I just bought my first car a couple months back, and honestly, the whole “permissive use” thing makes my head spin. My cousin was like, “Hey, can I take your car to Target?” and I’m standing there trying to remember if I read somewhere that insurance covers it or if I’m about to get a call from my agent asking why my car is in a ditch.
It’s wild how much fine print there is. You’d think “yeah, go ahead and borrow it” would be simple, but nope. I asked my insurance rep and she started listing off scenarios like she was reading me bedtime stories—except every story ended with “and then you paid thousands out of pocket.”
I get why people just add friends or family to their policy, even if it means coughing up a little extra cash. Still feels weird paying more for something that *might* never happen, but I guess it beats arguing with an adjuster over what “permission” really means...
Man, you’re not kidding about the bedtime stories—except these ones come with nightmares about deductibles. I’ve been down that road with my ‘72 Chevelle (which, by the way, nobody’s allowed to touch unless they’ve signed a blood oath). Insurance folks love to make it sound simple until you actually need them, then suddenly “permissive use” means “maybe, but probably not if your cousin sneezed while driving.”
I get the hesitation on adding people and shelling out more dough. But honestly, after seeing a buddy get burned because his friend crashed his car and the insurer started playing twenty questions about “regular use,” I just bite the bullet. Peace of mind is worth a couple extra bucks a month—especially if you’ve got family who treat your car like it’s a community bike.
Ever wonder if there’s a difference between letting someone borrow your daily driver versus something more... precious? Like, would you trust anyone with your pride and joy, or is that where you draw the line?
Peace of mind is worth a couple extra bucks a month—especially if you’ve got family who treat your car like it’s a community bike.
I get the peace of mind thing, but honestly, those “extra bucks” add up fast when you’re already paying through the nose for coverage (ask me how I know). I’d rather risk the twenty questions and just be super picky about who gets the keys. If it’s my daily, maybe... but my project car? Not a chance. Insurance companies will find any excuse to hike your rates, so I’m not handing them more ammo unless I absolutely have to.
Insurance companies will find any excuse to hike your rates, so I’m not handing them more ammo unless I absolutely have to.
Been there. After a couple tickets, my rates shot up, and every “extra buck” stings. Here’s how I handle it: 1) Only let people drive if they’re on my policy or I trust them not to wreck it. 2) If it’s a high-risk friend or family member, it’s a hard no—too risky. 3) For my daily, maybe, but my weekend car? Not happening. The insurance fine print is brutal if you’re already flagged as high-risk.
2) If it’s a high-risk friend or family member, it’s a hard no—too risky. 3) For my daily, maybe, but my weekend car?
I get where you’re coming from—insurance companies definitely don’t miss a chance to jack up your rates. That said, I’m not as strict about who drives my car, but I do draw the line at “high-risk” folks. Like you said, “If it’s a high-risk friend or family member, it’s a hard no—too risky.” Learned that the hard way after my cousin rear-ended someone in my old minivan. Rates went up, and the hassle wasn’t worth it. Unless you trust them completely, best to keep the keys to yourself.
