Auto insurance covers your own vehicle when you drive it. But what happens if you borrow someone else’s car or truck? You might do this when your own vehicle breaks down, you need a vehicle that holds more cargo, or you use mass transit to travel outside of Portland, ME. Either way, it’s important to make sure you’re adequately insured.

How Is It Covered?

When you borrow a car, your own insurance typically doesn’t cover it. The vehicle owner’s policy will insure it under most circumstances. Depending on the type of insurance they carry, it may cover collisions, severe weather, theft, animal strikes, and/or liability. Keep in mind that the owner’s policy might be much more basic or comprehensive than your own auto insurance.

Precautions to Take

Before borrowing a car, make sure the owner has insurance. Maine state law requires both drivers and owners to have sufficient liability protection. Remember that damage to a borrowed vehicle may not be covered if the owner lacks collision and/or comprehensive coverage or has a high deductible. Consequently, the owner may expect you to repair the vehicle.

Possible Exceptions

Auto insurance doesn’t always protect borrowed cars. A policy may not provide coverage if you drive the vehicle regularly, live in the same home as the owner, or use the vehicle for a commercial purpose. The same holds true if you borrow the car without the owner’s permission. Always make sure you currently have permission, even if you’ve borrowed the vehicle in the past.

The bottom line is that it’s only wise to borrow a well-insured car that you can safely drive. If you’re looking for auto coverage, the experts at Noyes Hall & Allen Insurance can help. Our independent agency in South Portland, ME lets you compare multiple major insurers in one place. Call 207-799-5541 or text 207-517-4065 to reach a friendly agent at Noyes Hall & Allen Insurance today.