What Happens If Someone Else Crashed My Car While Driving?

In most cases, the vehicle owner’s insurance serves as the primary coverage after an accident. If a friend, family member, or coworker crashes your car with your permission, your policy usually pays for property damage and any injuries resulting from the collision.

How Personal Injury Protection (PIP) Works

Pennsylvania is a no-fault insurance state, which means Personal Injury Protection (PIP) benefits apply regardless of who caused the crash. If someone else crashes your vehicle, PIP coverage from your insurance policy is typically the first to apply for anyone in your car, including the driver who borrowed it. PIP may cover:

• Hospital and medical expenses
• Lost wages (usually up to a set percentage)
• Rehabilitation costs
• Funeral expenses in fatal crashes

If the person driving your vehicle has their own auto policy with PIP coverage, their insurer might provide secondary or overlapping benefits, depending on policy terms. A Philadelphia car accident attorney can help determine which policy applies first when multiple insurers are involved.

What if the Driver Did Not Have Permission?

If someone took your car without your permission, your insurer may deny coverage. Unauthorized use—such as a friend taking your keys after being told not to drive or a relative borrowing your car without consent—typically voids your insurance liability for that accident. In that case, the unauthorized driver’s insurance would serve as the primary coverage for both injuries and property damage.

If the person was uninsured, your policy’s Uninsured Motorist (UM) or Underinsured Motorist (UIM) coverage might help pay for your vehicle’s repairs or other losses.

If your car was stolen, you are not responsible for the damages caused by the thief, but you should immediately file a police report and notify your insurance company.

When the Other Driver Was at Fault

If another driver caused the accident, the at-fault driver’s liability insurance may pay for damages to your vehicle and injuries to the person driving your car. Because Pennsylvania follows a modified comparative negligence rule, meaning fault can be shared. As long as the driver of your vehicle is less than 51 percent at fault, they can still recover damages—although the total recovery may be reduced by their percentage of fault.

Steps to Take After Someone Crashes Your Car

If another person crashes your vehicle, take these important steps:

• Ensure everyone is safe and call emergency services
• Exchange insurance and contact information with all drivers involved
• Take photos of the accident scene, damage, and license plates
• File a police report, even for minor crashes
• Notify your insurance company immediately and report who was driving

Avoid guessing or providing incomplete information—be honest and specific about whether the person had permission to drive your vehicle.

When to Contact a Philadelphia Car Accident Lawyer

Insurance disputes involving borrowed vehicles and overlapping PIP coverage can become complicated. A Philadelphia car accident lawyer can review your policy, determine which insurer is responsible, and handle communications with adjusters. An attorney ensures you receive the coverage you paid for and prevents insurers from unfairly denying or limiting benefits. Contact us if you need legal support after an accident.