If someone else is driving your car and gets into an accident, the following things can happen:

• Liability: In California, the driver who causes an auto accident is liable for all the resulting damages from the accident. If you allow someone else to drive your car and they get into an accident, your auto insurance policy will come into play. Most auto insurance carriers allow policyholders to add other individuals to their policies, often spouses or other family members. It typically doesn’t matter whether your car’s driver is listed on your insurance coverage; your insurance follows your vehicle. Therefore, no matter who was driving at the time of the accident, your insurance policy will come into play if the driver of your vehicle caused or contributed to causing the accident.

• Insurance Coverage: Car insurance usually follows the vehicle, not the driver. If you allow somebody else to take your car and they get into an accident, your insurance provider is liable to pay the claim, based on your policy’s coverage. The claim would be marked on your insurance record, which might have an impact on your future insurance costs. If the accident is caused by someone else driving your car, your policy’s coverage can help cover the injuries or damages caused by the driver.

• Legal Liability: California has a legal concept called “vicarious liability” that makes a car owner legally liable when they lend their vehicle to someone else, who gets into an accident. If you have been injured in a wreck, you might be able to hold both the driver and the car owner responsible. If the borrower of your vehicle has an accident and another driver is at fault, California’s fault rule comes into play. You and the borrower would both have grounds to file claims against the at-fault driver.

• Impact on Insurance Rates: When someone else is driving your car and gets into an accident, it can potentially impact your insurance rates. Insurance companies consider various factors when determining rates, including the number of accidents associated with your policy. If the accident is deemed to be the fault of the person driving your car, it may increase your insurance premiums. Discussing the potential impact on your rates with your insurance provider is advisable.

In summary, if someone else is driving your car and gets into an accident, your insurance policy will come into play, and you may be held liable for damages. It is important to promptly report the accident to your insurance company and provide them with all the neces...