Does My Car Insurance Cover Me If I Drive Someone Else’s Car?
Borrowing a friend’s or family member’s car can seem simple — but what happens if you get into an accident while driving it? Many drivers aren’t sure if their insurance covers them in these situations. Let’s clear up the confusion about whether car insurance follows the car, the driver, or both.
Does Insurance Follow the Car or the Driver?
In most cases, insurance follows the car, not the driver. That means if you borrow someone’s car and cause an accident, the car owner’s policy is usually the primary coverage. However, your own auto insurance may step in as secondary coverage if the damages exceed their policy limits.
Liability Coverage
Liability insurance covers damage or injuries you cause to others. Typically:
The car owner’s liability coverage pays first.
If damages exceed their coverage limits, your own liability policy may provide backup coverage.
This prevents gaps in protection but can expose both policies in a serious accident.
Collision and Comprehensive Coverage
If the borrowed car is damaged, collision coverage from the car owner’s policy usually pays for repairs (after their deductible). Comprehensive coverage works the same way for non-accident events like theft, vandalism, or storm damage.
Your own auto policy likely won’t cover damage to someone else’s vehicle unless you have a special endorsement.
Situations Where Coverage May Not Apply
There are some important exceptions to keep in mind:
Excluded Drivers: If you’re specifically excluded from the car owner’s policy, their insurance won’t cover you.
Business Use: Borrowing a car for business purposes (like food delivery) may not be covered.
Rental Cars: These are treated differently than borrowing a friend’s car and often require separate rental coverage.
Permission: Coverage typically only applies if you had the owner’s permission to use the vehicle.
Should You Lend Your Car?
If you’re on the other side of the situation — loaning out your car — remember that your insurance is on the line. Even if your friend has a good driving record, you’ll be responsible for claims made under your policy if an accident happens.
How to Protect Yourself
To avoid unpleasant surprises, consider:
Reviewing your liability limits to make sure they’re high enough.
Asking your insurance agent about “permissive use” coverage details.
Carrying an umbrella policy for extra liability protection.
Being cautious about who you allow to drive your car.
How Hixson & Malinowski Insurance Can Help
At Hixson & Malinowski Insurance, we help drivers in Parma and across Ohio understand how their policies work in real-life scenarios like borrowing or lending a car. We’ll:
Review your auto coverage limits
Explain how your policy applies in different situations
Recommend add-ons like umbrella insurance for extra peace of mind
Shop options from multiple carriers for the best fit and value
Borrowing a car might feel casual, but it has serious insurance implications. In most cases, insurance follows the car — but your own coverage could still come into play. Before lending or borrowing a vehicle, make sure you know exactly how your policy applies. Contact Hixson & Malinowski Insurance today to review your coverage and drive with confidence.
