Can I add someone to my car insurance for a week?

With permissive use insurance, if your neighbor needs to borrow your car while theirs is being repaired, you can rest assured that they’re covered. However, it’s important to note that this coverage only extends to occasional drivers. If someone is driving your car regularly, they’ll need to be listed as a regular driver on your policy. It is possible to buy weekly car insurance for yourself, but you shouldn’t need it for someone who is driving your car for only a week.

Permissive Use Car Insurance Makes it Possible to Add Someone to Your Insurance for a Week

Permissive use vehicle insurance allows other drivers to be covered, with your permission, on your insurance policy so they can drive your car for a short period of time. It applies to people who don’t live with you, like neighbors or family friends. Remember, it usually allows the driver to drive your car 12 or fewer times per year. As such, you shouldn’t need to add someone to your car insurance for a day or even for a week.

However, understanding permissive use insurance can be complicated. You’ll want to check with your insurance company to understand its rules and restrictions.

Can I add someone to my car insurance for a week so a friend can drive me around town?

You can ask a friend to drive you around in your car for any reason. Your insurance should cover this driver as they do it occasionally and do not live in your household. So if you find yourself in a situation where you are unable to drive, don’t hesitate to ask a friend or household member to drive you around in your car.

Can I add someone to my car insurance for a week for them to test drive my car?

Handling car insurance when selling a car can be a tricky process. How do you handle car insurance when selling a car? A prospective buyer will likely want to take your car for a test drive when you sell it. This can be nerve-wracking, but you’ll be fine if you have coverage and valid registration for the vehicle.

In that case, you can allow someone to test drive your car due to the permissive use coverage. That means they’re covered for physical damage to the vehicle and any liability losses if they don’t have their own policy. 

So go ahead and let them take your car for a spin — just ensure you have the right coverage in case something happens.

When would another driver not be covered by permissive use insurance?

There are a few other scenarios where your auto insurance company might deny a claim and not cover another driver. For example:

• If you let your teen driver use your car without adding them to your policy.
• Someone drives your vehicle without your permission.
• Your policy provides limited or no coverage for permissive use situations.
• Your friend uses your car for business purposes, and your policy doesn’t have a specific endorsement for business use.
• Letting someone borrow your vehicle for an extended period.

Read more: Can I insure my friend’s car?

So be aware of these potential risks before allowing someone else to drive your vehicle, causing your insurance rates to increase.

Do all car insurance policies include permissive use car insurance?

Many people are under the false impression that their car insurance policy will cover any driver they allow to operate their vehicle. However, this is not always the case. Most car insurance policies include permissive use car insurance, but others require you to name all drivers on the policy to get the policy’s protection.  

Read your policy details carefully if you’re unsure whether or not your car insurance covers permissive users, or call your auto insurer and ask. For instance, if you want to know the details about the Geico permissive use policies, you will have to check with them.

Does your car insurance cover occasional drivers?

You don’t have to add someone to your car insurance if they are only driving your vehicle for a short period of time. However, make sure you understand your policy and how the coverage does or doesn’t extend to occasional drivers.

Also, it is recommended to get insurance quotes from several companies to find a good deal for your needs. Research quotes regularly — about every six months — to ensure you are getting the best value insurance. 

Case Studies: Adding Someone to Your Car Insurance for a Week

Case Study 1: Permissive Use for Borrowing a Neighbor’s Car

Sarah needs a car for a week while her vehicle is being repaired. She asks her neighbor, John, if she can borrow his car. John has permissive use insurance, which allows others to drive his car with his permission. Sarah is covered under John’s policy as an occasional driver during the week she borrows the car.

Case Study 2: Allowing a Friend to Drive for Personal Errands

Mary is unable to drive due to a temporary medical condition. She asks her friend, Alex, to drive her around for a week. Mary’s car insurance policy includes permissive use coverage, which allows occasional drivers who are not household members to be covered. Alex is covered under Mary’s policy while driving her car for personal errands during the week.

Case Study 3: Test Driving a Car for Sale

Robert is selling his car and wants potential buyers to test drive it. He allows a prospective buyer, Lisa, to test drive the car for a week. Robert’s insurance policy includes permissive use coverage, which extends to test drives. Lisa is covered under Robert’s policy while test driving the car.