Driving Someone Else’s Car

I’m about to purchase an insurance policy for my vehicle, but I also want coverage when I have to drive other vehicles in emergencies. I spoke with one car insurance company, and they told me this is not possible. Does that mean I need to take out a separate policy or should I look elsewhere for coverage?

Answer

Insurance policies usually follow the vehicle, not the driver. So, with most insurance companies, you probably won’t be covered when driving a “non-owned” vehicle. Usually in these situations, the vehicle’s owner will have insurance that covers any damage you do. However, you might find some insurers that will allow you to drive multiple non-owned vehicles with a single policy. The best thing to do is to ask different agents about your options. You also might consider a traveler’s car insurance policy, which will typically cover you when you are operating a car other than your own.