My friend from Poland is coming to visit me in California for 2 weeks. She wants to drive my car while I’m at work. She has a Polish driver’s license, but I’m worried about what happens if she gets into an accident or damages my car. Is there any insurance she can get that would cover any damage to my car? And what about damage to someone else’s car if there’s an accident?
Call your insurance company and ask them directly.
Poe said:
Call your insurance company and ask them directly.
I’m surprised this wasn’t your first thought.
Poe said:
Call your insurance company and ask them directly.
I’m surprised this wasn’t your first thought.
This is a common issue on forums like this. People tend to ask for advice before going to the main source.
Do you already have insurance on your car?
It’s better if she rents her own car.
Don’t let her drive your car. It’s better to explain how insurance works in the US and suggest she rents a car with insurance. If something happens, she’ll be back in Poland and you’ll be stuck dealing with the aftermath. It’s safer for everyone if she rents.
Your insurance might cover her under permissive use, but that doesn’t mean it’s a good idea. Any accident she has is your accident, and your rates will go up. If you think there’s even a small risk of an accident, it might be cheaper in the long run to pay for her rental yourself.
Wei said:
My friend from Poland is coming to visit me in California for 2 weeks. She wants to drive my car while I’m at work. She has a Polish driver’s license, but I’m worried about what happens if she gets into an accident or damages my car. Is there any insurance she can get that would cover any damage to my car? And what about damage to someone else’s car if there’s an accident?
Personally, I don’t let anyone drive my car. If she crashes, your insurance will go up for years. If the car’s totaled, you’re without a car.
Wei said:
My friend from Poland is coming to visit me in California for 2 weeks. She wants to drive my car while I’m at work. She has a Polish driver’s license, but I’m worried about what happens if she gets into an accident or damages my car. Is there any insurance she can get that would cover any damage to my car? And what about damage to someone else’s car if there’s an accident?
As long as she has permission, your insurance should cover her. She may need an international driving permit to make things easier, though. The real question is if you trust her with your car.
Wei said:
My friend from Poland is coming to visit me in California for 2 weeks. She wants to drive my car while I’m at work. She has a Polish driver’s license, but I’m worried about what happens if she gets into an accident or damages my car. Is there any insurance she can get that would cover any damage to my car? And what about damage to someone else’s car if there’s an accident?
Most insurance policies cover the car, not the driver, so your car should be covered if you let her drive. But it sounds like you’re not comfortable with it, so maybe have her rent a car and get the insurance that comes with it. If she crashes your car, you’d be responsible for any increases in your premiums.
Wei said:
My friend from Poland is coming to visit me in California for 2 weeks. She wants to drive my car while I’m at work. She has a Polish driver’s license, but I’m worried about what happens if she gets into an accident or damages my car. Is there any insurance she can get that would cover any damage to my car? And what about damage to someone else’s car if there’s an accident?
No, she can’t get separate insurance for your car. Your insurance would cover any accidents, but you’d be responsible for damages beyond your policy limits. It’s risky to let anyone drive your car.
Wei said:
My friend from Poland is coming to visit me in California for 2 weeks. She wants to drive my car while I’m at work. She has a Polish driver’s license, but I’m worried about what happens if she gets into an accident or damages my car. Is there any insurance she can get that would cover any damage to my car? And what about damage to someone else’s car if there’s an accident?
No, she can’t get separate insurance for your car. Your insurance would cover any accidents, but you’d be responsible for damages beyond your policy limits. It’s risky to let anyone drive your car.
It depends on your insurer, but most allow permissive use if she has permission to drive.
Zimri said:
Wei said:
My friend from Poland is coming to visit me in California for 2 weeks. She wants to drive my car while I’m at work. She has a Polish driver’s license, but I’m worried about what happens if she gets into an accident or damages my car. Is there any insurance she can get that would cover any damage to my car? And what about damage to someone else’s car if there’s an accident?
No, she can’t get separate insurance for your car. Your insurance would cover any accidents, but you’d be responsible for damages beyond your policy limits. It’s risky to let anyone drive your car.
It depends on your insurer, but most allow permissive use if she has permission to drive.
That’s true, but she can’t buy insurance for a car she doesn’t own. It’s a huge risk to lend your car to someone else.
Wei said:
My friend from Poland is coming to visit me in California for 2 weeks. She wants to drive my car while I’m at work. She has a Polish driver’s license, but I’m worried about what happens if she gets into an accident or damages my car. Is there any insurance she can get that would cover any damage to my car? And what about damage to someone else’s car if there’s an accident?
You’re better off just renting her a car.
Wei said:
My friend from Poland is coming to visit me in California for 2 weeks. She wants to drive my car while I’m at work. She has a Polish driver’s license, but I’m worried about what happens if she gets into an accident or damages my car. Is there any insurance she can get that would cover any damage to my car? And what about damage to someone else’s car if there’s an accident?
I’m not sure if there’s a non-owner policy for personal use, but I know it’s an option on the commercial side.
Wei said:
My friend from Poland is coming to visit me in California for 2 weeks. She wants to drive my car while I’m at work. She has a Polish driver’s license, but I’m worried about what happens if she gets into an accident or damages my car. Is there any insurance she can get that would cover any damage to my car? And what about damage to someone else’s car if there’s an accident?
I’m not sure if there’s a non-owner policy for personal use, but I know it’s an option on the commercial side.
There is such a thing, but I don’t know if it works for short-term international drivers. Plus, it’s usually liability-only, and OP likely wants to cover their car, too.
Wei said:
My friend from Poland is coming to visit me in California for 2 weeks. She wants to drive my car while I’m at work. She has a Polish driver’s license, but I’m worried about what happens if she gets into an accident or damages my car. Is there any insurance she can get that would cover any damage to my car? And what about damage to someone else’s car if there’s an accident?
She should get an international driver’s permit even if she rents a car. It’ll make things easier if she’s pulled over because it’ll translate her license into English.
Wei said:
My friend from Poland is coming to visit me in California for 2 weeks. She wants to drive my car while I’m at work. She has a Polish driver’s license, but I’m worried about what happens if she gets into an accident or damages my car. Is there any insurance she can get that would cover any damage to my car? And what about damage to someone else’s car if there’s an accident?
Best thing to do is rent her a car in her name only. Don’t add yourself as a driver.
Wei said:
My friend from Poland is coming to visit me in California for 2 weeks. She wants to drive my car while I’m at work. She has a Polish driver’s license, but I’m worried about what happens if she gets into an accident or damages my car. Is there any insurance she can get that would cover any damage to my car? And what about damage to someone else’s car if there’s an accident?
Just let her ride shotgun.