The general rule of thumb is that car insurance follows the car, not the driver. Therefore, if you borrow someone’s car, you would be covered under their car insurance policy up to the policy limits they chose. For example, if you’re home for the holidays, you’d be covered when you drive your mom’s car.

Can I borrow a friends car?

Ultimately, it’s usually safe to loan your friend your car for occasional errands or projects. And the same goes for borrowing a car. Just make sure it’s for “normal” use. You’ll want to confirm that the car has coverage and that your insurance, whether you’re the owner or borrower, will apply.

Can you lend your car to a family member?

Not only is this a negligent act, but it is also a violation of California law: “No owner of a motor vehicle may knowingly allow another person to drive the vehicle upon a highway unless the owner determines that the person possesses a valid driver’s license that authorizes the person to operate the vehicle.

What happens if a friend borrows your car and causes an accident?

A common myth is that if a friend borrowing your car has insurance, their policy covers any damage done to your car. That’s not the case. If a friend borrows your car and causes an accident, your insurance policy pays for any at-fault damages.

Do you need auto insurance for when you borrow a friend’s car?

Personal auto insurance policies usually don’t cover anyone who’s carrying out business with their cars. Car insurance policies have long lists of actions and circumstances and definitions that are not covered, so be sure you check and see what’s covered before you take out your friend’s car.

What happens if you lend your car to a friend?

Generally speaking, auto insurance covers the car and any drivers named on the car’s insurance policy. That being said, if you lend your car to a friend and the friend has an accident, your insurance will cover damage to your vehicle the same way as if you’d been behind the wheel.

What happens if I get into an accident and drive someone else’s car?

If you are uninsured and get into a car accident while driving someone else’s car, you would be covered by the owner’s auto insurance policy, up to their policy’s limit. Their insurance would cover the damage or any bodily injury that you caused to the other driver and their vehicle.