Insurance is clingy. It attaches to your car like a jealous pet. So when your friend takes the wheel, your policy is the first to step up.
This is called “permissive use.” Fancy, right? As long as you gave permission (not stole it), your coverage applies. But here’s the kink: permissive use only works if you’re not being a complete fool.
What If You’re a Control Freak?
Let’s say you let your cousin borrow your ride for a road trip. She’s a safe driver. You trust her. But what if she lets her friend drive? Uh-oh. That’s called “non-permissive use.” Insurance companies hate this one weird trick.
If your cousin hands the keys to a stranger, your policy might say, “Nope, not my problem.” You’re now in a blame game that feels like a Netflix drama. The moral? Tell your borrower: “You break it, you buy it—and don’t hand off the keys.”
