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No, you do not need car insurance to borrow a car if the owner is insured, they have given you permission to drive the vehicle, and their policy allows it. Car insurance follows the car, not the driver, so expenses from an accident will generally be covered by the vehicle owner’s insurance policy. This is often referred to as permissive use.
If you plan to drive borrowed cars frequently, you should consider purchasing a non-owner car insurance policy. Non-owner coverage gives you additional protection beyond what’s offered by the owner’s policy.
For example, if you’re in an accident while driving someone else’s car, the owner’s car insurance policy limits may not be high enough to cover all medical bills and repair expenses. A non-owner policy acts as secondary coverage, though, so it will kick in once you’ve hit the owner’s coverage limits.
Non-owner policies are much cheaper than normal car insurance, and only cost between $200 and $500 per year. Most major insurers sell non-owner coverage but don’t offer online quotes, so you will need to call in order to get an exact cost estimate.
People also ask
Do you need insurance to rent a car?
No, you don’t need insurance to rent a car. Rental companies must insure rental cars because they own and register the vehicles, but they usually carry only minimum liability coverage. If you don’t have personal insurance or credit card rental car insurance, you’ll probably want some of the extra coverage rental companies offer at the time of sale.
Before you buy the rental company’s insurance, you should consider what coverage you may already have through your personal car...
read full answer by Anamarie Waite, Car Insurance WriterCan an uninsured driver drive my car?
Yes, an uninsured driver can drive your car if the uninsured driver is given permission to use the vehicle and the car’s insurance policy does not forbid such activity. If the uninsured driver crashes the insured car, your standard policy limits will usually apply. You and the uninsured driver will be responsible for any damages beyond your policy limits.
The details of car insurance policies vary, but most insurers cover occasional use by a...
read full answer by WalletHub, Financial CompanyWhat happens if someone else is driving my car and gets in an accident?
If someone else is driving your car and gets in an accident, your car insurance will likely cover any resulting damage. Car insurance generally follows the car instead of the driver, so the car owner's insurance will cover the crash, even if someone else is driving. On the other hand, if your car is taken without permission or the driver is not licensed, the driver is responsible.
Insurance Options When Someone Crashes Your Car
... read full answer by Winslow Arizona, Car Insurance WriterDid we answer your question?
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