What To Know Before Answering the Question “Can I Borrow Your Car?”
It can come up so quickly and casually that you may not give it much thought. Perhaps you should. A friend, relative, or neighbor asks, “Hey, can I borrow your car for a couple of hours?”
If they are close enough to you, you may not hesitate. While your desire to help someone out may be admirable, there are some things to consider.
First, it is not only understandable but prudent to check your insurance policy to verify that the person borrowing your car will be covered. If the person isn’t covered under your policy and doesn’t have his or her own coverage, you shouldn’t allow them to borrow your vehicle. You, of course, should also not allow them to use your car if they don’t have a valid driver’s license or if they appear intoxicated or otherwise impaired.
You should be aware that even if the borrower has superb insurance coverage, your policy serves as the primary insurer. That means any claims will be funneled through your policy first. Their policy may provide some supplemental protection, but it is you and your insurance that will be on the hook.
You should also be aware that if you don’t have comprehensive coverage, damage to your car may not be covered. This could be problematic. There also may be deductibles that may have to be accounted for.
If someone asks about borrowing your car and you are unsure of your coverage, check your policy or contact your auto insurance agent. If you are comfortable with your coverage, the rest is up to you. It may just be a matter of them refilling your tank.
When you are comparing car insurance rates, it is a good time to inquire about the details of your coverage. Would a friend be covered when borrowing your car? Will you be covered when renting a car? Does your policy provide for a rental car and how large are the deductibles? Now is the time to get the coverage you want and expect at a price you can afford.
Contact one of our independent insurance agents for a no-obligation car insurance review and price quote today. We look forward to assisting you.
