Reader’s Question:

I typically borrow my sister’s car but sometimes I drive it around here at Jacksonville, Florida without her knowledge. I’m not insured but I know that my sister is. I’m wondering if it’s okay to just get her insurance whenever I use her car.

Anne

Jacksonville, FL

Hey Anne! When you said “get her insurance,” does this mean that you plan to use your sister’s insurance to cover you in case you mess up? (It seems like you plan to use your sister’s car secretly more frequently that’s why you’re interested to know about this) You know what? You will never be covered by your sister’s auto insurance policy for the simple reason that it is under her name and not under yours.

Even if you are using her car and her car is listed in her insurance policy, if you create damage to another person or vehicle, you would have to be liable for those damages because you caused them. Your sister will not have anything to do with the incident and in case there is a lawsuit, it is you who would have to face that and not her. It would be much easier to handle if you have your own insurance policy because you will be represented by your insurance company in case of an ensuing trial.

So if I were you, I’d get myself an auto insurance policy (This was what I was also told because I love stealing my brother’s car on a Friday nights, too!) Since you are driving your sister’s car there at Jacksonville, FL without explicit permission from her, the least you could do, in case you get caught is, to tell her that you have an auto insurance policy. You may ask your parents to get you covered under their auto insurance policies. Otherwise, talk to your insurance agent and ask for the best insurance plan for you.

Hope that helps!