Does My Car Insurance Cover Me In Another Car?

It depends on what kind of insurance you have. Some types of insurance follow the driver, while others follow the car. Liability insurance covers you when using a rental car, dealership loaner, or a friend's car.

Does insurance follow the car or the driver?

This depends on your coverage type. In general, the insurance follows the car. Below we list the two main types of coverage:

• Liability Insurance: All states, except New Hampshire, require liability insurance. Liability insurance follows the driver, not the car.

Keep in mind, that liability insurance usually only covers temporary car use. If you plan to borrow someone else's car for an extended period of time, your liability insurance may not cover you. If you plan to get liability insurance ask the insurer how their specific policy works.

• Comprehensive and Collision Insurance: These types of insurance follow the car, not the driver. If a car borrower gets into an accident, the car's damage is covered under the owner's insurance. The owner needs to add you to their list of drivers to their policy to make sure you're covered in case of injury.

This only applies when borrowing a friend or family member's car. If you're borrowing a rental or dealership car, liability insurance is enough.

Non-owner car insurance is an option

If you plan to use someone else's car often, consider non-owner car insurance. This type of policy provides liability coverage for drivers who don't have their own vehicle. It normally includes bodily injury and property damage liability. Sometimes it even includes medical coverage and uninsured motorist coverage.

Check with potential insurers on what their non-owner car policy covers. A non-owner policy doesn't include comprehensive, collision, rental reimbursement, or towing coverage.

Contact Progressive for an easy quote, today. You can get more info and explore what's right for you.

Tips for borrowing someone else's car (non-rental or dealership loaner)

A few tips to remember before borrowing someone else's car:

• Ask the insured driver to check their policy for terms involved with loaning their car to you.
• Make sure you have a valid driver's license before borrowing someone's car.
• Be certain that the insured has their registration and insurance information in the car's glove box.
• If you plan to use the insured's car habitually, ask them to add you to their policy as a driver. This protects you both.

Always be prepared

If you have liability insurance, you're covered in another car. We suggest contacting your insurer to ask them the details of your policy. Most liability insurance only covers the temporary use of another vehicle.

Interested in non-owner car insurance? Get instant quotes tailored to your needs - fill out our short form, today!