Generally speaking, auto insurance follows the car instead of the driver. If a friend or a family member has an accident and isn’t insured, then you will have to use your insurance. Driving Other Cars (DOC) insurance isn’t usually included as part of a fully comprehensive policy. Unless your policy states otherwise, you’ll only be able to drive your partner’s car if they’ve added you as a named driver or have a family or any driver car insurance policy.
Specifics of Car Insurance Policies
An any driver insurance policy allows anyone to drive your car at any time. There’s no limit to how many people can drive the car, so any friends or family, who have your permission, are legally insured to drive it. Joyriding—taking or driving someone else’s car without permission—is a crime. And a conviction can land you in jail or prison.
Is it OK to drive my girlfriend’s car? Yes, you can borrow or lend a vehicle as long as the driver has the car owner’s permission. While you’re using your friend’s car, her insurance policy will be in effect—so, if there was any damage to the car, it’ll be covered under her policy.
Automatically Covered Drivers
Some drivers will be covered under your policy as long as you have given them permission to drive your car. This is considered “permissive use.” These drivers may include immediate or extended family, friends, or even a boyfriend or girlfriend who doesn’t live with you.
The short answer is yes, you can rent a car with a debit card. Major rental car companies, including Avis, Budget, Enterprise, and Hertz, all permit rentals on a debit card.
Driving Someone Else’s Car
Is it OK to let friends drive your car? It’s important to consider the potential risks before allowing someone else to drive your vehicle. One of the main concerns is insurance coverage. Most insurance policies provide coverage for occasional drivers, as long as they’ve your permission to use the vehicle.
Should I let my boyfriend drive my car? Whether uninsured, underinsured, or an insured driver, if someone is in an accident while driving your vehicle, you could be put in a bad situation. Make sure they are a trustworthy driver and have a good driving record.
Can unmarried couples be on the same car insurance? If you have been charged with violating Vehicle Code section 14604, allowing an unlicensed person to drive a vehicle, that is a misdemeanor offense with a penalty of up to six months in jail and/or a $1000 fine. Depending on the circumstances of the incident, the jail time is unlikely.