow my car and they crash?
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 you don't add a driver to your insurance?
A driver who lives in your household and isn't listed on your auto policy may be denied coverage if they borrow your vehicle and are involved in an accident. Family members who live in your household and drive your vehicle, including a teenager or your significant other, should be listed as drivers on your policy.
What happens if someone wrecks your car and they aren't on your insurance Progressive?
If you give someone outside your household permission to drive and borrow your car (also referred to as "permissive use") and they aren't rated on your policy, any accident they're involved in may be covered by your insurer, depending on your state and insurer.
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.
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.
What happens when someone not on your insurance gets in an accident?
Insurance follows the vehicle, so if someone else drives your car and gets into an accident, your insurance will handle the claim. This is known as permissive use — your policy covers the damage, not theirs.
Can I sue my boyfriend for crashing my car?
California Civil Code 1714 outlines that a party at fault for a car accident can be held responsible for damages and, therefore, establishes an injured person's right to seek compensation. However, this is rarely done by suing a defendant personally in civil court.
Am I liable if my name is on a car title?
If the truck is in your name and they get into an accident, you are jointly liable with them for damages caused. If your insurance finds they have no license they will not cover the damages and you would be personally liable.
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 my girlfriend crashes my car?
Is the Registered Owner of a Car Liable for an Accident in California? If someone other than the registered owner of a vehicle causes an accident while operating that vehicle, the victim has the right to file an insurance claim against the registered owner's auto insurance policy.
What happens if a driver is not listed on an insurance policy?
Failure to list a driver can result in coverage limitations, claim denials, and potential legal issues. Not listing drivers on your car insurance policy can lead to disputes over liability, and potential violations of policy terms, which can result in penalties or even policy cancellation.
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.
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.
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.
Whose insurance company do I call after an accident?
But perhaps you're unclear about the process. You might think that calling the other driver's insurance first makes sense since they hit you. Actually, you'll be better off contacting your insurance company first instead of depending on the other driver. Let's find out why.
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.
Will my insurance go up if I get hit by an uninsured driver?
However, under California's proposition 103, insurance companies are not allowed to raise rates or drop a person because they made an uninsured motorist claim.
Can I drive my boyfriend's car if I'm not on his insurance?
As long as you've got Jessica's permission, it's usually legal to get behind the wheel of her car, even though you're not insured. Why? Because auto insurance generally follows the car, 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.
What is the difference between a named insured and a driver?
As the owner of the auto insurance policy, the named insured is presumed to be the primary driver. This means that their driving record, credit history and more are taken into account when the carrier calculates premiums. The named insured also decides whom the policy covers, which affects premiums.