Can Someone Else Drive My Car in Minster?

There may be times in life when we need to let someone borrow our car, but we’re hesitant to allow it because we don’t know if we can, or if we should. We might think about things like “what if they’re in an accident, would insurance cover my car?” We might wonder:

• Can my friend drive my car?
• Can my extended family member borrow my car for the weekend?
• Can I drive someone else’s car?
• Do occasional drivers need to be added to my policy?

At the heart of it, we want to know, “If we give them permission and they get into an accident, is it covered by my insurance? Is it legal for someone to drive my car who is not on my insurance policy?”

If they are a legal driver and you occasionally allow them to drive your car for personal use by providing your verbal consent, coverage will typically apply. But, borrowing a car under other circumstances may not be as clear-cut. It depends on your insurer and your particular policy. For example, coverage rules and regulations may be different if the driver lives in your household and could, or should, be listed as a named insured on your policy, but is not; or, if the driver is listed on your policy as excluded. Discuss these more complicated situations with your insurance agent and claim representative.

Whose insurance will cover the damages?

Typically, even if the person driving your car has their own insurance, your insurance will be the primary payer for damages caused by operation of your vehicle if the driver is found legally at fault. The driver’s insurance is secondary and may cover some personal injury or medical expenses. It may also provide coverage in excess of your insurance coverage, if the cost of damages caused by your vehicle is higher than your policy limits.

Things to consider before allowing someone to drive your vehicle

After checking with your insurance agent and confirming the insurance coverages, there are other factors to think about. Allowing somebody to borrow your car is different than asking you for a cup of sugar.

Check that the driver has a valid driver’s license and no outstanding warrants. Additionally, lending your vehicle to someone with a poor driving record such as several accidents or a DUI, could have liability implications for you. Simply put, you could be found liable if you lend your car to someone you know is not a safe driver.

If someone is going to be driving your vehicle for an extended period of time, consider adding them to your policy as an additional driver. 

How do I know what is covered?

The policy terms and state laws can vary widely, always contact your insurance agent before loaning out your car, or other motor vehicle, such as: a motorcycle, boat, personal watercraft, snowmobile, ATV or RV.

As with anything else, use good judgment and common sense. Consider the liability you may be opening yourself and your auto policy up to before you decide to lend your car.

The information in this article was obtained from various sources not associated with State Farm® (including State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Company and its subsidiaries and affiliates). While we believe it to be reliable and accurate, we do not warrant the accuracy or reliability of the information. State Farm is not responsible for, and does not endorse or approve, either implicitly or explicitly, the content of any third party sites that might be hyperlinked from this page. The information is not intended to replace manuals, instructions or information provided by a manufacturer or the advice of a qualified professional, or to affect coverage under any applicable insurance policy. These suggestions are not a complete list of every loss control measure. State Farm makes no guarantees of results from use of this information.

State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Company
State Farm Indemnity Company
Bloomington, IL

State Farm County Mutual Insurance Company of Texas
Richardson, TX