Is it true that you need auto insurance, even if you don’t have a car, just to drive someone else’s car?

7 Comments

1. ca_surveyor says:

   July 18, 2009 at 2:20 am

   Think about it.. if that were true wouldnt they require the insurance just to GET the license?

   But.. any vehicle you drive must be insured, so you can drive the family car and you are likely insured with the family policy. BUT driving anyone else’s car may put them (and you) at a serious risk. Always ask if you are covered by their policy before you do.

   .
2. Nate W says:

   July 21, 2009 at 8:54 am

   No, that is not true. You have to own a car in order to get insurance. It’s called insurable interest. You can’t insure someone else’s car and expect to get paid when they have an accident.

   If you are only driving the car occasionally than you will be covered under the owners insurance, assuming they have a standard or preferred company.

   If you drive the car on a regular basis and/or live in the house with the owner, you need to be added as an additional insured to their policy.
3. Queen B says:

   July 22, 2009 at 6:08 pm

   Nate is 100% correct!!!
4. UCANTCME says:

   July 24, 2009 at 9:14 pm

   Generally speaking, the insurance goes with the car.

   For example, if you have an accident while driving someone else’s car, the owner’s insurance would apply first toward damages.
5. NY1Krr says:

   July 25, 2009 at 9:38 am

   You dont need to have insurance to drive someone elses car. There are many people that will purchase non-owned insurance if they dont own a car but rent cars very often since car rental companies charge a ton of money for insurance.
   If you are borrowing a friends car and get into an accident, their insurance will cover you up to the policy limit. If the damages exceed the limit of the insurance, then they can come after you personally.
6. Rachel W says:

   July 28, 2009 at 5:41 am

   Nate has the perfect answer for you.
7. ♥ Mary ♥ says:

   July 31, 2009 at 9:19 am

   No,that is not true. At least not in any state I have ever lived in. My car insurance even has a clause that says that if I let anyone borrow the car then they are covered as long as they are a legally licensed driver. you shouldn’t have to buy insurance to borrow someone else’s car. You would only need that if you get your own car.