What happens if someone else is driving my car and gets in an accident in Tennessee?

Asked by: Dillan Zboncak  |  Last update: January 27, 2025
Score: 4.3/5 (40 votes)

Generally, the owner of the vehicle will provide the primary liability coverage in any accident involving their vehicle, even if someone else is driving it. This is known as ownership liability.

What happens if someone else is driving my car and gets in an accident in TN?

Insurance Follows the Car, Not the Driver

This principle is known as “permissive use” and has significant implications for auto accidents involving other drivers. The bottom line is your insurance will generally be the primary coverage for an accident after allowing someone to drive your car.

What if someone else is driving my car and gets into an accident?

If your friend or any family members get into an accident while behind the wheel of your vehicle, liability will also take into account whether or not they had driver's permission. California's laws on insurance coverage mean that the car insurance will follow the vehicle, no matter who is driving it.

Does insurance follow the car or the driver in Tennessee?

Typically, car insurance in Tennessee follows the car, not the driver, depending on the coverages in your policy. This is known as ownership liability, which means if you allow a family member or friend to drive your car, they may be covered by your insurance policy.

What happens if someone borrows your car and has 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?

35 related questions found

How does insurance work if you lend someone a car?

While there are exceptions, car insurance generally follows the car and not the driver. 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.

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.

Can I drive someone else's car in Tennessee?

Car insurance almost always follows the car, which means that if you are insured, you will be covered when driving someone else's vehicle, so long as you have their 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.

What happens when an uninsured driver hits you in TN?

You'll call the police, gather driver details, and go to the hospital. Instead of reporting the accident to the driver's insurance provider, you'll have to submit a claim to your own insurance. If you have UM/UIM coverage, you'll have protection from being hit by an uninsured driver.

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.

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 someone wrecks your car and they aren't on your insurance in California?

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. However, there are some exceptions to this rule.

Who is liable if someone else is driving your car?

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 ...

Can someone drive my car if they are not on my insurance in Georgia?

Uninsured or Underinsured Drivers

Before you allow someone else to drive your car, ask for proof of insurance. Their policy should meet Georgia's insurance requirements, which mandate drivers have at least: $25,000 per person for bodily injury. $50,000 per accident for bodily injury, and.

What happens if my friend drives my car and crashes?

Liability When Someone Else Drives Your 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.

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 your insurance go up if you add another 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.

Can someone drive my car if they are not on my insurance in California?

You can not drive a vehicle in California without insurance, and you or the person you're borrowing from must have insurance to drive legally. Your regular auto insurance policy in Los Angeles tends to follow the car instead of the person who has paid for the insurance. The same applies to when you borrow a car.

Does car insurance follow the car or the driver in Tennessee?

Car insurance usually follows the car in Tennessee. The types of car insurance that follow the car in Tennessee are bodily injury liability, personal injury liability, collision, and comprehensive. You're required to carry bodily injury liability and property damage liability in Tennessee.

Can someone drive my car if they are not on my insurance in Florida?

Q: What if I lend my car to someone who doesn't have their own auto insurance? Your insurance will typically still cover the driver, as insurance follows the car in Florida. However, if they cause an accident, it could impact your insurance rates.

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 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 other than me drive my car?

Most of the time, as long as you gave a driver permission to borrow your car, it's likely not a problem for them to drive your car, even if they're not on your car insurance policy.

Am I insured to drive another car?

To legally drive a car that is not yours, even if it belongs to friends or a family member, you need insurance. You can get insurance as a named driver on their car insurance policy, take out temporary insurance, or you have your own car insurance policy that includes DOC.