Does My Car Insurance Cover Other Drivers?

The short answer is yes, your auto insurance likely extends to a licensed driver you’ve given permission to drive your car. You can think of it like this: typically, when someone borrows your car, they borrow your insurance, too. However, like any decision you make, it’s always best to be informed about the possible implications. Below are some things to consider when handing your keys to someone else.

State Policies and Laws

Determining who is liable if someone else drives your car varies by state, a local Farm Bureau agent can walk you through the liability and insurance considerations in your state. Then, an agent can also review your current coverages and more during a SuperCheck® appointment. Don’t get caught without the knowledge you need.

Your Auto Coverage

Suppose the driver who borrows your car gets in an accident. If they’re determined to be at fault, your auto liability coverage may help pay for the other vehicle’s damage, in addition to the medical bills for the other driver. But there’s something important to note: In this event, your policy’s liability coverage would not cover damages to your vehicle or the medical bills for the driver of your car. 

What if your car is damaged? 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 likely your auto policy may include specific restrictions and exclusions. Be sure to review your auto policy with your agent so you fully understand your coverage 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, involving a lot of factors. If the accident causes injuries or incurs damages that surpass the coverage limits set by your auto 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. Your Farm Bureau agent can walk you through the auto limits on your policy so you know how much coverage you have.

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 you or certain members of your household for the use of 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.