Can you drive an insured car if you have no insurance?

Answer 1

Driving another persons insured CarIt is always best to ask the owner loaning you the vehicle if you will be covered under his policy. If he is not sure then he should contact his Insurer and verify before you drive. It never hurts to have your own operators or non owners policy in place for additional security if your an occasional driver without a car right now.

Each US state regulates it's own insurance needs through it's state legislature. Insurance for a loaner would depend on the type of Policy that the Vehicle owner currently has in place as required in that state. It could also depend on the nature of the vehicle loaned or hired. If the Owner has a Limited Liability or a Named Driver Policy then no other drivers may be covered even with permissive use. If the owner has purchased a Broad Form Auto Insurance Policy then generally permitted drivers are covered.

It is a common misnomer that Auto Liability follows a vehicle. In Fact, Auto Liability Insurance covers and follows the named insured(s) (usually the vehicle owner) and the named insureds legal liability that may arise out vehicle ownership and operation. Most liability coverage will even follow the defined insured to a replacement vehicle, When on a standard form auto insurance policy, liability coverage is afforded even when tertiary or third party through an accident of a permitted driver. This point of concept of vicarious legal liability of a property owner and the contracted liability of the Specific Policy Form offered by an Insurance Company is where the misunderstanding arises. Limited lines Policies though economic can leave gaps in coverage so it's best that all drivers even non owners carry financial responsibility.

The Concept definitions of Legal Liability of the owner of a property and the Financial Responsibility of all vehicle operators on public roads is determined further in the US by the regulations of the individual state of registration.

AnswerAccording to law if the owner of the vehicle has insurance on the vehicle, and "loans" you the car, and you are listed as an occasional driver of that vehicle, then you are covered. Otherwise, you will have to purchase your own policy. Dependent DriversBe careful. The answer to your question varies from state to state and you need to check the laws in your state. In the state where I live, an under 25 driver who lives with you must be insured on your policy to drive your car and it's very expensive. Insurance coverage is different if someone who does not live with you uses the car for your convenience. It can get very complicated. Insurance companies are doing more and more to mitigate rising costs of repairs, medical treatment and their liability.