how does insurance work if i let my friend borrow my car and something happens?

Question

my friend needs to borrow my car but my dad is wondering if something happens how is the insurance going to work. please help

Answer 1

Read the liability section of your policy under "who is an insured." There is where you will find your answer.

Answer 2

In general, the insurance is for the car first, for the driver second. So if you drive someone else's vehicle, and something happens, the policy that covers that vehicle will pay first, then any excess will be paid by actual driver's insurance.

This is based on actual experience. I have AllState, and my dad had CSAA. I was driving his vehicle when I pulled out of a parking space in a dark and stormy night, and didn't see a car coming up from behind, and lightly scratched his side. My insurance refused to cover it, saying that the primary carrier of the VEHICLE must handle the the claim, and proceed to deny the claim even though I had called it in. I had to pay the other guys in cash. :P

I would recommend you loan your friend $50 or whatever it costs to rent a car for a day with insurance, instead of lending him your car. It's simply NOT worth the risk, IMHO. You can always cancel the debt later.

Answer 3

It depends upon your insurance company. The major carriers such as Allstate, Farmers and State Farm you are covered no matter what car you drive or who drives your car. You are also covered if you are a passenger in another vehicle or when renting a vehicle. The budget cave man type policies are not like this, though.

If he is insured and he causes an accident his insurance will pay first if he has a good company, but may not pay enough. In that case your insurance may then cover you for any additional damages. If he is not insured I wouldn't let him drive my car at all no matter what company I had.

Answer 4

Every company does something different so the best thing to do is check with your dads agent.

In general insurance follows the vehicle not the driver. Unless, the vehicle is uninsured then the drivers policy will pay as excess.

Answer 5

He needs to be named on the insurance policy because if anything happens not only will your insurance not pay but the owner as well as your boyfriend will be completely responsible for any and all damages, deaths and whatever happens.

Answer 6

Your insurance covers it.
I had a case years ago where I borrowed a 'friend's' Cadillac and put a crease in the side. My insurance company said it was his problem.

Answer 7

It truely depends on the policy. If you are listed on your dad's policy, and your friend is a "permissive use" driver and they are covered, then your friend will be covered. If you policy strictly says Named Insureds only, then he wouldn't be covered

Answer 8

you'll get the bad rep and your insurance might go slightly higher

Answer 9

i own a shop,and unless he,s included on the policy he,s not going to be covered driving this one and if anything happens to it,you will be held liable for any damage he or she does with it,good luck hope this helps.