# What Happens in Texas When You Let Someone Else Drive Your Car and They Get in an Accident? | Attorney Brian White **Table of Contents***[*Expand*]* 1. What if the Person Driving My Car Was at Fault? 2. What Happens if Someone Wrecks Your Car and They Aren’t on Your Insurance? 3. What Happens if Another Driver Caused the Accident? 4. A Car Crash Lawyer Can Help if Someone Else Driving Your Car Gets Into an Accident   5. Contact the Houston Car Accident Lawyers at Attorney Brian White Personal Injury Lawyers for Help ![What Happens In Texas When You Let Someone Else Drive Your Car and They Get In an Accident?](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/what-happens-in-texas-when-you-let-someone-else-drive-your-car-and-they-get-in-an-accident-300x200.jpg) It is common to let another person borrow your vehicle. However, what happens if that person gets into a [car accident](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/houston-tx/car-accident-lawyer/) in [Houston](https://www.houstontx.gov/), [Texas](https://www.texas.gov/), while driving your vehicle? Understanding the possible legal implications and potential scenarios is crucial.  An experienced car accident attorney can help you navigate the intricacies of what happens in Texas when someone else is behind the wheel of your car during an accident.  ## What if the Person Driving My Car Was at Fault? If the person driving your car is at [fault](https://www.nolo.com/legal-encyclopedia/proving-fault-personal-injury-accidents-29535.html#:~:text=Most%20accidents%20happen%20because%20someone,by%20the%20more%20careful%20one.) in an accident, your [auto insurance](https://www.tdi.texas.gov/pubs/consumer/cb020.html) coverage typically comes into play. In Texas, auto insurance typically follows the vehicle, meaning the owner’s insurance is the primary insurance associated with the vehicle.  Your liability coverage should extend to cover damages caused by the driver at fault up to the policy limits. Without the coverage, reimbursing the damage may be much more expensive. You can attempt to sue the at-fault party later to [recoup](https://www.law.cornell.edu/wex/cross-claim) these costs, but the initial compensation for the other party’s damages will come out of your insurance. You should also be prepared for a potential rate increase. While the accident may affect your insurance rates, it’s your coverage that steps in to address the damages. If the opposing party was [partially at fault](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/faqs/what-is-contributory-fault/) for their injuries, seeking compensation can help offset these costs. For a legal consultation call [(713) 500-5000](tel:+17135005000) ## What Happens if Someone Wrecks Your Car and They Aren’t on Your Insurance? If the [driver involved in the accident isn’t listed on your insurance](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/blog/involved-in-a-car-accident-with-a-driver-with-no-insurance/) policy, the situation becomes more complex. As stated above, in Texas, insurance typically follows the car, not the driver. If you gave permission for [someone to drive your car](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/faqs/what-should-you-do-if-you-are-hit-while-driving-someone-elses-car/), your insurance should cover the damages resulting from the accident. However, if the driver took your car without permission, you may not be able to so easily resolve the other party’s [claims](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/blog/settling-a-personal-injury-claim-with-an-insurance-company/). Your insurance may decline to cover part or all of the damages.  You also risk legal action. The other party in the accident can potentially [file a lawsuit](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/faqs/what-should-i-do-if-someone-sues-me-after-a-car-accident-in-texas/) against you to seek compensation, even if you were not behind the wheel when the accident happened. This compensation includes medical expenses, [property damage](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/blog/property-damage/), and even lost wages, which can add up. ## What Happens if Another Driver Caused the Accident? If another driver caused the accident, the liability shifts to their insurance. Your insurance might still be involved, especially if the at-fault [driver is uninsured](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/faqs/what-happens-if-you-are-hit-by-an-uninsured-driver/) or underinsured.  If your policy includes [uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage](https://www.tdi.texas.gov/tips/uninsured-motorist-coverage.html), this coverage may protect you when the at-fault driver lacks adequate insurance. After the at-fault driver’s policy is exhausted, your insurance may come into play. [Click to contact](/contact-us/) us today ## A Car Crash Lawyer Can Help if Someone Else Driving Your Car Gets Into an Accident   There are a few possible exceptions to liability coverage when someone else wrecks your car. When this happens, it is crucial to contact a seasoned personal injury lawyer immediately.  Your coverage may not apply in the following situations: - **If the driver used your car without permission:**Your insurance may still provide coverage, but complications may arise. [Insurance companies](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/blog/insurance-companies-filing-for-bankruptcy/) may investigate the circumstances, and legal advice may be necessary. - **If you specifically excluded the [driver from your insurance](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/faqs/what-can-i-do-if-a-drivers-insurance-company-refuses-to-accept-liability-for-the-crash/) policy:** Your coverage may be denied. It’s crucial to review your policy to understand any exclusions. - **If the driver broke the law or violated the terms of your insurance policy:** Your insurer may [decline](https://www.policygenius.com/auto-insurance/does-car-insurance-cover-self-inflicted-damage/#:~:text=Self%2Dinflicted%20damage%20covered%20by,you%20were%20breaking%20the%20law.) to extend coverage to your driver. Be aware of any policy provisions related to unlawful use. A knowledgeable attorney can provide the support and legal counsel you need to navigate this intricate terrain. Remember, every situation is unique, and having experienced advocates by your side can make a significant difference in achieving a fair resolution. Complete a [Case Evaluation Form](/contact-us/) Now ## Contact the Houston Car Accident Lawyers at Attorney Brian White Personal Injury Lawyers for Help Our offices Houston — Greenway/Upper Kirby 3120 Southwest Freeway, Suite 350 Houston, TX 77098 Open 24 hours daily Call [(713) 364-1466](tel:+17133641466) [Directions](https://www.google.com/maps/dir/?api=1&destination=Attorney%20Brian%20White%20Personal%20Injury%20Lawyers%2C%203120%20Southwest%20Freeway%2C%20Suite%20350%2C%20Houston%2C%20TX%2077098) Houston — East Freeway 11811 East Freeway, Suite 630-06 Houston, TX 77029 Open 24 hours daily Call [(713) 609-1893](tel:+17136091893) [Directions](https://www.google.com/maps/dir/?api=1&destination=Attorney%20Brian%20White%20Personal%20Injury%20Lawyers%2C%2011811%20East%20Freeway%2C%20Suite%20630-06%2C%20Houston%2C%20TX%2077029) Houston — South Loop 2600 South Loop West, Suite 293 Houston, TX 77054 Open 24 hours daily Call [(713) 281-4904](tel:+17132814904) [Directions](https://www.google.com/maps/dir/?api=1&destination=Attorney%20Brian%20White%20Personal%20Injury%20Lawyers%2C%202600%20South%20Loop%20West%2C%20Suite%20293%2C%20Houston%2C%20TX%2077054) Houston — Katy Freeway 11511 Katy Fwy, Suite 515 Houston, TX 77079 Open 24 hours daily Call [(713) 909-7537](tel:+17139097537) [Directions](https://www.google.com/maps/dir/?api=1&destination=Attorney%20Brian%20White%20Personal%20Injury%20Lawyers%2C%2011511%20Katy%20Fwy%2C%20Suite%20515%2C%20Houston%2C%20TX%2077079) Houston — Clear Lake 1300 Bay Area Blvd, Suite B268 Houston, TX 77058 By appointment only Call [(936) 508-2854](tel:+19365082854) [Directions](https://www.google.com/maps/dir/?api=1&destination=Attorney%20Brian%20White%20Personal%20Injury%20Lawyers%2C%201300%20Bay%20Area%20Blvd%2C%20Suite%20B268%2C%20Houston%2C%20TX%2077058) The Woodlands 1776 Woodstead Ct, Ste. 203 The Woodlands, TX 77380 By appointment only Call [(281) 843-9777](tel:+12818439777) [Directions](https://www.google.com/maps/dir/?api=1&destination=Attorney%20Brian%20White%20Personal%20Injury%20Lawyers%2C%201776%20Woodstead%20Ct%2C%20Ste.%20203%2C%20The%20Woodlands%2C%20TX%2077380) Champion Forest (Cypress) 4606 FM 1960 Rd W, Ste. 444 Houston, TX 77069 By appointment only Call [(281) 843-9777](tel:+12818439777) [Directions](https://www.google.com/maps/dir/?api=1&destination=Attorney%20Brian%20White%20Personal%20Injury%20Lawyers%2C%204606%20FM%201960%20Rd%20W%2C%20Ste.%20444%2C%20Houston%2C%20TX%2077069) --- ### About the Author Brian White ![About the Author Brian White](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/brian-white-houston-personal-injury-lawyer-300x300.jpg) [Brian White](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/about/our-attorneys/brian-white/) earned his J.D. from South Texas College of Law in Houston and is licensed to practice in Texas. He is a [Board-Certified](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/resources/brian-white-is-board-certified-in-personal-injury-trial-law/) Personal Injury Trial Lawyer. Dedicated to giving back, he actively supports local charities and [community initiatives](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/about/community-involvement/). [Client testimonials](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/about/testimonials/) highlight Brian’s compassion, open communication, and dedication to achieving the best outcomes for those he represents. [Avvo](https://www.avvo.com/attorneys/77098-tx-brian-white-74113.html) / [Justia](https://lawyers.justia.com/lawyer/brian-elliott-white-201630) / Linkedin / [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/login/?next=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FBrianWhiteLawFirm%2F/) / [Youtube](https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDdkDcGkbY2GFTzpeTWypFQ) / [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/attorneybrianwhite/?hl=en) / [Yelp](https://www.yelp.com/biz/brian-white-and-associates-houston) / Call or Text [(713) 500-5000](tel:+17135005000) or Complete a [Case Evaluation Form](/contact-us/) Car Accidents Blog Posts: [![How to Handle Your Medical Bills After a Car Accident](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/How-to-Handle-Your-Medical-Bills-After-a-Car-Accident-300x200.jpg)](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/blog/how-to-handle-your-medical-bills-after-a-car-accident/) [How to Handle Your Medical Bills After a Car Accident](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/blog/how-to-handle-your-medical-bills-after-a-car-accident/) Medical bills after a car accident can total hundreds of thousands of dollars. Even if your medical bills are not [![2021 Was the Second Deadliest Year on Texas Roads](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/2021-Was-the-Second-Deadliest-Year-on-Texas-Roads-300x154.jpeg)](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/blog/2021-was-the-second-deadliest-year-on-texas-roads/) [2021 Was the Second Deadliest Year on Texas Roads](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/blog/2021-was-the-second-deadliest-year-on-texas-roads/) The year 2020 was an unusual traffic year. Pandemic lockdowns and a drop in tourist travel caused traffic levels to [![The 15 Safest Cars for 2021](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/The-15-Safest-Cars-for-2021-300x200.jpg)](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/blog/the-15-safest-cars-for-2021/) [The 15 Safest Cars for 2021](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/blog/the-15-safest-cars-for-2021/) There are many online sources that rank cars for their safety. US News is one of the many resources where you can [![Neurological Issues From a Car Accident](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/Neurological-Issues-From-a-Car-Accident-1-300x200.jpg)](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/blog/neurological-issues-from-a-car-accident/) [Neurological Issues From a Car Accident](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/blog/neurological-issues-from-a-car-accident/) Many injuries are immediately apparent after a car accident. Victims are immediately aware of broken bones, burns, --- Source: https://attorneybrianwhite.com/faqs/what-happens-in-texas-when-you-let-someone-else-drive-your-car-and-they-get-in-an-accident/