Auto Insurance Coverage for a Borrowed Car California CA

Reader’s Question:

My girlfriend has an insured car here in California, which I drive occasionally. Will her auto insurance company cover it if I get involved in an accident?

Matt

San Francisco, CA

In most cases, an existing auto insurance policy covers your incidental and temporary use of the car. Other companies do not have this, though. They will only cover those listed under the policy. So, it is best that your girlfriend calls her local auto insurance agent in California.

If you are not covered, then it would be best to have your name listed under your girlfriend’s policy. Or you may also opt to purchase your own non-owner’s insurance policy. But this may probably cost more than adding you to her current coverage.

It is also important to read and review what type of coverage your girlfriend purchased for the car. Since California only requires its motorists to carry the minimum liability insurance, and if your girlfriend indeed only has this coverage, then your medical and repairs costs will not be covered if you were responsible for an accident. This is because minimum liability only covers for treatment of bodily injuries and damages sustained by the other motorist’s car.

This is why collision and comprehensive insurance is necessary though not a requirement in California. This will cover for medical care and car repair of the insured following an accident. It is advisable that your girlfriend add your name to her policy. It would also be wise to add more coverage in the policy. This will consequently increase her premiums, so you might want to contribute a portion for the cost of insuring a car that you also use.

Tags: auto insurance coverage, collision insurance coverage, comprehensive insurance coverage, liability insurance, non owners insurance