Borrowed Car Accidents: Who Pays and How to Protect Yourself
Car accidents are stressful enough — but when the at-fault driver does not own the vehicle, determining who is responsible for damages can quickly become complicated. Understanding how insurance works in these situations is key to protecting your rights.
Does Car Insurance Cover the Car or the Driver?
In most cases, auto insurance follows the vehicle. This means the car owner’s policy covers damages caused by another person driving the car with permission. If permission is given — whether verbally, in writing, or implied — the vehicle owner will typically be liable for any damage caused.
However, there are important exceptions:
- No Permission or Theft – If the driver took the vehicle without permission or stole it, the owner is generally not liable.
- Excluded Drivers – Some insurance policies specifically exclude certain drivers, such as household members with poor driving records.
If you’re unsure whether an insurance policy covers a specific accident, our team can help you navigate the details. Learn more about how coverage works in complex cases by visiting our insurance claims page.
Special Circumstances in Borrowed Car Accidents
Sometimes, more than one policy may be involved:
- If the accident damages exceed the vehicle owner’s coverage limits, the driver’s own insurance may step in — but only if it includes coverage for borrowed vehicles.
- If an excluded driver is involved, the vehicle owner could be personally responsible for costs not covered by insurance.
If your accident involved a commercial or rideshare vehicle, you may also want to review our pages on commercial vehicle accidents or Uber/Lyft accidents.
Steps to Take After a Borrowed Car Accident
If you are injured in an accident involving a borrowed vehicle:
- Document everything – Take photos and videos of the damage, scene, and injuries. Get insurance information from both the driver and the vehicle owner.
- Call the authorities – Obtain an official crash or police report.
- Seek medical attention – Even minor injuries should be evaluated by a doctor immediately.
- Contact a lawyer – Borrowed car accidents can involve complex liability and insurance disputes.
If the crash involved serious injuries or a fatality, you may also want to explore our resources on fatal car accidents or wrongful death.
Why You Need an Experienced Attorney
When multiple insurance companies are involved, each may try to minimize payouts or deny coverage. The attorneys at Leatherwood Law Firm have recovered millions for car accident victims and know how to fight for the compensation you deserve.
Whether your accident involved a borrowed car, a hit-and-run (learn more here), or a drunk driver (read about drunk driving accidents), our team is ready to protect your rights.
Free Case Evaluation
If you or someone you know has been injured in a borrowed car accident, don’t wait. Contact Leatherwood Law Firm today for a free, no-obligation consultation.
📞 Call: 1-877-664-6665
📧 Email: Intake@leatherwoodfirm.com
Let us handle the legal battle while you focus on your recovery.