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Am I liable for a minor fender bender if I let my mom borrow my car?

I let my elderly mother drive my car one time because hers broke down. She immediately backed into my cousin's car, which caused some minor damage. I have bare-minimum liability on the vehicle. Will my insurance cover it?

avatar
Eric Schad · Updated on
Reviewed by Shannon Martin, Licensed Insurance Agent.
“Yes, your
liability coverage
will likely cover the damage. In many states, the minimum required level of property damage liability is $10,000, and it’s unlikely your mother caused more damage than that.
Since your rates will go up if you get a claim filed against you, offer to pay cash to your cousin. Tell them to get an estimate, and hopefully, you can afford to pay for the repairs out of pocket.
Keep in mind that your mother may be covered by “”permissive use,”” meaning your insurance policy covers her because she only drives your vehicle occasionally. If she’s going to continue to drive your car, make sure to put her on the policy.”
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