In general, auto insurance coverage actually follows the vehicle, not the driver.
If your car is involved in an accident, the car typically receives the full coverage provided by the auto insurance policy, regardless of who is driving. Some factors could affect the coverage:
- Did you give permission?
- Does the policy have an exclusion for that driver?
- Are there other policy exclusions that exist on the policy that would disallow coverage?
Comment Updated: Some insurance companies raise your rates if it is involved in an accident and they pay a claim for your vehicle, regardless of the causes of the accident.
Update: Insurance coverage typically follows the car, but a ticket is charged to a driver.
There are many circumstances where your personal auto insurance policy is primary when you are driving another vehicle. For example, in Florida if you are driving another vehicle and you are injured (regardless of fault). Your PIP would be primary. There are many other examples, so please read our related questions or search our answers for an answer specific to your question.