Does Auto Insurance Follow The Car Or The Person?

Auto insurance is a must-have for all drivers, so it’s important to understand exactly what it covers. One common question is whether auto insurance follows the car or the person driving it. In this article, we’ll provide a breakdown of the rules of auto insurance to help you make the most informed decision possible.

Auto Insurance Follows the Vehicle

Generally speaking, auto insurance follows the car, not the driver. This means that if you give someone else permission to drive your car and they get into an accident, your auto insurance will cover the damages. On the other hand, if you borrow someone else’s car and get into an accident, their auto insurance will cover the damages.

This rule applies to a wide range of scenarios, including when you rent a car, borrow a friend’s car, or allow someone to borrow your car. However, this only applies if you have permission from the owner of the car. If you’re caught driving a car without permission, you will not be covered by the owner’s auto insurance.

Exceptions to the Rule

There are a few exceptions to this rule, though they vary from state to state. For instance, some states require that any driver who regularly drives a vehicle must be added to the owner’s insurance policy. This includes spouses, children, and any other drivers who may regularly use the vehicle.

In addition, some states have a “permissive use” rule, which states that if someone borrows your car and gets into an accident, their auto insurance will cover the damages. However, if their auto insurance doesn’t cover the full amount of damages, your auto insurance will kick in and cover the difference.

What if You Don’t Own a Car?

If you don’t own a car, you may be wondering if you need auto insurance. The answer is yes; even if you don’t own a car, you may still need auto insurance. Non-owner auto insurance is designed for people who don’t own a car but may need to drive someone else’s vehicle from time to time. This type of insurance covers the driver, not the car, and is usually cheaper than a traditional auto insurance policy.

Before you purchase a non-owner auto insurance policy, make sure you understand the coverage, limits, and exclusions. Every state has different laws, so make sure you research the laws in your state to make sure you’re properly covered.

Conclusion

Auto insurance follows the vehicle, not the driver. This means that if you give someone else permission to drive your car and they get into an accident, your auto insurance will cover the damages. On the other hand, if you borrow someone else’s car and get into an accident, their auto insurance will cover the damages. However, there are some exceptions to this rule, so it’s important to research the laws in your state before you purchase a policy. If you don’t own a car but need to drive someone else’s vehicle from time to time, you may want to purchase a non-owner auto insurance policy.