Services
Insurance
Loans
Repairs
Advice
About

How can I find out someone's car insurance?

I am going to test drive a car this weekend. The seller said that he has an active insurance policy and that it is ok for me to drive his car. How can I find out someone's car insurance? I am not sure if I believe him.

avatar
Shannon Martin · Updated on
Reviewed by Shannon Martin, Licensed Insurance Agent.
It is always good to be on the safe side, especially when buying a car from someone you don’t know. In this instance, to find out if he has car insurance, you could ask to see his insurance ID card before driving the car. Otherwise, you will essentially have to take the seller at his word.
Fortunately, there are a few ways to be covered for a test drive.
Most insurance policies have what is called
permissive use
. When the car owner permits you to drive the car, you are considered a covered driver by the insurance company. If you have an active insurance policy, your insurance will piggyback on top of their policy and provide coverage for any overages that may happen.
Another option is to purchase a
named non-owner (NNO) policy
ahead of time. An NNO policy will provide liability coverage for any car you rent or borrow. Once you find your new vehicle, the NNO can convert to a standard auto policy with full coverage.
It would be a good idea for you to download the
Jerry
app before your test drive. Jerry shops prices with over 50 different insurance companies and delivers the lowest rates straight to your phone in seconds. Additionally, they are partnered with several companies that can convert your NNO policy into a standard policy.
Good luck car shopping!
View full answer 
WHY YOU CAN TRUST JERRY
Jerry partners with more than 50 insurance companies, but our content is independently researched, written, and fact-checked by our team of editors and agents. We aren’t paid for reviews or other content.

Join 4M+ members in lowering their car insurance

Easiest way to compare and buy car insurance

√
No long forms
√
No spam or unwanted phone calls
√
Quotes from top insurance companies
Find insurance savings