It’s an interesting question, and as we will explore, wrong decisions could have significant negative consequences. A detailed answer requires knowledge of the specific circumstances, but some general answers apply. It is important to note that this answer is more geared toward New York policyholders, as the Empire State has more liberal statutory policy language than other jurisdictions.

I will add a follow-up question that may be even more relevant: “What are the consequences?”

Scenario #1: Am I covered if I drive someone else’s car?

• Primary Coverage >> the policy on which the car is listed:
• The policy covering the vehicle being driven is typically primary. In most circumstances following an accident, the policy insuring the car would respond first.
• Your Coverage: 
• As a driver of someone else's car, your policy may respond in a secondary capacity if your coverage limits were higher for liability or personal injury losses.

Scenario #2: Am I covered if someone else drives mine?

• Primary Coverage >>  the policy on which the car is listed:
• Similar to Scenario #1, the insurance policy on the vehicle being driven is typically primary. In essence, the policy applicable to the car responds first.
• Driver’s Coverage:
• Secondarily, the driver’s policy may respond as excess for liability and personal injury losses.

What are the consequences following:

• 
  An accident when I drive someone else's car?:
• The accident involving the vehicle will likely be reflected in that policyholder's future rates. 
• If a police report is filed or a claim is submitted on the driver's policy, the accident ramifications will also affect the driver.
• An accident when someone else drives my car?:
• Your policy premium and loss history will reflect the results and consequences of the accident.
• What could be additional ramifications?:
• Borrowing a car or allowing someone else to do the same is occasionally expected.
• However, to prevent significant problems, you should disclose to the insurance company if someone regularly drives your vehicle or you regularly drive someone else's car.
• Failure to do so could be seen as an attempt to hide drivers, evade proper rating, and could result in:
• Non-renewal of your policy.
• Significant increase in your premiums.
• The potential of contested claims due to material misrepresentation.

What’s the moral of the story? 

• Be careful to whom you lend your car. Using good judgment that considers the frequency, driving record, and age of those you let borrow your car should be a strong consideration.
• Don’t do anything that hides drivers from an insurance company, as the consequences can be severe. That is especially true when drivers are purposely not disclosed and/or not members of your household.

If you have any questions about this or anything related to your insurance program, please consider our agency's willingness and desire to help. Call, email, or visit us anytime for sensible solutions to your insurance needs.

About the Author: Jeff Ryan has been a licensed insurance agent since 1978, later becoming a full-time insurance professional in 1983. Since then, he has been the principal of The Ryan Agencies with offices in Hornell, Jasper, and Wellsville. The agencies serve approximately 15,000 clients in New York and Pennsylvania. Jeff holds numerous credentials including the Chartered Property & Casualty Underwriter (CPCU), Certified Insurance Counselor (CIC), Accredited Advisor in Insurance (AAI), Chartered Life Underwriter (CLU), and Chartered Financial Consultant (ChFC) designations. He holds a Master's Degree from the American College. Jeff enjoys writing about all things insurance and welcomes your questions and feedback.