That’s exactly what bugs me about it—the whole “routine” thing is just so vague. Like, I get wanting to save a few bucks, but if there’s even a small chance your friend’s gonna be behind the wheel more than once or twice, I’d rather pay a bit extra than risk getting stuck with a denied claim. I mean, what’s the point of insurance if they can just wiggle out of it with some technicality? Has anyone actually had a claim denied over this “routine use” gray area? I’m curious if it’s just scare tactics or if people have really been burned by it.
if there’s even a small chance your friend’s gonna be behind the wheel more than once or twice, I’d rather pay a bit extra than risk getting stuck with a denied claim.
Honestly, you nailed it. Insurance companies can get picky about “routine use”—it’s not just scare tactics. I’ve seen claims get messy when someone borrows a car every weekend and isn’t listed. If it’s just a one-off, you’re probably fine, but if your buddy’s basically your unofficial chauffeur, it’s worth the few extra bucks to add them. Cheaper than fighting a denied claim later... trust me, paperwork is not fun.
Not sure I totally agree here—permissive use is actually pretty broad in MN, at least with most standard policies. Here’s what I’ve seen:
- If your friend only drives once in a blue moon, insurers usually cover it under permissive use.
- “Routine use” is where things get fuzzy, but that’s not just a couple weekends a month. It’s more like, are they using your car as their own?
- Adding someone does cost more, but if you’re both super clear about how often they drive, you might not need to jump through hoops.
I’d just double-check the fine print on your policy. Some companies are stricter than others... but not all of them are out to deny every claim if your buddy borrows the car twice a month.
Title: Letting friends drive your car in MN: better to add them or rely on permissive use?
Yeah, I’d say you’re spot on about how “permissive use” works in Minnesota. It’s definitely not as strict as some folks think—most standard policies are pretty forgiving if it’s just the occasional favor. I’ve seen claims go through just fine when someone’s buddy borrowed the car for a weekend trip or helped with a move.
Where people get tripped up is when that “occasional” use starts looking more like a pattern. If your friend’s using your car every other week, or it’s always parked at their place, that’s when insurers might start raising eyebrows. I’ve had clients surprised by how quickly something can shift from “permissive” to “regular use” in the eyes of an adjuster.
One thing I always mention—some companies have weird little clauses buried in the policy about who counts as a household member or regular driver. Even if you trust your friend, it’s worth a quick call to your agent just to be sure. Saves a lot of headaches down the road... and honestly, sometimes adding someone isn’t as pricey as people expect.
I get where you’re coming from, but honestly, I’ve seen insurance companies get picky even with “occasional” use. Had a buddy whose claim got delayed because his friend borrowed the car maybe twice a month—apparently that was enough to raise questions. Guess it depends on the company, but I’d rather just add someone if there’s any regularity. Peace of mind is worth a few extra bucks, in my book.
