Longview Office: (903) 999-9999
Call us: (903) 999-9999Your insurance company will likely pay first if the person driving your car caused the crash. Texas law requires drivers to carry a minimum amount of insurance:
8 July 2025 - Posted by Monsour Law Firm
In a city like Tyler, lending your car to a friend or relative may feel like a harmless favor. But you may be wondering, “What happens if someone else is driving my car and gets in an accident in Texas?” This situation can lead to complicated insurance and liability questions.
In Texas, auto insurance usually follows the vehicle, not the driver, so your policy may cover damages even when someone else is behind the wheel, as long as they had your permission and weren’t doing anything illegal.
Texas is also a fault-based state, which means the person who causes the accident is financially responsible for injuries and property damage, no matter whose car they were driving.
At Monsour Law Firm, as your car accident attorney, we’ve helped East Texans navigate these situations and protect their rights when someone else was behind the wheel.
Yes, your auto insurance generally covers your vehicle, even if someone else is driving it. As long as the driver had your permission and wasn’t using the car illegally, coverage usually applies. This is known as permissive use. However, insurers may deny a claim if:
If the driver isn’t listed, your coverage may be limited. In some cases, their own insurance, if they have it, might offer secondary protection.
Before lending your car, consider the risks. Asking yourself and trying to understand what happens if someone else is driving my car and gets in an accident in Texas (Tyler) helps you avoid unexpected coverage gaps.
Your insurance company will likely pay first if the person driving your car caused the crash. Texas law requires drivers to carry a minimum amount of insurance:
According to the Texas Department of Insurance, this liability coverage pays for the other driver’s vehicle repairs, medical costs, and other related damages when your driver is at fault.
If losses go beyond your policy limits, the injured party may seek compensation from the driver’s insurance (if they have one) or pursue legal action. Even if you weren’t behind the wheel, your insurer may still count the claim against your record, potentially affecting your premium.
When another driver causes the crash, their insurance is generally responsible for damages, even if someone else was driving your car. After the crash, your driver should:
According to the Texas Department of Insurance, taking these steps helps protect your claim and ensures proper documentation.
If the at-fault driver is uninsured or flees the scene, your uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage may apply if your policy includes it.
Even when another driver is responsible, the crash may still affect your insurance. That’s why it’s important to reach out to an attorney to help you understand how third-party accidents involving your vehicle can impact your coverage and liability. They can advocate on your behalf, deal with insurance companies, and pursue compensation for damages.
In Texas, your auto policy is usually the first to respond after a crash, even if someone else was driving. If your policy limits aren’t enough, the driver’s insurance may help if they have coverage. You might be responsible for excess costs in the next scenarios:
Are you still confused and asking yourself, “What happens if someone else is driving your car and gets in an accident in Texas?” At Monsour Law Firm, we’ll explain your rights, deal with the insurance issues, and fight for your recovery.
Whether you’re the car owner or the injured party, our team can help you take action quickly and confidently. Call (903) 999-9999 now for a free consultation.
Douglas C. Monsour, or Doug Monsour, is a trial lawyer who handles important and significant injury cases in Texas and across the nation. He is one of a handful of trial lawyers who have successfully tried multiple pharmaceutical, medical device, and mass tort product liability cases as the lead lawyer. He also vigorously represents injured oil field workers, victims of 18-wheeler wrecks, industrial accident victims, and those that have been severely burned.
This page has been written, edited, and reviewed by a team of legal writers following our comprehensive editorial guidelines. This page was approved by Founding Partner, Doug Monsour who has more than 20 years of legal experience as a personal injury attorney.
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