When someone else
drives your car
Carl Schindler , LUTCF , CSA Agent , State Farm Insurance
Your babysitter uses your car to drive your kids to the swimming pool . Your brother-in-law borrows your car for the weekend . You ’ ve given them your permission — but what happens if there ’ s an accident when someone else is behind the wheel of your car ?
“ Generally it ’ s not a problem if they ’ re driving with your consent ,” says Jeanne Salvatore , senior vice president of Public Affairs and consumer spokesperson for the Insurance Information Institute . “ If it ’ s an occasional use — say I borrow your car to go pick up milk — and as long as permission has been verbally granted , you ’ ll typically be covered .”
But borrowing a car under other circumstances may not be as clear-cut . ( Coverage will depend on your insurer and your particular policy .)
Typically , even if the person driving your car has his or her own insurance , your insurance will likely pay damages first if there ’ s an accident . The driver ’ s insurance may cover some of the personal injury or
Did You Know ? medical expenses , and it may supplement your plan if the accident maxes out your coverage .
“ When you have someone you employ , such as a nanny or a nurse who will be a regular driver , contact your insurance agent about your coverage ,” Salvatore recommends . “ He or she may need to be added to your policy .”
Because the policy terms and state laws can vary widely , always contact your insurance agent before loaning out your car — or any other motor vehicle , such as a motorcycle , boat , jet ski , snowmobile , ATV or RV .
“ Any time you have a question about your coverage , call your insurance agent first ,” says Salvatore . “ You always want to let the insurance company know the circumstances . Get their advice .”
“ Don ’ t be cavalier about lending your car ,” adds Salvatore . “ If you know someone isn ’ t a good driver , think twice about giving your permission . Any accident they ’ re in could go on your insurance record .”
Your address may impact your auto insurance rate .
Carl Schindler is a 40 year State Farm Insurance agent in Morgan Hill . His agency has been voted # 1 in Morgan Hill for the past 5 consecutive years . He specializes in Auto , Homeowner ’ s , Life & Disability Insurance . Visit StateFarm . com / CarlSchindler or call ( 408 ) 779-6969 .
People who live in densely populated areas — noted for higher occurrences of accidents and theft — will likely pay more for auto insurance than those who live in rural areas , where accidents and theft are less prevalent . Other factors that may influence the cost of auto insurance : vehicle type , coverage , and driving record .
Want to know more ? Enhance your knowledge of insurance by talking to your agent . Establishing an open dialogue with your agent is the best way to answer any questions you may have . Because insurance protection is a contract , any coverage descriptions in this article are general only and are not statements of contract . All coverage are subject to all policy provisions , including applicable endorsements .
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