You Have a Fender Bender While Driving a Friend’s Car: Who’s Liable and What to Do Next

You were just doing a favor—picking up groceries, dropping someone off, or borrowing a vehicle for a quick errand. But in a flash of bad luck, you’re involved in a fender bender while driving your friend’s car. No one is seriously injured, but the bumper’s dented, tempers are flaring, and now you’re wondering: Whose insurance covers this? Am I liable? What are the next steps?

Accidents in borrowed vehicles are common and often confusing. Unlike driving your own car, borrowing someone else’s vehicle introduces a few more moving parts—insurance questions, personal responsibility, and legal obligations. The good news is that most situations are manageable if handled promptly and correctly.

Here’s a full breakdown of what to do after a fender bender in someone else’s car, including how insurance works, your legal responsibilities, and how to protect yourself and your friend from further headaches.

Step 1: Ensure Everyone Is Safe and Call the Police

Just like any car accident:

• Check for injuries. Even in a low-speed collision, people may experience whiplash, bruising, or delayed pain. Call emergency services if needed.
• Move the vehicle to a safe location, if it’s drivable and safe to do so.
• Call the police. Even for minor fender benders, having an official accident report will help with insurance claims and legal protection.

Let the responding officer know that you are not the owner of the vehicle and provide your driver’s license and insurance info.

Step 2: Exchange Information

Gather all relevant information from the other driver, including:

• Name, address, and phone number
• Driver’s license number
• License plate number
• Vehicle make and model
• Insurance company and policy number

Also collect:

• Photos of all vehicles involved, showing damage and positioning
• Photos of the scene (intersections, traffic signs, weather conditions)
• Names and contact info for any witnesses

You should also notify your friend (the car’s owner) right away—they will need to be involved in the insurance process.

Step 3: Understand Whose Insurance Covers What

Here’s where it can get tricky—but in most cases, the car owner’s insurance is the primary coverage.

A. Primary Coverage: The Owner’s Auto Insurance

• In general, car insurance follows the car, not the driver.
• If your friend gave you permission to use their car, their insurance will typically cover property damage and liability up to the policy limits.
• If the damage exceeds their limits, your own auto insurance (if you have any) may kick in as secondary coverage.

B. Your Insurance (Secondary Coverage)

• If you have your own policy, it may provide:
  • Excess liability coverage
  • Medical payments or uninsured/underinsured motorist protection

C. If You Don’t Have Insurance

• If the damage exceeds your friend’s coverage and you have no personal policy, you may be personally liable for out-of-pocket expenses.

This is why it’s critical to understand both your friend’s and your own insurance policies, especially before borrowing someone’s car.




Step 4: Report the Accident to the Appropriate Insurers

You should notify both your insurance company and your friend’s, even if you’re unsure whose policy will apply.

Information to provide:

• Date, time, and location of the accident
• Names and insurance details of all involved
• Police report number (once available)
• A clear description of what happened
• Photos and witness information

Your friend, as the vehicle owner, will likely be the primary contact for the insurance adjuster.




Step 5: Determine Liability

In a fender bender, liability is typically based on:

• Who was at fault (e.g., rear-ending another car or failing to yield)
• Traffic laws or signs
• Police findings or citations

If you were clearly at fault, you may be held personally responsible—especially if your friend’s insurance policy doesn’t cover permissive drivers or excludes you from their plan.

If the other driver was at fault, their insurance should cover the damages, regardless of who owns the car.




Step 6: Understand Potential Consequences for You and Your Friend

While your friend’s insurance may cover the claim, there are still implications:

For You:

• If you're found at fault and the damages exceed insurance limits, you could be sued for the difference.
• If your driving was negligent (e.g., distracted or reckless), this may increase your liability risk.
• If you borrowed the car without permission, the insurer may deny the claim entirely—and you may be accused of unauthorized use or even theft.

For Your Friend:

• Their insurance premiums may go up.
• They’ll be responsible for the deductible before insurance pays out.
• They may lose their safe driver discounts or face renewal issues.

This can strain personal relationships, so transparency and fairness in handling the aftermath are essential.




Step 7: Review the Insurance Policy Language

Insurance coverage for non-owners varies based on the policy’s fine print. Watch out for:

• “Excluded drivers”: If you’re specifically excluded from the policy, no coverage applies.
• “Permissive use” clauses: Coverage typically applies if the car owner gave permission.
• Commercial use exclusions: Driving the car for a delivery job may invalidate coverage.

If there’s any dispute or denial of coverage, consult with a personal injury or insurance attorney to understand your next steps.




Step 8: Consider Repair Costs and Out-of-Pocket Payments

If insurance doesn't fully cover the damages—or if your friend prefers not to involve insurance for a small claim—you may be able to work out a private agreement.

For example:

• Get a repair estimate from a certified mechanic or body shop.
• Offer to pay part or all of the costs, if appropriate.
• Get any agreement in writing, especially if payment is spread out over time.

This approach works best when damage is minor and both parties trust each other to resolve things fairly.




Step 9: Learn From the Experience

After the dust settles, take time to reflect and prepare for the future:

• Always confirm insurance coverage and permission before driving someone else’s car.
• Avoid driving unfamiliar vehicles if you’re unsure about liability.
• Consider adding non-owner insurance coverage if you frequently drive cars you don’t own.
• Reevaluate whether it’s better to use rental cars or rideshare services in the future.
• Practice safe, defensive driving every time you’re behind the wheel.




Final Thoughts

A fender bender in a friend’s car adds emotional weight to an already stressful situation. But by acting responsibly, cooperating with authorities, and understanding the insurance process, you can protect both your friendship and your finances.

Transparency, clear communication, and a proactive approach are key. Handle it right, and a frustrating experience becomes just another life lesson on the road.




Don’t Be Afraid To Get Help

If you’re facing legal questions, safety concerns, or emotional turmoil due to any of the situations described above—especially domestic abuse—don’t try to handle it alone. Professional guidance can make all the difference in ensuring your rights are protected and your next steps are clear. Whether you need legal advice, help with documentation, or assistance navigating local resources, speaking to an expert can bring peace of mind. Click here to get connected with professional support tailored to your situation.