What insurance lets anyone drive your car?

Asked by: Preston Schoen  |  Last update: May 2, 2025
Score: 4.3/5 (25 votes)

Permissive use Most car insurance policies will cover drivers you've listed on the policy, or anyone whom you give permission to drive your car, says Nolo.com. This means your insurance will likely cover another driver in the event of an accident, if they had your permission to drive your vehicle.

Can you get insurance for other people to drive your car?

You need to ask your insurance company. Some companies have what's called ``permissive use'' meaning anyone you give permission to drive your vehicle will be covered. Other companies require you to specify on the policy specifically who will be driving the vehicle.

Can my wife drive my car if she's not on my insurance?

Yes, as long as that person is legally licensed to drive. In the USA, most if not all car insurance policies cover the occasional driver who is known by you and for which you give that person permission to drive your car. Be careful if you have a ...

Can I give permission for someone to 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.

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

Your automobile insurance will cover your covered auto that is driven by you, a household family member, or by a licensed driver who has your (express or implied) permission to use your auto. For example, your friend borrows your car for a day with your permission.

Does Insurance Cover Someone Else Driving Your Car?

19 related questions found

How long does it take to put someone's name on car insurance?

From start to finish it's possible to complete the process in less than 1 minute. Please note the process may take longer if you decide to make additional changes such as editing the coverage limits.

Is a spouse automatically a named insured?

If a house or car is jointly owned, both people may be listed as a named insured. If your spouse resides in the home, he or she is automatically covered under your homeowners and auto policy, even if he or she is not identified in the policy.

Does insurance cover someone borrowing your car?

Car insurance coverage follows the vehicle, not the driver. When you allow a friend, family member, or babysitter to borrow your vehicle, they also borrow your car insurance. Your insurance becomes the primary coverage when lending the car to family members or friends.

How do I write an authorization letter to allow someone to drive my car?

To fill out this document, begin by entering your name as the vehicle owner. Next, provide the necessary identification details and the vehicle information. Finally, authorize the designated driver by including their name and signature.

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.

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

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.

Does Geico allow 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.

Does my name have to be on the car insurance to drive it?

Borrowing a car from a friend or family member

In many cases, you will be covered by their insurance, even if you are not named as a regular driver on the policy.

What happens if I let someone drive my car and they get 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 ...

Can I drive my boyfriend's car if I'm not on his insurance?

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.

Can I add a temporary driver to my insurance?

You can usually add a temporary driver for a short-term visit or rental, but it depends on the specific car insurance company and its policies. If you're planning to add a temporary driver, make sure to check with the insurer. Their policies may vary, and some may charge an additional fee for adding extra drivers.

Can I authorize someone to drive my car?

You can legally allow someone else to drive your car, provided they have a valid driver's license and your consent. However, there's more to consider than just legality.

How does letting someone else drive your car work?

Permissive use

Most car insurance policies will cover drivers you've listed on the policy, or anyone whom you give permission to drive your car, says Nolo.com. This means your insurance will likely cover another driver in the event of an accident, if they had your permission to drive your vehicle.

What does authorized to drive mean?

Authorised Driver means any driver of the Vehicle who is approved by Us and who is recorded on the Rental Agreement prior to the Start of the Rental.

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 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.

How much does it cost to add a driver to insurance?

Most car insurance companies won't charge a fee to add more drivers to your policy, but each driver that you add to your policy impacts your policy price.

Does credit score affect car insurance?

How credit-based insurance scores work. Most U.S. insurance companies use credit-based insurance scores along with your driving history, claims history and many other factors to establish eligibility for payment plans and to help determine insurance rates. Again, except in California, Hawaii, and Massachusetts.

What is the difference between named insured and listed driver?

If you have a named driver car insurance policy, the only drivers covered in the event of a crash are those specifically listed on the auto policy. If you allow your friend — unlisted on the named driver policy — to borrow your vehicle and they get into an accident, you would have no coverage.