Can I borrow my friend’s car?

I’m borrowing my friend’s car … am I covered?

Most people have an idea of what’s covered and not covered under their various insurance policies. But at Deleski Insurance Agency, we get a lot of questions about borrowing or loaning a car and the short answer is yes, you can borrow your friend’s car and you will be covered just as if they are driving (as long as you have their permission to take it).

Generally, auto insurance coverage follows the vehicle rather than the driver. So in most instances, as long as the owner of the car has insurance, it’s covered even if someone other than the owner is driving it — as long as they have the owner’s permission.

The borrower’s car insurance is considered secondary, meaning that in the event of an accident, it could apply if the owner’s insurance is insufficient to fully cover the damage.

It’s important to note that there are some exceptions to what is called “permissive use” coverage. For example, permission must be given by the owner, unless the borrower has a reasonable belief that they are allowed to use the car. However, the borrower cannot give permission to someone else. So if your teenager allows one of his or her friends to drive your car to {local destination}, your coverage likely won’t apply.

Coverage might also be denied if the borrower operates the vehicle in a negligent or criminal manner. And if the borrower is using your car for business purposes, your personal auto policy likely won’t cover that.

If you have a regular long-term arrangement to either borrow or lend a car, the borrower should probably be added to the owner’s personal auto policy. Those who don’t own a car, but often borrow one, might also consider “named non-owner coverage,” an endorsement that provides bodily injury and property damage liability, uninsured motorists coverage and more.

Ultimately, it’s usually safe to loan your friend your car for occasional errands or projects. And the same goes for borrowing a car. Just make sure it’s for “normal” use. You’ll want to confirm that the car has coverage and that your insurance, whether you’re the owner or borrower, will apply.

Ridesharing Coverage

Right now your current auto policy excludes the time you are in transit to pick someone up with UBER and LYFT!  Most people assume they are covered under their personal auto policy until they pick someone up and then the TNC or Transportation Network Company coverage kicks in when the person gets in their car.  Not so!  The personal auto insurance policy stops when the app is turned on and you are driving to pick someone up.  This gap can leave you uncovered if you have an accident on the way to pick someone up using UBER or LYFT.

Now there is an endorsement you can add to your personal auto policy to fill this gap.  It is called RideSharing Coverage and we, at Deleski Insurance, can make sure your policy includes this coverage or is added to your current policy.  So if you are using UBER or LYFT in St. Paul, Minneapolis, or any of the Twin Cities or Minnesota area, we would be happy to take a look at your coverage to make sure it is adequate.

Call Deleski Insurance 651-633-0400 to make sure RideSharing Coverage is added to your auto insurance policy today!

Pizza Delivery

If you think commercial auto insurance is just for businesses, think again.

Do you deliver pizzas, newspapers, food or other types of products in your vehicle? If so, you may need to insure it with a commercial auto policy. Your personal auto policy may specifically exclude these actions from coverage, which means an accident or other loss may not be covered by your insurance if it’s not a commercial auto policy. These actions are considered part of conducting business, which is why they would be covered by a commercial auto policy instead of a personal auto policy.

You need a commercial policy and we can help

At Deleski Insurance, we help pizza delivery drivers find the coverage they need in the Minneapolis, Saint Paul, Roseville, and surrounding areas.  Don’t be left with a bill if and when an accident occurs.  Get a commercial policy today and save your tips for yourself!