What happens if someone drives your car and they get in an accident?

Last updated: June 2022

Contrary to popular belief, car insurance typically follows the car — not the driver. If you let someone else drive your car and they get in an accident, your insurance company would likely be responsible for paying the claim, depending on the coverages in your policy. The claim would go on your insurance record and could affect your car insurance rates in the future. A number of factors may come into play, though, when determining whose car insurance applies if someone else drives your car and gets in an accident.

In many states, your car insurance would be considered the primary insurance if someone else wrecks your vehicle, according to the Insurance Information Institute (III). That means the coverage you've chosen on your policy would help cover the injuries or vehicle damage the driver caused.

So, if someone else driving your car is at fault for the accident, here's how your policy's coverage may help:

• Auto liability coverage: This coverage may help pay for another person's medical bills or damaged vehicle that resulted from the accident. Your liability coverage would not pay for your friend's medical bills or repairs to your own car.

• Collision coverage: If you have collision coverage, it may help pay for your vehicle repairs. Keep in mind that you'll have to pay your deductible (the amount you're responsible for paying before insurance kicks in) first.

• Medical payments coverage: If the driver of your vehicle is injured in an accident they caused, this coverage may help pay for their medical bills.

It's also a good idea to understand a few exceptions regarding how your insurance may work. First, you shouldn't just assume your insurance will cover the accident and any damage. For example, some policies don't cover relatives living in your home, unless they are specifically named on your policy. Other policies may provide coverage, but on a more limited basis. Second, if the driver of your car isn't found at fault for the accident, you may not need to worry about your insurance taking a hit. This is because the at-fault driver's insurance may pay for your friend's injuries and repairs to your car.

Keep in mind that laws vary by state, so it's important to read your policy documents carefully to understand what's covered. If you have questions about your coverage and how it helps protect another driver, ask your agent to help clarify.