What happens if someone who isn't on your insurance crashes your car in California?
Asked by: Jeromy Durgan | Last update: September 25, 2025Score: 4.9/5 (36 votes)
Am I liable if someone borrows my car and gets in an accident in California?
If Someone Else Borrowed Your Car
An automobile insurance policy is attached to the motor vehicle, not the driver. This means that any accident involving your car is most likely covered by your car insurance policy, whether or not you were driving, as long as the driver had your permission to take the car.
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.
What happens if someone else crashes your car in California?
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.
What happens if someone not on my insurance crashes my car?
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.
Who pays if your friend crashes your car
What happens if my friend borrowed my car and gets in 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 an excluded driver gets in an accident in California?
When an excluded driver has an accident, the claim will be denied automatically. Even if there is a legitimate medical emergency that requires the excluded driver to operate the vehicle to take the policyholder to the hospital, there won't be any insurance coverage available to cover liability and property damage.
What happens if I let someone drive my car and they crash?
If the borrower of your vehicle has an accident and another driver is at fault, California's fault rule comes into play. You and the borrower would both have grounds to file claims against the at-fault driver's insurance policy.
What happens if someone who isn't on your insurance crashes your car 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.
Who determines fault in an auto accident California?
In a fault state like California, insurance companies play a significant role in determining fault and liability in car accidents. Insurance companies will investigate the accident and determine who was at fault for the accident, based on factors such as police reports, witness statements, and other evidence.
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 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 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 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.
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 sue someone who borrowed my car?
If a friend, family member, or someone else borrowed your car without permission and got into an accident, they may be directly liable for the damages.
What happens if I let someone borrow my car and they crash?
Contact a Car Accident Attorney in California
In most cases, your friend or family member who borrows your car will be covered by your car insurance if they are in an accident. When another driver is at fault, that person's car insurance should cover the damages caused by the accident.
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.
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.
Can I sue someone 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.
What happens if someone who isn't on your insurance crashes your car in Virginia?
According to Virginia law, the car owner's insurance covers accident-related expenses even if someone else is behind the wheel. But only if the person has the owner's permission to drive. This information is mentioned in Virginia Code § 38.2-2204.
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 an excluded driver gets pulled over?
What happens if your friend gets pulled over for speeding in your car? Unlike car insurance, which follows the car in the event of a crash, a traffic citation will follow the driver. Your driver will be responsible for the ticket, and the driver's personal car insurance costs may increase.
What happens if someone lies about who was driving in an accident?
Lying about who was driving during an accident is serious and may lead to legal consequences, including potential insurance fraud. The company may also demand reimbursement of any prior compensation.
Can you remove someone from your car insurance at any time?
Can you remove someone from your insurance at any time? If a listed driver on your policy moves out of your residence, you can generally remove them from your auto policy. Depending on the insurer, you may need to provide proof that they no longer live with you.