Good points, but it also depends on the policy wording—some insurers have a clause for occasional drivers who aren't explicitly listed. Still, always safest to confirm directly... policies vary more than you'd think.
Definitely true about checking directly—I've seen some pretty wild variations in coverage. Quick tip: next renewal, ask specifically about "permissive use" clauses... could save you a headache (and wallet ache) down the road. Learned that one the hard way myself, lol.
"Quick tip: next renewal, ask specifically about 'permissive use' clauses... could save you a headache (and wallet ache) down the road."
Good call on permissive use clauses—I learned about those after my cousin borrowed my car and got into a fender bender. Thought I was covered, but nope... ended up paying out of pocket because my policy had some sneaky fine print. Ever since then, I've been super cautious about lending my car out, even to family.
But here's something I've been wondering lately: does anyone know if adding permissive use coverage significantly bumps up your premium? I'm already paying more than I'd like (thanks to a couple speeding tickets—lesson learned), so I'm trying to balance good coverage with keeping costs down. Curious if anyone's done the math or has experience with this.
"does anyone know if adding permissive use coverage significantly bumps up your premium?"
From what I've seen, it really depends on your insurer and your driving history. A few quick points from my experience:
- Permissive use coverage usually isn't a huge premium jump by itself, but it can vary quite a bit depending on your situation. If you've got a couple speeding tickets already (no judgment here, we've all been there...), insurers might see you as higher risk, and that could nudge the cost upward a bit more than usual.
- Some companies automatically include permissive use as part of their standard policy, while others treat it as an optional add-on. Definitely worth checking with your agent or carrier directly—don't rely on assumptions here.
- One thing to keep in mind: even with permissive use coverage, if someone borrows your car regularly (like a roommate or family member), insurers might require you to list them explicitly on your policy. Not doing so can cause headaches if there's an accident.
- Anecdotally, I had a client last year who added permissive use after her teenage nephew borrowed her car without asking and backed into a mailbox (ouch). Her premium went up slightly—maybe around 5-10%—but she felt it was worth the peace of mind. Your mileage may vary, though.
Honestly, I'd recommend calling your insurer and asking for a quick quote comparison. Most agents can run the numbers pretty fast, and you'll get a clear picture of whether it's worth it for your specific scenario. Better safe than sorry... especially if your friends or family have a habit of turning bumpers into abstract art pieces.
I've found permissive use doesn't usually spike the premium too badly, but honestly, with classic cars especially, I'd be extra careful. Had a buddy lend his '68 Mustang out once—came back with a nice new "custom" scrape along the fender. Insurance covered it (thankfully), but it was still a headache. I'd double-check with your insurer directly... peace of mind is priceless when you're handing over your keys.
