Should You Let a Friend Borrow Your Car in Texas? What Every Driver Needs to Know Before Handing Over the Keys
October 20, 2025 - Personal Injury
It always starts with a simple question: “Hey, can I borrow your car real quick?” Maybe your friend needs to get to work due to a breakdown, or a family member needs to run a quick errand. Out of kindness, you toss them the keys — no big deal, right?
But what happens if they get into a car accident while driving your vehicle?
Most Texans are surprised to learn that, in many cases, the vehicle owner can still be held financially responsible — even if they were nowhere near the crash. Before you hand over your keys, here’s what you need to know about liability, negligent entrustment, insurance coverage, and how to protect yourself.
Does Auto Insurance Follow the Driver or the Car in Texas?
In Texas, auto insurance generally follows the vehicle first, not the driver. This means:
✅ If your friend causes an accident in your car, your insurance will likely be the primary coverage used to pay for damages.
✅ If damages exceed your coverage, the borrower’s insurance may provide secondary coverage — if they have a policy.
✅ If the driver has no insurance, you could be left fully responsible for injuries, vehicle damage, and lawsuits.
Translation: Even though you weren’t driving, your insurance premiums could increase — or you could be sued personally.
What If the Borrower Doesn’t Have a License or Insurance?
If you knowingly allow someone who is unlicensed or uninsured to drive your car and they cause an accident, you could face legal consequences under a legal doctrine called negligent entrustment.
You may be at risk if you knowingly loan your car to someone who is:
🚫 Unlicensed or driving on a suspended license
🚫 Intoxicated or impaired
🚫 Reckless or has a history of dangerous driving
🚫 Extremely fatigued or emotionally unstable
🚫 A minor or someone with prior DUIs or crashes
In these situations, the injured party may sue you, claiming that you carelessly entrusted your vehicle to an unsafe driver.
Understanding Negligent Entrustment in Texas
Negligent entrustment means you may be liable for giving your vehicle to someone who is not reasonably safe to drive. Even if you weren’t behind the wheel, a court may hold you legally responsible for injuries if you should have known the driver posed a danger.
Example: You know your friend has multiple DWIs or no license, but you still hand over the keys. If they crash, you could face a lawsuit.
Types of Permission That Can Impact Liability
Insurance companies and courts often look at whether the borrower had permission. Permission can be:
| Type of Permission | What It Means |
| Express (Verbal/Written) | You clearly said “yes” — even in a text |
| Implied | You routinely allow them to use your car |
| No permission (unauthorized use) | The driver took the car without consent |
If someone takes your car without permission, you may avoid liability — but victims may still need to file uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) claims or seek compensation through legal action.
Will PIP or MedPay Cover Injuries After a Borrowed Car Accident?
If you have Personal Injury Protection (PIP) or Medical Payments (MedPay) coverage, these may help pay for medical care after a crash — even if someone else was driving your vehicle.
✔ PIP covers medical bills and lost wages for injured occupants, regardless of fault
✔ MedPay helps with medical expenses only
✔ These coverages apply even if the borrower was at fault
Many drivers decline PIP to save a few dollars — but when someone else crashes your car, you’ll wish you had it.
What If Your Car Is Used for Uber, Lyft, DoorDash, or Ridesharing?
If the borrower uses your vehicle for commercial driving without the proper insurance (such as Uber/Lyft or delivery work), a standard personal policy may deny coverage altogether. That could leave both you and the borrower financially exposed.
Is the Vehicle Owner Responsible for Poor Vehicle Maintenance?
Yes. Texas law requires vehicle owners to keep their cars in safe operating condition. If failing brakes, worn tires, or broken lights contribute to a crash, you as the owner could be held liable, even if someone else was driving.
What to Consider Before Letting Someone Borrow Your Car
✅ Are they licensed and insured?
✅ Do they have a good driving history?
✅ Will they be using the car for personal or commercial purposes (rideshare/delivery)?
✅ Is your vehicle insured and in safe driving condition?
✅ Are you prepared to take legal and financial responsibility if something goes wrong?
Injured in an Accident Involving a Borrowed Vehicle? Reyna Law Firm Can Help.
Whether:
✅ You lent your car and now face insurance claims
✅ You were hurt as a passenger in a borrowed vehicle
✅ You were hit by someone driving a friend’s car
✅ Your child borrowed your vehicle and caused injuries
We can help you understand your rights, protect your financial future, and pursue maximum compensation.
📞 Call Reyna Law Firm 24/7 for a Free Consultation: 866-918-1994
📍 Serving accident victims statewide across Texas and New Mexico
💰 No fees unless we win
🌐 www.reynainjurylaw.com
💬 English & Spanish available
Final Thought:
Being generous with your keys is easy — but recovering from legal and financial consequences after a crash is not. If you find yourself in a situation involving a borrowed-car accident, don’t go through it alone. Reyna Law Firm is here to fight for you.
