Borrowing a friend or family member’s car may seem simple, but it’s important to know the legal and insurance implications. One Redditor asked r/driving what the actual rules are when it comes to driving someone else’s vehicle, and the answers were just all over the place. I spent a few years selling auto insurance after college, so I’m familiar with certain scenarios. Unfortunately, my answer is still, “It depends.”

In most states, you can legally drive someone else’s car as long as you have their permission and a valid driver’s license. However, insurance coverage can vary, so it’s essential to understand how it works before hitting the road with a borrowed vehicle.

Does insurance follow the car or the driver?

In most cases, auto insurance follows the vehicle rather than the driver. This means that if you borrow a car with permission, the owner’s insurance will usually cover you in case of an accident. Their policy will typically include two different types of Liability coverage:

Bodily Injury Liability: Pays for injuries to other people if you’re at fault.

Property Damage Liability: Pays for damage to someone else’s vehicle or property.

However, insurance policies differ by state and provider. There are always coverage limits. Some policies may also have restrictions on who can drive the vehicle. Always check with the owner or their insurance company to avoid surprises.

What happens if you get into an accident?

If you cause an accident while borrowing a car, the owner’s insurance will usually be the first to pay. It’s still not super cut and dry, though. If damages exceed their policy limits, your personal auto insurance (if you have one) may act as secondary coverage. If you don’t have your own insurance, you could be held financially responsible for costs.

Some insurance policies also have exclusions, such as denying coverage if the borrower was intoxicated, driving recklessly, or using the car for commercial purposes.

Do you need Non-Owner car insurance?

If you frequently drive vehicles that you don’t own, you may want to consider non-owner auto insurance. This type of policy provides liability coverage for injuries or property damage you cause while driving another person’s car. However, it doesn’t cover damage to the vehicle you’re driving or your own medical expenses.

Best practices when borrowing a car

To stay protected when driving someone else’s car, follow these steps:

Check the insurance policy to ensure you’re covered.

Ask about any restrictions on who can drive the car.

Make sure your own insurance (if you have one) provides secondary coverage if needed.

Consider non-owner insurance if you frequently borrow cars.

Drive responsibly to minimize risks and avoid legal trouble.

In most states, you can legally borrow a car with permission, but insurance coverage isn’t always straightforward. Before you drive, make sure you and the owner understand how any applicable insurance policies apply. This way, you’ll know you’re protected in the event of a car accident.