Why shouldn't you let someone drive your car?
Asked by: Josh Frami | Last update: April 8, 2025Score: 4.2/5 (38 votes)
Is it a bad idea to let someone else drive your car?
Generally it is not a good idea to own a car and let someone else drive it, not unless you have very significant insurance coverage on the vehicle which protects you. You also will need to reveal to the insurance company the location of the vehicle and where it is garaged.
Why shouldn't you let people borrow your car?
That means, if they were found liable for property damage or injury to someone else, they would be responsible. You may be held liable for any injuries or property damage caused by your friend (or whoever borrowed your car) if you had prior knowledge of them being reckless, incompetent, or unfit to drive.
Why shouldn't you let people drive your car?
The financial risk can be severe if that person leads the vehicle to an accident. The company is unlikely to respond to a claim in that case, and it will affect the insurance premium and drive it up despite the mishap not being your fault.
Can I get in trouble for letting someone drive my rental car?
You won't go to jail for letting someone drive your rental, HOWEVER, it is a breech of contract that you made with the rental company, so they can sue in a civil court, for breaching the contract, and if there are any damages you'll be responsible to pay for them.
WHY you shouldnt let anyone drive your car
Can I drive a rental car if it's not in my name?
While you can't rent a car in your name for someone else, you can rent a vehicle and then add someone else as an additional driver on the agreement. Here's everything you need to know about adding an additional driver to your Hertz car rental.
What are the risks of renting a car for someone else?
One of the risks of renting a car for someone else is that if they get into an accident while driving the rental car, you may still be responsible for the expenses, depending on your collision insurance. One way to safeguard yourself is to pay for a Collision Damage Waiver (CDW).
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.
Does insurance cover if someone borrows 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.
Can I lend my car to a friend to drive?
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.
Can someone else drive my loaner car?
Who is authorized to drive the Loaner Vehicle? Only you, and any immediate family member living within the same household, specifically listed on your insurance policy, and is over the age of 25. Any additional driver covered under your insurance policy will need to supply a valid drivers license.
What is permissive use?
Permissive use in an automobile insurance policy means that you give a person—who is not specifically covered by name or as a household member—permission to drive your car. For example, if you allow a friend to borrow your car, that is permissive use. You have given your friend your permission to use your car.
Why do owners give up their cars?
Access to other transportation.
The growing availability of bus lines, subways, streetcars and other transit modes makes it easy for people to give up their cars (or in the case of young consumers, to put off acquiring them).
What are the risks of letting someone borrow your car?
It's usually not wise to let someone without insurance borrow your vehicle. If your insurance isn't enough to cover all costs, you can be held personally responsible for covering the remainder of expenses, no matter how steep the price.
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 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.
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 ...
Is it okay to let someone drive your car?
Although you should check your individual policy, usually, you can let your friend drive your car without violating your coverage. As long as you give the person permission and they only drive the car occasionally, there shouldn't be an issue.
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 someone drive my car if they are not on my 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 a 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.
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.
What are the consequences of letting someone else drive your rental car?
When someone is driving a rental car, the rental company assumes that their name is on the contract. If an unauthorized driver is in control of the vehicle, all insurance plans or coverage options offered by the rental company are null and void. The unauthorized driver's insurance will be used to pay for all damages.
Can you get in trouble for renting a car for someone?
As long as your additional driver meets the age requirements for renting a car and has all the documentation needed to operate a vehicle where the car will be driven, you're all set. You will want to check with your rental agency for their discretion on age requirements.
Should I let someone rent a car under my name?
It's certainly against the rental company's policies and potentially would be a breach of contract. At the end of the day you would be bound by whatever contract you sign; likely making you liable for any damage to the vehicle.