As a car owner, you may be wondering what would happen to you if someone borrowed your car and got into an accident.  Would the damages to your car be covered?  Would that person be able to sue you for injuries?  What about the property damage and medical expenses incurred by the other people in the accident?  Being concerned about what will happen if someone gets in an accident while driving your car is only natural.  Fortunately, in most cases, you have nothing to worry about.

Who Can Drive Your Car

Although your insurance policy will have certain people identified as the insured drivers – such as you and your spouse if you are married – your insurance policy actually goes with your car.  In other words, if your car is involved in an accident, it is covered.  There may be some exceptions to this rule.  For example, if you did not give the person permission to drive your car or if that person did not have a driver’s license, the accident may not be covered. 

In general terms, all of the following people are covered when in an accident:

• The people listed on the policy
• Your spouse, if he or she lives with you
• Any family member that is related through marriage, blood, or adoption
• Children, including foster children and those that are away at college but still list your address as their permanent address
• Anyone you give permission to use your car

If you have a teenager that sneaks out with your car, your insurance policy may not provide you with coverage.  There may be other special circumstances that will affect coverage as well.  Therefore, it is important to read your policy carefully in order to make certain you are getting the coverage you desire.

Keeping Yourself Protected

Although other people driving your car are protected, you should still exercise caution when loaning your vehicle to someone else.  Ideally, that person should also have insurance coverage in place. That way, if your insurance does not cover all of the damage, that person’s insurance can kick in and make certain the full cost is paid.  Similarly, if you hand your keys over to someone that is intoxicated or that is driving on a suspended license, your insurance company may have grounds for denying your claim.  If you exercise good judgment, however, you shouldn’t have anything to worry about when you allow someone to borrow your car.

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