When it comes to car accident liability, most drivers assume that insurance only follows the person behind the wheel. In reality, auto insurance typically follows the car—not the driver—meaning your policy is usually responsible if someone else crashes your vehicle.
But like most legal topics, there’s nuance. Whether your insurer pays for the damage or rejects the claim often depends on who was driving, why they were driving, where the crash occurred, and what your insurance policy says. Missouri, Kansas, and Arkansas laws treat these scenarios differently, especially when it comes to insurance exclusions and negligence standards.
Does My Insurance Cover Other Drivers?
In most situations, your car insurance provides primary coverage if another person is driving your vehicle with your permission. This is known as “permissive use.” As long as the driver is not explicitly excluded from your policy, your insurer typically covers damages resulting from an accident.
“The liability framework of an auto policy generally covers permissive users unless they’re excluded or driving under disqualifying circumstances,” explains David Mayer, founding attorney at Monsees & Mayer.
What If the Driver Was At Fault?
If someone else is driving your car and they cause an accident, your policy likely pays for:
- Damage to other people’s vehicles or property (via property coverage)
- Injuries (via bodily injury coverage)
- Damage to your own vehicle (if you have collision coverage)
Whether you, or your insurance company, is ultimately on the hook for paying money damages depends on the law of the state in which the accident occurred:
Missouri:
Missouri follows pure comparative fault, where the at-fault party only pays the percentage of fault assigned. So, if the injured party is determined to be 90% responsible, you, or your insurance company, may still be responsible for paying 10% of the damages assessed.
Arkansas & Kansas:
Both Arkansas & Kansas use a modified comparative negligence rule, which bars recovery to the injured party if he or she is found 50% or more at fault.
When Car Accident Liability Becomes Complicated
Not all situations are straightforward. Even if you trust the person borrowing your car, insurance complications can arise when:
1. The Driver Is Excluded
Most auto policies allow the policyholder to exclude individuals from coverage. If the person who crashed your car is excluded, your insurer will almost certainly deny the claim. In such event, it’s possible that you may be on the hook personally to pay any settlement or judgment.
2. The Driver Didn’t Have Permission
Unauthorized use—such as joyriding or theft—typically voids insurance coverage. You may not be liable, but your policy likely won’t cover the loss either.
“It’s important to document consent,” says Bobby Thrasher of Monsees & Mayer. “If your car was borrowed without permission, you’ll need to prove it wasn’t permissive use to protect yourself.”
3. The Vehicle Was Used for Business
If someone was driving your car for commercial purposes—like rideshare driving or delivering for an app—your personal policy usually excludes coverage. You’ll need commercial auto insurance to avoid gaps in car accident liability.
What If the Other Driver Caused the Crash?
If your car was hit while being driven by someone else, the person driving your vehicle may bring a claim against the at-fault party and their insurer if they suffered bodily injury. For any resulting property damage, the vehicle owner can likely make the claim against the at-fault party and their insurer.
In Missouri, Kansas, and Arkansas, if the at-fault driver is uninsured or underinsured, your own uninsured, or underinsured, coverage may be triggered. Learn more about this on our Kansas City car accident lawyer page, which outlines coverage scenarios.
Will My Insurance Rates Go Up?
Even if you weren’t driving, a claim against your insurance may impact your premiums. Most insurers assess risk based on the vehicle’s accident history, not just the driver’s history.
You’ll also likely be responsible for:
- Collision deductibles
- Comprehensive deductibles (if relevant)
- Any out-of-pocket costs beyond policy limits
Can I Be Sued If I Wasn’t Driving?
Yes. You can be held liable under doctrines such as:
- Negligent entrustment (loaning your car to someone unfit to drive)
- Vicarious liability, which may apply to vehicle owners who were employing, or contracting, someone to perform work for them.
Can the Driver’s Insurance Help?
Sometimes. If the damages exceed your policy limits, the driver’s personal insurance (if they have it) may serve as secondary coverage. For instance:
- Your liability coverage pays up to $50,000
- Total damages are $80,000
- The driver’s policy may provide the remaining $30,000
How to Protect Yourself
If you ever need to loan your vehicle, keep these points in mind to reduce car accident liability:
- Only lend to trusted drivers with a valid license
- Avoid lending your car for business purposes
- Review your policy for exclusions (or consult with your insurance agent or broker)
And if an accident happens, make sure to gather:
- A copy of the police report
- Your auto insurance declaration page
- Proof of the driver’s permission to use your vehicle
These documents will be essential if you’re filing a claim or need help from your legal team.
FAQ
If the driver had your permission, your auto insurance generally pays first. The driver’s policy may provide excess coverage if needed.
Most personal policies exclude coverage for business use, unless properly disclosed to your insurer. You may need to file a claim under commercial auto insurance or seek recovery from the driver’s employer.
Likely not. If the driver was permitted and at fault, your policy will likely be implicated and typically insurance companies control how the claim is handled based upon the terms of the contract. Refusing to cooperate could result in denial or legal consequences.
