Does My Insurance Cover Someone Else Driving My Car?

Jan 12, 2021 1 min read

It’s a common scenario: A friend or family member borrows your car to run an errand. It’s likely a decision you make without sufficiently considering the potential consequences. But accidents can happen, and you need to ask yourself, “will insurance cover someone else driving my car?” The answer isn’t always straightforward. Consider these factors to maximize the probability that you’re covered when someone else drives your car. 

State Policies and Laws

Policies and laws vary by state. Therefore, it is essential that you review your insurance needs and coverages with your Farm Bureau agent. 

Your Type of Auto Coverage

If the person borrowing your car is determined to be at fault in an accident, your auto liability coverage could help pay for the other vehicle’s damage in addition to the medical bills for the other driver. However, it is important to note that your policy’s liability coverage would not cover damages to your vehicle or the medical bills for the driver of your car. 

If your insurance policy includes collision coverage, it may help cover the repairs to your vehicle, but you’ll still be responsible for paying the policy deductible. 

Every situation is unique, and it is very likely that your specific auto policy may include restrictions and exclusions that limit or exclude coverage. Be sure to review your auto policy with your agent before you allow someone to borrow your vehicle.

Exceeding Limits on Your Primary Coverage

Letting someone borrow your car may not seem like a big deal, but accidents can be complex. If the accident causes injuries and/or damages surpassing the coverage limits set by your insurance policy, it’s possible that the driver’s auto policy could be used as secondary coverage to help pay for the costs in excess of your insurance policy. But if the driver:

  • doesn’t own a car and, therefore, doesn’t have a policy of their own; or
  • has coverages at or below the limit of your policy,

you may be held responsible for the damages not covered by your insurance policy. 

For those who have access to a vehicle they don’t own or normally drive, some companies offer non-owner automobile insurance. At Farm Bureau Financial Services, we offer “Named Non-Owner” coverage, which extends liability protection to certain types of non-owned vehicles. 

Know Your Coverage

It’s essential to review your insurance policy before letting someone borrow your car. Your local Farm Bureau agent can review your policy and answer questions.

Want to learn more?

Contact a local FBFS agent or advisor for answers personalized to you.