If you drive someone else’s car — and you have their permission — in most cases the car owner’s insurance covers you. Insurance typically follows the car, not the driver — but there are important exceptions. In some situations your own insurance (or a special “non-owner” policy) may be needed. 

How Coverage Usually Works When You Borrow a Car

1. Primary Coverage: The Owner’s Insurance

• When you borrow a car with permission, the owner’s auto-insurance policy is usually the first to respond if there’s an accident. 

• This includes:

  • Liability coverage — if you cause damage or injury to others. 

  • Collision and/or Comprehensive, if the owner’s policy includes them — for damage to the borrowed vehicle or damage from non-collision events (theft, vandalism, etc.). 

2. Secondary Coverage: Your Insurance Might Kick In

• If the accident causes damages above the owner’s policy limit — or if their policy excludes you (e.g. you use the car regularly or they excluded permissive drivers) — your own insurance may act as secondary coverage.

• If you don’t own a car but often borrow others’ cars, a non-owner car insurance policy can provide liability protection when you drive vehicles you don’t own. 

When Insurance Might Not Cover You — Key Exceptions

Insurance might not apply if any of the following are true:

• You drive the car without the owner’s permission (no “permissive use”). 

• The owner has excluded you (or drivers like you) on their policy — some insurers deny claims if an excluded person is driving. 

• You use the car for commercial purposes (e.g. deliveries, rideshare) but the owner’s policy is personal-only. 

• You are unlicensed, suspended, intoxicated or otherwise invalid driver — that voids coverage under almost all policies. 

• The insurer’s terms define “regular use” by non-listed drivers — frequent borrowers may need to be listed explicitly, otherwise coverage can be denied. 

What to Check Before Borrowing or Lending a Car

• Confirm the owner’s policy allows “permissive use” or covers occasional drivers.

• If you plan to borrow often, ask to be added as a listed driver, not just a “borrower.”

• Ensure you are fully licensed and legally allowed to drive.

• Avoid using the borrowed vehicle for business or rideshare unless the policy allows.

• Consider your own insurance or a non-owner policy — especially if you often drive cars you don’t own.

FAQ — Common Questions About Driving Someone Else’s Car

Am I covered if I borrow a friend’s car once?
Yes — usually the friend’s insurance covers you, provided you have permission and their policy includes permissive drivers.

What if the accident causes major damage and exceeds owner’s coverage limits?
Then your own insurance (if you have it) may become secondary and cover excess costs — if you have appropriate coverage.

Can I drive a borrowed car if I don’t own one?
Yes — but it’s wise to get a non-owner insurance policy to ensure you have liability protection.

Will collision damage to the borrowed car be covered?
Only if the owner’s policy has collision (or comprehensive) coverage — otherwise collision damage may not be covered.

Does it matter how often I borrow the car?
Yes — regular borrowing (especially by someone living elsewhere) may require being explicitly listed on the owner’s policy; otherwise insurance may deny coverage.

Conclusion

Driving someone else’s car can be covered by insurance — usually under the owner’s policy — but it’s not guaranteed. Permission, policy terms (permissive use), driver status and frequency of borrowing all matter. If you borrow cars often or want extra peace of mind, consider a non-owner insurance policy or get added as a listed driver.

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