Contrary to popular belief, car insurance typically follows the car — not the driver. 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.

Does my son need to be on my car insurance?

No. You don’t have to add your child to your car insurance policy. However, if a teen falls under a parent’s policy, they can remain on that policy as long as they live in the household and drive one of the family cars. As with any driver, it is always best to have the minimum state required insurance.

What happens if a friend crashes my car?

Auto insurance usually follows the car, not the driver. Your insurance generally pays for the friend’s crash, as long as your friend is a licensed driver and doesn’t regularly borrow your car. (if they’re a regular driver of your car they should be listed on your policy anyway.)

Do you get insurance for the car or the driver?

Generally, auto insurance will follow the vehicle rather than the driver, but some coverage types follow the driver too. The variables that determine if coverage will follow the driver or the vehicle depend on the insurance laws of the state, the policy type, and the coverage within the policy.

When does car insurance follow the person driving the car?

One common question that tends to come up is whether your auto insurance covers you, the driver, no matter what vehicle you’re driving, or whether it sticks with the car (or cars) listed on the policy, even when someone else is driving them. More simply put: does car insurance follow the car, or the person?

Who is not covered by your auto insurance policy?

Excluded drivers (those specifically listed on the policy as not covered) will typically not be covered when driving a car under your auto insurance policy. In some states, excluded drivers may have a minimal amount of coverage, though this (and the exact type of coverage provided) will depend on where you live.

Who is covered by liability insurance in a car accident?

According to Claims Journal, liability coverage always protects the insured, the driver, and will always follow the driver regardless of whose vehicle they are driving. Liability insurance pays for the medical bills and vehicle repair of the other person after an accident.