The short answer
In every US state, auto insurance primarily follows the vehicle. If someone driving with permission causes a loss, the owner's policy pays first up to its limits; the driver's own policy is secondary excess. Non-permissive use (theft) uses the driver's coverage. Rental cars are more complex — the rental agreement plus your policy plus credit-card coverage stack.
Frequently asked
- Does the owner's rates go up?
- Yes if a claim is paid on the owner's policy, regardless of who was driving.
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