What Happens in Pennsylvania When You Let Someone Else Drive Your Car and They Get in an Accident?

May 16, 2025 | Car Accidents

Letting a friend or family member borrow your car may seem like a harmless favor. But what happens in Pennsylvania when you let someone else drive your car and they get in a car accident?

If someone gets into an accident while driving your vehicle, the situation can quickly become complicated. Understanding what happens in Pennsylvania when you let someone else drive your car and they get in an accident is important for protecting yourself legally and financially.

Pennsylvania’s Approach to Insurance Coverage When Others Drive Your Car

In Pennsylvania, auto insurance generally follows the car, not the driver. This means that if someone borrows your car with your permission and causes an accident, your insurance will typically be the primary coverage. The key factor is whether the driver had permission to use the vehicle.

If the driver was operating the vehicle with your consent, your liability insurance will likely cover:

Property damage to other vehicles
Bodily injury to other parties
Damage to property, such as fences or buildings

However, there are important limitations to this coverage. For example, if your policy has exclusions for certain drivers or situations, those exclusions may apply.

When the Driver’s Insurance May Apply

In some cases, the driver’s personal auto insurance might provide secondary coverage. This typically occurs if the damages exceed your policy limits. For example, if your policy only covers up to $50,000 for bodily injury but the damages are $100,000, the driver’s policy may cover the remaining amount if they have coverage.

If the driver lacks insurance or their policy doesn’t cover non-owned vehicles, you might have to pay for all damages that exceed your policy limits.

Exceptions to Coverage

There are situations where your insurance may deny coverage altogether, including:

Unauthorized use: If the driver took your car without permission, your insurer might deny the claim.
Excluded drivers: If you specifically excluded the driver from your policy, no coverage would apply.
Illegal activity: Coverage may be denied if the driver was using your car for illegal purposes at the time of the crash.

Understanding these exceptions is essential to avoid unexpected liabilities.

What Happens if the Driver Was At Fault?

If the person driving your car is found at fault for the accident, your insurance will cover the damages up to your policy limits. Your insurance premiums might go up. Insurers will factor in the accident when they set future rates.

If the damages go beyond your coverage limits, the injured parties might sue you or the driver for the rest. This is why maintaining sufficient liability coverage is important, especially if you frequently lend your car to others.

Pennsylvania’s Comparative Negligence Rule

Pennsylvania follows a modified comparative negligence rule with a 51% bar. This means that if the driver of your car is found to be 51% or more at fault, they cannot recover damages from the other driver’s insurance. If they are less than 51% at fault, they can recover damages, but their compensation will be reduced by their percentage of fault.

For example, if they are 30% responsible for the accident, they can recover 70% of their damages.

Steps to Take After Someone Crashes Your Car in Pennsylvania

If someone crashes your car in Pennsylvania, follow these steps to protect your rights and reduce issues:

Contact your insurance company: Report the accident as soon as possible and provide all requested details.
Gather information: Collect the driver’s insurance information, accident reports, and contact details for any witnesses.
Document the damage: Take photos of the vehicles, the accident scene, and any visible injuries.
Review your policy: Check your insurance policy to understand coverage limits and exclusions.
Consult an attorney: If there are serious injuries or disputes about who is at fault, you may need legal help.

These steps can help you navigate the aftermath of the accident effectively.

Protecting Yourself When Letting Others Drive Your Car

To reduce the risk of complications if someone else drives your car, consider the following precautions:

Verify the driver’s insurance: Confirm they have valid auto insurance with adequate liability coverage.
Set clear rules: Discuss when and where they can use your car.
Don’t lend your car to high-risk drivers: If someone has past accidents or traffic violations, think twice before giving them your keys.

By taking these measures, you can minimize the risks associated with lending your vehicle.