Can I Let Someone Drive My Car If They’re Not on My Insurance?

It’s not unusual to hand your car keys to a family member or friend — maybe your teenager needs to run an errand in Silver Spring, a neighbor asks for a quick favor in Upper Marlboro, or a cousin needs to borrow your car for the weekend in Baltimore. But before you say yes, it’s worth pausing to think about the insurance consequences.

Here’s what every driver in Washington, D.C. and Maryland should understand about letting someone else get behind the wheel.

Insurance Usually Follows the Car

Most auto insurance policies are tied to the car itself, not just the person who owns it. If someone you trust borrows your car and ends up in a crash, it’s often your policy that pays first.

But the word “often” matters here. Coverage can look different depending on your insurer and your policy language.

Permissive Use: Not Always Guaranteed

Some insurers extend coverage to people you’ve given permission to drive your car, but others may limit it. And even when “permissive use” applies, the protection might be less than your normal coverage.

For example, if your friend borrows your car in Laurel and rear-ends someone, your insurer might cover the accident — but possibly at reduced limits. That difference could leave you responsible for out-of-pocket costs.

Household Drivers Must Be Listed

One of the most common mistakes families make is failing to list every driving-age household member on their policy.

If your teenager in Montgomery County or your young adult child living at home in Prince George’s County regularly uses your car but isn’t listed, your insurer may deny a claim after a collision. In some cases, that can also expose you to higher premiums or even cancellation.

When Coverage Gets Denied

If a person not listed on your policy crashes your vehicle, your insurer could refuse to pay for:

• Medical treatment for injured drivers or passengers

• Repairs to vehicles or property damage

• Lawsuits that result from the accident

  
  

Imagine the financial fallout if a weekend loan of your car turns into a six-figure liability. That’s why it’s so important to stay proactive about coverage.

How to Protect Yourself Before Saying Yes

• Update your policy with all licensed drivers living in your household.

• Ask your insurer about permissive use so you know exactly where you stand.

• Encourage other regular drivers to carry their own insurance.

• Be cautious with one-off drivers who aren’t covered.

• Look into umbrella insurance if you want extra peace of mind.

The Takeaway for D.C. and Maryland Drivers

Handing over your keys might feel routine, but in D.C., Prince George’s County, Montgomery County, Howard County, and Baltimore County, it could expose you to serious financial risk if the person behind the wheel isn’t covered.

The safest move is simple: understand your policy, list every driver in your household, and don’t assume your insurance will automatically protect you when someone else takes the wheel.