When you get behind the wheel of a car that’s not yours, that you don’t pay for, and that you’re unfamiliar with, it’s normal to feel a bit trepidatious. It’s why so many people do a quick Google search to find out if they can drive someone else’s car and whether or not they’ll be insured. In fact, that may very well be why you’re here right now.
Fortunately, this article covers the questions drivers commonly have about driving someone else’s car in Canada and the impact it has on insurance. Nonetheless, it’s always important to review your policy documents or contact your car insurance company or broker if needed, as the terms and conditions can vary slightly from policy to policy.
Can I Drive Someone Else’s Car With My Insurance?
No, your insurance will not cover you when you drive someone else’s car. Instead, you will be covered by the car owner’s insurance.
When you drive someone else’s car with their permission and a valid driver’s license, this is called “permissive use.” With permissive use, the owner of the car’s insurance policy will typically extend to cover you in case of an accident or other incident.
You might ask, “Why not use my insurance?” The reason for this is that car insurance policies are typically linked to a specific vehicle, rather than the driver. Therefore, when you drive someone else’s car, their policy applies, not yours, because their insurance is associated with that particular vehicle. This structure ensures that each vehicle on the road receives adequate coverage tailored to its individual characteristics, including its condition, safety features, and value.
Granted, insurance policies can vary, with some imposing specific restrictions, conditions, and/or coverage limits on permissive use. So, before you hop in someone else’s vehicle, check with the owner about their insurance coverage first. If you fail to do so and it turns out you aren’t covered, you could end up being financially responsible for any damages or personally liable for any injuries you may cause while driving their car.
Is My Car Insured If I Lend It to Someone?
Yes, your car is insured if you lend it to someone with a valid driver’s license, who has your explicit permission, and who complies with any other terms and conditions regarding permissive use outlined in your policy. This means that if the person you lend your car to gets into an accident or any other incident that is eligible for coverage, your car and the driver would usually be protected against the resulting damages or injuries.
However, it’s advisable to review your policy documents and contact your insurance company or broker if you have any specific questions or concerns about lending your car to someone. They will be able to provide more information about your coverage and any potential limitations or exceptions that you need to take into account.
Also, if you plan to lend your car to someone for more frequent use, it is recommended that you add them to your policy as an occasional driver. This will help mitigate any potential risks and uncertainties, ensuring that both you and the occasional driver are adequately covered in case something unforeseen happens while they’re out driving your vehicle.
What Happens If Someone Else Drives My Car and Gets in an Accident?
If you let someone else drive your car and they get in an accident, the first thing that needs to happen is to ensure the safety of everyone involved, exchange information with the other party, and contact the police (if necessary).
Once these immediate actions are taken care of, what happens next will depend on whether you, the car’s owner, have car insurance and under what conditions it covers injuries or damages caused by other drivers. If you do have coverage for other drivers, your insurance policy may provide financial protection for the damages or injuries resulting from the accident. This coverage typically includes expenses such as vehicle repairs, medical bills, and legal fees, up to the limits specified in your policy.
However, if your policy does not extend coverage to other drivers, or if there are any limitations or exclusions in your policy, you may be personally responsible for covering the costs associated with the damages or injuries caused by the accident.