Hi, I have a friend who recently got a job here in Sarasota, Florida, and she needs a car to drive to and from work. The problem is they only have one car, and her husband uses it. I was thinking of lending her my car. If something happens while she’s driving, is my auto insurance going to pay for the damages?

Beth

Sarasota, FL

Hi, Beth! To answer your question–As long as she has your permission to drive your car, yes, your car insurance company is going to pay. It doesn’t mean that she has to get your permission every time she uses it–it’s just that you should be able to say that you actually lent her your car. I think, though, that it’s a different thing if she uses your car more than you do. Technically speaking, a car insurance policy is associated with the car itself. However, car insurance companies take note of who the primary driver of the car is also.

One thing you can do is to call your car insurance company in Sarasota, Florida and have your friend added to your insurance policy. If they find out that your friend is the primary driver, and not you, they may say that you have given them false information and not pay. Another thing you can do, and this is better, I think, is to ask your friend to get a non-owner’s policy. This type of insurance covers any car she may drive. But if she gets into an accident using your car, your insurance is who’s going to pay first, and then your friend’s policy will cover the excess amount that isn’t covered by yours.