Question
can an AAA insured driver get coverage for driving someone else's car?
Answers
GPT-5 mini
Short answer: usually yes — but it depends on the situation and the specific AAA policy. Here are the general rules and what you should check:
Key points
- Auto insurance generally follows the vehicle first. If you borrow someone else’s car with their permission, the car owner’s insurance is usually primary for liability and physical-damage (collision/comprehensive) claims.
- The AAA policy of the driver often acts as secondary (excess) liability coverage, stepping in only after the owner’s limits are exhausted.
- If you have a non‑owner policy with AAA, that policy can provide liability (and sometimes UM/PD) when you drive cars you don’t own — but non‑owner policies usually do not cover damage to the borrowed vehicle.
- If the owner’s policy specifically excludes you (you’re a named excluded driver) or you’re using the car for prohibited purposes (e.g., commercial uses not covered), you won’t be covered.
- Regular use of a vehicle you don’t own often requires being listed as a driver on the owner’s policy. “Occasional” permissive use is typically covered; “regular” or principal use may not be.
Practical steps
1. Read the declarations page of your AAA policy to see what non‑owned coverage or secondary coverage it provides.
2. Ask the car owner whether their policy has permissive coverage and whether you’re an approved/regular driver.
3. Call your AAA agent/claims line and explain the exact situation (state, policy type, how often you drive the car) to get a definitive answer.
4. If you frequently drive other people’s cars, consider getting a non‑owner policy or ask the owner to add you to their policy.
5. If an accident happens, report it to both insurers immediately.
If you want, tell me whether you’re the AAA insured driver or the car owner, and what state you’re in — I can give more specific guidance.
Key points
- Auto insurance generally follows the vehicle first. If you borrow someone else’s car with their permission, the car owner’s insurance is usually primary for liability and physical-damage (collision/comprehensive) claims.
- The AAA policy of the driver often acts as secondary (excess) liability coverage, stepping in only after the owner’s limits are exhausted.
- If you have a non‑owner policy with AAA, that policy can provide liability (and sometimes UM/PD) when you drive cars you don’t own — but non‑owner policies usually do not cover damage to the borrowed vehicle.
- If the owner’s policy specifically excludes you (you’re a named excluded driver) or you’re using the car for prohibited purposes (e.g., commercial uses not covered), you won’t be covered.
- Regular use of a vehicle you don’t own often requires being listed as a driver on the owner’s policy. “Occasional” permissive use is typically covered; “regular” or principal use may not be.
Practical steps
1. Read the declarations page of your AAA policy to see what non‑owned coverage or secondary coverage it provides.
2. Ask the car owner whether their policy has permissive coverage and whether you’re an approved/regular driver.
3. Call your AAA agent/claims line and explain the exact situation (state, policy type, how often you drive the car) to get a definitive answer.
4. If you frequently drive other people’s cars, consider getting a non‑owner policy or ask the owner to add you to their policy.
5. If an accident happens, report it to both insurers immediately.
If you want, tell me whether you’re the AAA insured driver or the car owner, and what state you’re in — I can give more specific guidance.