Insurance while driving friend's car

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Tony - 02 Jan 2006 19:03 GMT

I was wondering if I'd be covered while I am driving a friend's car. I
live in California.

* What company, if any, covers me in case of a crash?

* Is the coverage lowered (i.e. state minimal)?

* Is there any restriction on how often I should drive the other car?

* What is I go out of state?

I contacted my insurance company but they said they couldn't answer the
question. (alwyer yada yada)
Tony

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John David Galt - 08 Jan 2006 01:00 GMT

> I was wondering if I'd be covered while I am driving a friend's car. I
> live in California.
>
> * What company, if any, covers me in case of a crash?

Your friend's insurance is primary. Yours will usually also apply.

> * Is the coverage lowered (i.e. state minimal)?

Depends on the company. The only one I know that lowers coverage this way
is Mercury.

> * Is there any restriction on how often I should drive the other car?

It's supposed to be "occasional". The practical definition seems to be
that if you have to ask your friend for the keys for each trip, his
insurance covers you; but if you have your own set of keys, then you are
supposed to be listed on his insurance policy (and they may fight paying
after a wreck if this rule wasn't followed).

> * What is I go out of state?

Generally the same rules, but you should certainly carry a paper signed
by your friend giving you permission to drive the car out of state.
Otherwise if you are stopped for any reason, they may think you stole it.

I am not a lawyer but I have been an insurance agent.

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