How Insurance Works When Driving a Friend’s Car in California
Before you drive someone else’s car or a friend drives your vehicle, it pays to understand the rules of car insurance when driving someone else’s car in California. Ideally, car insurance from the right company will kick in to cover the damages if there’s an accident, but many policies can prove more difficult to understand when you’re dealing with a borrowed vehicle.
Make sure you understand car insurance when driving someone else’s car in California. Learn more about the underlying liabilities, how to safely borrow or loan out a vehicle, and how to make sure your insurance provides the coverage you think it does.
The Basics of Insurance Coverage
In California, drivers must have minimum liability coverage in order to legally operate a vehicle. That includes:
- $30,000 for bodily injury or death to one person
- $60,000 for bodily injury or death to more than one person
- $15,000 for damage to property
Policies are generally based on multiple factors, including the value of the vehicle and the driver’s history.
Legal Framework for California Car Insurance
In California, primary insurance follows the car, not the driver. If a driver gets into an accident while driving a friend’s vehicle, the friend’s coverage on that vehicle will kick in to cover the personal injury costs and property damage from the accident. However, some policies may offer more limited coverage for other drivers who get into an accident when driving the vehicle.
If the vehicle owner’s insurance does not provide adequate coverage for the damages from an accident, or the provider decides to deny coverage, the driver’s insurance may kick in as secondary coverage. This additional coverage can provide significant support in the event of an accident involving serious damage, especially if the other party hires a car accident lawyer.
When Permissive and Non-Permissive Use Apply
The vehicle’s insurance policy generally applies when the vehicle’s owner gives permission for another driver to use the vehicle. This is known as permissive use.
On the other hand, if the owner of the vehicle does not give permission for the use of the vehicle—including cases where the vehicle is stolen—the owner’s insurance policy may not apply. In that case, if the driver carries auto insurance, their policy may apply to the damages from the accident.
Navigating Car Insurance While Using a Friend’s Vehicle
If you intend to use a friend’s vehicle, make sure you understand the available insurance coverage. You may want to review their policy or verify that you have adequate coverage in the event of an accident.
If you frequently borrow or rent vehicles, especially if you do not own your own vehicle, consider taking out a non–owner car insurance policy to provide you with more coverage. These policies are more flexible and give you a clear understanding of what’s covered by the car insurance when driving someone else’s car in California.
Potential Liabilities and Complications
When you lend your car to someone else, you may end up liable for dangerous decisions that they make behind the wheel. Furthermore, your insurance costs may increase in response to an accident that involves significant damage, even though someone else was driving your vehicle.
Whether you are the borrower or the lender, make sure you are aware of possible complications with loaning out a vehicle.
Driving for Work
The owner’s insurance policy may not cover you if you borrow the vehicle and use it to drive for business purposes, including things like meal delivery or rideshare services. Make sure you check the specific policy coverage and know that the insurance covers what you need if an accident does occur.
Excluded Drivers
Some drivers may be specifically excluded from a vehicle’s insurance policy. Typically, that means individuals within the owner’s household or a family member who does not have insurance coverage if they drive the vehicle. That can include individuals with a poor driving record or who are young and inexperienced.
Practical Tips for Borrowing a Car
If you’re planning to buy a car, make sure that you’re protected whether you or your friends drive your car! Keep these tips in mind to stay covered with good car insurance when driving someone else’s car in California.
- Make sure you have explicit permission to borrow the vehicle. Never assume that you have the right to drive it, even if you have done so in the past.
- Be familiar with the vehicle and its operation. This reduces your risk of driving while distracted.
- Establish that the owner of the vehicle has insurance before you get behind the wheel. Also, be aware of the type of coverage they have, such as collision versus comprehensive coverage.
- Verify that the policy will cover accidents involving other drivers by including permissive use for occasional drivers. Ensure that it has adequate coverage for damages from car accidents so that you will not end up personally liable.
- If you will be borrowing a vehicle for an extended period, consider having the owner add you to the insurance policy to provide additional protection.
In addition, if you regularly borrow vehicles, consider the benefits of non-owner car insurance, which can help protect you if an accident occurs. Similarly, if someone borrows your car frequently, make sure their insurance company provides strong enough coverage. This protects all parties involved in case of an accident.
Driving Someone Else’s Car? Get the Coverage You Need
If you need to borrow a vehicle, do it with confidence that you have adequate insurance coverage in the event of an accident. Look into your policy ahead of time and consider shopping around for the right coverage based on how often you drive someone else’s car.
Cost-U-Less Insurance provides versatile and affordable insurance coverage to drivers across California. You can find the right coverage for your specific situation at a budget-friendly price. Get a quote online, call 800-390-4071, or visit an office near you today to get clear answers on the best policies for driving other people’s cars.
