Reader’s Question:

I’m from Seattle, and a friend of mine borrowed my car, will she be covered by my auto insurance policy?

Brent

Seattle, WA

Honestly speaking, yes, your friend will be covered by your auto insurance policy. This is because it is your car that is directly connected to the automotive insurance policy. So, even if you occasionally lend your car to your friend, she would most definitely be included in your car insurance coverage.

A word of advice, though, most auto insurance companies (that includes those in Washington) base the premiums that you pay on your car, as well as on the primary driver, which, of course, is you. So, if your friend starts driving your car more often then you do, then it is best to call your auto insurance agent, so can have your friend added to your automotive insurance policy. It is better to be honest about this because if your auto insurance company discovers that you are not the primary driver anymore, then they may assume that you have provided them with false or incorrect information and reject your claims.

On the other hand, if you are the one who borrowed a car from a friend or someone else, his or her insurance policy will cover the damages should an accident happen to you. But if your friend has insufficient coverage or has no automotive insurance at all, then your own auto insurance policy will have to cover the damages and other expenses.

Above all, don’t assume that you are always covered by your auto insurance policy. It is much better to call your insurer there in Seattle to clarify certain details about your coverage especially if you’re not certain about policies regarding someone else driving your car.

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