Do you need car insurance to drive someone else’s car?
If you are asking do you need car insurance to drive someone else’s car, the answer is yes. If you are not insured when driving someone else's car, you'll be financially responsible for any damages that happen to the vehicle. You will need at least liability-only insurance, which averages $44/mo.
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Brad Larson
Licensed Insurance Agent
Brad Larson has been in the insurance industry for over 16 years. He specializes in helping clients navigate the claims process, with a particular emphasis on coverage analysis. He received his bachelor’s degree from the University of Utah in Political Science. He also holds an Associate in Claims (AIC) and Associate in General Insurance (AINS) designations, as well as a Utah Property and Casual...
Licensed Insurance Agent
UPDATED: Oct 13, 2024
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Editorial Guidelines: We are a free online resource for anyone interested in learning more about auto insurance. Our goal is to be an objective, third-party resource for everything auto insurance related. We update our site regularly, and all content is reviewed by auto insurance experts.
UPDATED: Oct 13, 2024
It’s all about you. We want to help you make the right coverage choices.
Advertiser Disclosure: We strive to help you make confident car insurance decisions. Comparison shopping should be easy. We are not affiliated with any one car insurance company and cannot guarantee quotes from any single company.
Our partnerships don’t influence our content. Our opinions are our own. To compare quotes from top car companies please enter your ZIP code above to use the free quote tool. The more quotes you compare, the more chances to save.
On This Page
Wondering do you need car insurance to drive someone else’s car? Yes, you do need car insurance to drive someone else’s vehicle. You can be insured either by the car owner himself or by non-owner car insurance. You do not necessarily need to take out a policy in your name.
However, driving without your state’s mandated liability car insurance coverage is illegal, so make sure you get the proper coverage before driving any car.
You can find and compare car insurance rates online if you’ll be driving multiple vehicles in just minutes with our free multi-company comparison tool. Just enter your ZIP code above to get started.
- If you are not insured to drive a car, regardless of who the owner is, then you are financially responsible for all damages resulting from an accident or any other incident
- Driving without liability auto insurance coverage is against state law and will result in fines and a possible jail sentence
- Review your insurance policy to see if you need extra coverage to drive another person’s car
Do I need auto insurance to drive someone else’s car?
Do you have to have car insurance to drive someone else’s car? The answer is yes.
Can I drive an uninsured car on my own insurance policy? What happens if there is an uninsured driver driving an uninsured car? The car you’re driving needs to be insured. If your friend has insurance on the vehicle, that coverage will provide financial protection when you’re driving it.
You do not need your own policy to borrow a car. However, having your own insurance could provide additional protection. If your friend’s policy limits are exceeded, your coverage would kick in.
You should review the insurance policy to determine whether or not you need car insurance when driving someone else’s car.
The insurance policy may or may not cover this situation, but you should still check. This type of coverage is often referred to as third-party coverage.
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Driving Someone Else’s Car Without Insurance
What happens if you drive someone else’s car without insurance? Every state requires a minimum amount of liability coverage or some proof of financial responsibility. If you drive a car that is uninsured and you get caught, you’re going to face penalties even if you’re just borrowing that car.
Laws vary by state, but it is not uncommon to lose your license, pay heavy fines, and risk getting sentenced to up to five years in jail for driving without insurance.
For example, if your state mandates that you have liability coverage for 20/40/10, then make sure the car you’re driving has insurance at least in the amounts of:
- $20,000 liability coverage for bodily injury to one person
- $40,000 liability coverage total for bodily injury to multiple persons
- $10,000 liability coverage for property damage
Remember — every state has different laws, so check your state’s mandates to know what you’re required to have.
Being Covered Under Someone Else’s Car Insurance Policy
If you drive your friend’s car, you might ask “Does car insurance cover driving a friend’s car?”.
Car insurance almost always follows the car and not the policy owner. However, there are limitations on everyone’s car insurance policy that can make this confusing.
If you loan your car to someone, they will most likely be covered, provided they do not fall into any of the exclusions categories.
If you have your own car insurance, then your car insurance may follow you even though you are driving someone else’s car. Sometimes the accident damages costs are split between your coverage and the car owner’s coverage.
Review your policy or call your agent to confirm the details of your coverage.
Getting Non-Owner Insurance to Drive Someone Else’s Car
Can you get car insurance to drive someone else’s car? Or perhaps, how do you get car insurance for a car you don’t own? There are times when you don’t own a car but you plan to drive someone else’s car. If you don’t own a car, then you won’t have car insurance.
You may be able to get non-owner car insurance in Ohio, California, or wherever you live.
Learn more: What is a non-owner car insurance policy?
You may be covered on the car owner’s insurance policy, but if you are going to be driving routinely then you should either request to be specifically added to the policy or you should consider buying non-owner car insurance.
The owner of the car may also ask you to provide your own car insurance even if you are covered by his policy, so under that circumstance, you will need to comply and get non-owner car insurance.
Consider the type of driving you’ll be doing and decide which option works for your situation:
Non-Owner Options
| Type of Driving | Owner's Coverage | Non-Owner Coverage | Your Own Coverage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Occasional Borrowing | The car owner's insurance should cover you | Not necessary | If you have a car and insurance, your coverage may kick in if the damage you cause exceeds the owner's policy |
| Regular Borrowing | The owner should add you to the policy if you regularly drive their vehicle | You could consider purchasing this type of coverage if the owner doesn't want to list you as a driver on their policy | If you have a policy, it may kick in after the other coverages are exhausted |
| Renting | You can purchase coverage from the rental company | A non-owner policy may be cheaper for a long-term rental | Your own coverage will provide the same level of coverage to a rental vehicle. Just evaluate if your current coverage is substantial enough for a rental vehicle |
A non-owner car insurance policy is available for liability coverage and can be purchased for either a car that you are borrowing or renting.
If you are renting a car then you can buy rental car insurance from the car rental company which could end up being more expensive than non-owner car insurance, especially if the rental is long-term.
Learn more:
- Can I use my own car insurance when renting a car?
- Can I rent a car without having insurance?
- Compare Rental Car Insurance: Rates, Discounts, & Requirements
If you are getting car insurance to drive someone else’s car, make sure there is a clear understanding of whose insurance will cover liability and whose insurance will cover comprehensive damages.
If you are at fault for an accident, then your non-owner car insurance policy will pay for bodily injury and property damages suffered by the other parties of the accident.
However, if the car is stolen while it is under your care, chances are the car owner’s comprehensive insurance policy will cover those costs.
Anytime you are going to drive, whether the car is yours or someone else’s, you will need to be covered by car insurance.
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Case Studies: Car Insurance Requirements for Driving Someone Else’s Car
Case Study 1: The Borrowed Vehicle
John, an individual who occasionally borrows his friend’s car, wonders if he needs his own car insurance to drive the vehicle. Since he does not own a car himself, John questions whether the car owner’s insurance coverage is sufficient or if he needs to obtain additional insurance when driving the borrowed vehicle.
Case Study 2: The Rental Car
Sarah, on the other hand, rented a car for a short trip. As part of the rental agreement, the rental company provided insurance coverage. Sarah wonders if she needs to purchase additional insurance or if the rental company’s coverage is sufficient while she drives the rental car.
Case Study 3: The Permissive User
Mike, a licensed driver who occasionally drives his sibling’s car with permission, questions whether he needs his own car insurance. Since he is not the registered owner of the vehicle, Mike wants to understand if he can rely on his sibling’s insurance coverage while driving the car.
Case Study 4: The Family Member’s Car
Samantha occasionally drives her parent’s car. She wants to know if she needs her own car insurance or if she can rely on her parent’s insurance coverage while driving the vehicle. Samantha is interested in understanding the potential implications for both her parent’s insurance policy and her own coverage needs.
The Final Word on Driving Someone’s Car Without Insurance
To sum it up, here are the choices you have that are appropriate for different situations:
The car insurance can be your own, you can be covered by someone else’s policy, or you can buy non-owner’s car insurance. Whatever you do, make sure insurance is in place before driving any car.
The consequences of driving without insurance are severe and completely avoidable by just obtaining the proper amount of liability insurance.
Make sure you have the right insurance to cover every driver. Now that you know if you need car insurance to drive someone else’s car, get FREE quotes from different car insurance companies by entering your ZIP code below.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need car insurance to drive someone else’s car?
In most cases, yes, you will need car insurance to drive someone else’s car. Car insurance typically follows the vehicle rather than the driver. Therefore, the primary insurance responsibility lies with the owner of the car. If the owner has valid insurance coverage, it may extend to other drivers who have their permission to use the vehicle. However, it’s essential to check with the owner’s insurance company to confirm their policy provisions regarding coverage for permissive drivers.
What is permissive use?
Permissive use refers to a situation where the owner of a car allows someone else to drive their vehicle with their consent, even if the driver is not listed on the insurance policy. If you have obtained explicit permission from the car owner to drive their vehicle, you may be covered under their insurance policy. However, the specific terms and conditions of coverage can vary, so it’s advisable to consult with the insurance company to understand the extent of the coverage.
Are there any exceptions to needing car insurance when driving someone else’s car?
There are a few exceptions where you may not need car insurance to drive someone else’s car:
- Non-owner car insurance: If you do not own a vehicle and have a non-owner car insurance policy, it can provide coverage when you drive someone else’s car. Non-owner insurance typically provides liability coverage, but it may not cover physical damage to the vehicle you are driving.
- Some rental car agreements: When renting a car, the rental agency may offer insurance coverage options. If you choose to purchase coverage through the rental agency, it can provide the necessary insurance while driving the rented vehicle.
What happens if I drive someone else’s car without insurance?
Driving someone else’s car without insurance can have serious consequences. If you cause an accident, you may be personally liable for any damages, injuries, or property damage that result from the accident. Additionally, you may face legal penalties, including fines and license suspension, depending on the laws in your jurisdiction. It’s always advisable to have proper insurance coverage in place when driving any vehicle, even if it belongs to someone else.
How can I ensure I have adequate insurance coverage when driving someone else’s car?
To ensure you have adequate insurance coverage when driving someone else’s car, consider the following steps:
- Consult with the car owner’s insurance company: Contact the insurance company that covers the vehicle to determine the extent of coverage for permissive drivers.
- Obtain a non-owner car insurance policy: If you frequently drive vehicles you do not own, consider purchasing a non-owner car insurance policy. This type of policy provides liability coverage when driving someone else’s car.
- Rent a car with insurance coverage: If you need temporary coverage while driving a rental car, consider purchasing insurance through the rental agency.
Is it okay to let someone else borrow my car?
As long as they only borrow the car infrequently and they have your permission to use it, it is okay to let someone borrow your car.
Free Car Insurance Comparison
Enter your ZIP code below to view companies that have cheap car insurance rates.
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Brad Larson
Licensed Insurance Agent
Brad Larson has been in the insurance industry for over 16 years. He specializes in helping clients navigate the claims process, with a particular emphasis on coverage analysis. He received his bachelor’s degree from the University of Utah in Political Science. He also holds an Associate in Claims (AIC) and Associate in General Insurance (AINS) designations, as well as a Utah Property and Casual...
Licensed Insurance Agent
Editorial Guidelines: We are a free online resource for anyone interested in learning more about auto insurance. Our goal is to be an objective, third-party resource for everything auto insurance related. We update our site regularly, and all content is reviewed by auto insurance experts.