What Happens If Someone Else Is Driving My Car and Gets in an Accident in Oregon?

If you lend your car to a friend or family member, you are also lending your insurance coverage. But what happens if they get into an accident? The legal and financial implications can be confusing, especially when someone else is behind the wheel.

At Hess Injury Law, we help drivers in Hermiston, Pendleton, and throughout Oregon understand their rights and responsibilities after a car crash—no matter who was driving.

Insurance Coverage in Oregon

In Oregon, car insurance follows the car, not the driver. That means your auto insurance is typically the first line of defense if someone gets into an accident while driving your vehicle—with your permission.

Your liability coverage will usually pay for:

• Injuries to others involved in the crash
• Property damage to another vehicle
• Legal fees if a claim or lawsuit is filed against you

Oregon also requires Personal Injury Protection (PIP), which may help with medical bills for the driver and passengers, regardless of fault.

Who is Covered When Someone Else Drives Your Car?

Your insurance likely covers the other driver if you gave them permission to drive your car—this is called permissive use. That includes:

• Friends
• Family members who are not listed on your policy
• Co-workers or neighbors, as long as they had permission

However, some policies exclude coverage for certain drivers, such as someone with a revoked license or someone you’ve previously forbidden from using your car.

Always check your policy to understand any exclusions.

What If the Driver Was At Fault?

If the person driving your car caused the accident, your insurance company may:

• Cover the damages to the other party under your liability policy
• Raise your insurance premiums, even if you were not the one driving

The driver’s own insurance may step in only if your policy limits are exceeded—or if they are specifically listed on their own auto policy with extended coverage.

If the damages exceed your liability limits, you could be personally responsible for the remaining costs.

What If the Driver Was Not At Fault?

If the other driver caused the crash, you may be able to:

• File a claim through the at-fault driver’s insurance
• Use your own uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage (UM/UIM) if the at-fault driver has no insurance or too little
• Seek compensation for car repairs, medical bills, and lost income

It’s still important to report the accident to your own insurance company, even if the other driver was 100% at fault.

What If the Driver Took My Car Without Permission?

If someone takes your car without your permission and crashes it, your insurance may not be liable for the damages. This could apply in cases of:

• Car theft
• A friend or relative using the car without asking

In these situations, the driver’s own insurance (if any) may be responsible—or the case may involve a criminal theft report.

However, if the person had implied or past permission (e.g., they’ve used your car before), insurers may argue you gave consent. That’s why documentation matters.

Can I Be Sued If Someone Else Wrecks My Car?

Yes, in some cases. If the accident causes serious injuries or damages, and your insurance limits aren’t enough to cover the full claim, the injured party may sue:

• You, as the vehicle owner, especially if it’s argued that you were negligent in lending your car
• The driver, if they were clearly at fault

Protecting yourself starts with carrying sufficient coverage—including umbrella policies if your assets are at risk.

What To Do Right After the Accident

If someone else wrecks your car, take these steps immediately:

1. Get the accident report – Ask the driver to get a copy of the police report or file one with Oregon DMV if needed.
2. Notify your insurer – Report the crash to your insurance company, even if someone else was behind the wheel.
3. Get medical treatment – Encourage all involved to get medical attention, even for minor injuries.
4. Document communication – Save texts, emails, or call logs that show permission (or lack of it) to use the car.
5. Speak with an attorney – An experienced personal injury attorney can explain your rights and help you avoid liability.

Will This Affect My Insurance Premiums?

Most likely, yes. Even though you weren’t driving, your policy was used to cover a claim. As a result, your premiums may increase upon renewal.

Some insurers offer accident forgiveness, while others do not. It depends on your driving history, claims record, and the severity of the incident.

How Hess Injury Law Can Help

If someone else crashed your vehicle, you may feel overwhelmed by paperwork, claims adjusters, and liability concerns. At Hess Injury Law, we help clients in Hermiston and Pendleton take the right next steps after an accident.

We’ll help you:

• Review your policy and coverage
• Determine who may be legally responsible
• Protect your financial future if you’re being blamed
• Handle communication with insurance companies

Let’s Make Sure You’re Protected

You may not have been driving, but you could still be financially on the hook. If you’re asking, “What happens if someone else is driving my car and gets in an accident?”, the answer depends on your insurance, the other driver’s actions, and whether they had permission.

Don’t guess. Let us help you understand your options and protect your future. Contact Hess Injury Law today for a free consultation.

Disclaimer: The content of this blog is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. It should not be relied upon as a substitute for professional legal counsel.