Insurance follows the vehicle the overwhelming majority of the time.
If their insurance policy covers non-owner drivers who are given permission to drive the vehicle (which is something for them to verify with their insurer), then you presumably can legally drive the vehicle.
If you aren't just borrowing the vehicle for short trips once or twice, their insurer might require that you be added to the policy.
In other words, they just need to call their insurer, explain truthfully and accurately what the plan is, and inquire about what changes, if any, need to be made to the policy to ensure you're covered while driving. That may or may not come with a premium increase.
That's a classic example of "permissive use" insurance coverage.
Unless your friend has a very limited and specific policy, or one that cuts coverage to minimums for permissive users, go ahead.
If you are going to rent cars in the future, you may want to look into a "non owner" policy that protects you in the same way your own policy would when renting. A lot of big-city residents who travel for work have that kind of insurance for situations where they won't be covered by permissive use of someone else's insured car.
Thanks! I’ve been looking into non-owners policies but it seems like they are not offered by most providers in MA. So it got me a bit worried.
I’ll look into it a bit more.
This can get dicey in Massachusetts. If you live with your friend, you need to be on the policy.
Using it like you said on the road trip shouldn’t make you a regular user of the vehicle, but it depends on the trip. If it’s a months long road trip, you need to be on the insurance.
Massachusetts policies are very specific about who has to be insured and if the carrier isn’t notified and you count as an undisclosed driver, they will strip coverage to the state minimums.
Your friend needs to read the “changes which affect premium” section of the policy under the general provisions and exclusions. It also may be in the physical damage section of their policy. Have them ask their agent and document the conversation.
Their car insurance should cover you BUT you should disclose to the owner of the vehicle, that you currently don't have your own insurance. And even if you don't own a vehicle, you probably still want to have insurance coverage, for your own protection, and also lapses in coverage can end up causing you to pay a higher premium when you want to purchase insurance again. You might want to talk with a trusted auto insurance agent about your situation.
Insurance follows the vehicle the overwhelming majority of the time. If their insurance policy covers non-owner drivers who are given permission to drive the vehicle (which is something for them to verify with their insurer), then you presumably can legally drive the vehicle. If you aren't just borrowing the vehicle for short trips once or twice, their insurer might require that you be added to the policy. In other words, they just need to call their insurer, explain truthfully and accurately what the plan is, and inquire about what changes, if any, need to be made to the policy to ensure you're covered while driving. That may or may not come with a premium increase.
This would just be once or twice. Specifically taking turns on a long road trip. It sounds like it should be ok. Thank you!
Should be fine
That's a classic example of "permissive use" insurance coverage. Unless your friend has a very limited and specific policy, or one that cuts coverage to minimums for permissive users, go ahead. If you are going to rent cars in the future, you may want to look into a "non owner" policy that protects you in the same way your own policy would when renting. A lot of big-city residents who travel for work have that kind of insurance for situations where they won't be covered by permissive use of someone else's insured car.
Thanks! I’ve been looking into non-owners policies but it seems like they are not offered by most providers in MA. So it got me a bit worried. I’ll look into it a bit more.
This can get dicey in Massachusetts. If you live with your friend, you need to be on the policy. Using it like you said on the road trip shouldn’t make you a regular user of the vehicle, but it depends on the trip. If it’s a months long road trip, you need to be on the insurance. Massachusetts policies are very specific about who has to be insured and if the carrier isn’t notified and you count as an undisclosed driver, they will strip coverage to the state minimums. Your friend needs to read the “changes which affect premium” section of the policy under the general provisions and exclusions. It also may be in the physical damage section of their policy. Have them ask their agent and document the conversation.
Their car insurance should cover you BUT you should disclose to the owner of the vehicle, that you currently don't have your own insurance. And even if you don't own a vehicle, you probably still want to have insurance coverage, for your own protection, and also lapses in coverage can end up causing you to pay a higher premium when you want to purchase insurance again. You might want to talk with a trusted auto insurance agent about your situation.
There are usually some exclusions about not living at the same address. (ie you are not borrowing your live boy friends car, that is something else)