Non-owner insurance for a borrowed car

When you borrow a friend's car, their insurance usually protects you. A non-owner policy of your own is also needed in these situations.

A friend hands car keys to a driver in a driveway

Call 833-958-5598A licensed agent sorts out the policy you need on the phone.

If you have the owner's permission and drive their car, their insurance usually applies to you. That arrangement is called permissive use. This works for a trip you take once in a while, but it does have its restrictions.

Am I covered by the owner's insurance?

Yes, in most cases, when you drive the car once in a while with the owner's permission. Still, a number of insurers limit a borrower to the minimum coverage the state requires. Afterward, the claim goes onto the owner’s record and might push their rate higher.

When you should get your own policy

Get a non-owner policy when you borrow from multiple owners, or when you use cars that aren't yours 12 or more times a year. Your policy steps in to cover the costs once the owner's limits are reached. One example from the rate study involved a crash that caused $30,000 in damage. Because the owner’s limit was $20,000, the driver’s non-owner policy covered the remaining $10,000.

Car keys and an insurance card on a kitchen counter

Common questions about borrowing a car

When I lend my car to a friend, is that friend covered?

Usually, yes. Most auto policies cover a licensed driver who uses your car now and then, as long as you gave permission. Someone who drives it regularly should be named on your policy.

Does non-owner insurance cover damage to the car I borrowed?

It does not. What it covers is the harm you do to others. Damage to the car you borrowed would be covered by the owner’s collision coverage, if they have it.