Likely you would be covered by your friend's or family member's insurance policy if you borrowed their vehicle from time to time, however insurance policies differ and some have certain exclusions that may pertain to you so it is always advisable for the car owner to check through their policy and even speak to their agent before loaning out there vehicle to you.

For example some insurance policies exclude drivers under a certain age (if it is included- it is usually drivers 25 and under) and thus if you fall under this age group you may not be covered by the owner's car insurance.

If you live with a family member that has a car than normally you would need to be listed on the auto insurance policy to be properly covered to drive the car. Insurance companies usually require all licensed household members be listed on a policy. So if you live with your parents and want to use their car to drive than they should inform their insurance agent so that you are on the policy as a driver.

Also if you are going to borrow a friend's car on a regular basis you may need to be added as an occasional driver to be properly covered.

State insurance laws, insurance company guidelines and insurance policy terms all vary so to make sure you are covered by car insurance to drive a car have the policyholder contact their agent and double check. Make sure you know where the car's registration and proof of insurance (insurance card) are located in a vehicle you borrow. If you end up getting pulled over by law enforcement or are in an accident you will need to know where these items are and show them to the officer or other driver upon request.

If you are in an accident while in a friend or family member's car then this would normally affect their future car insurance rates since their insurance company would likely have to pay out claims for the damages you caused. The accident may as well go on your driving record and affect your auto insurance rates when you get your own car and insurance.