What steps should I take to ensure I am properly insured before borrowing a friend's car in California?

To be properly insured before borrowing a friend's car, you must confirm their policy is active and covers permissive users, and you should understand its limits. Here are the specific steps to protect yourself. Step 1: Confirm Your Friend Has Active Insurance Ask your friend to show you their current auto insurance ID card and the policy's declaration page. Check the policy effective and expiration dates to ensure it is currently in force. Driving without insurance is illegal in California and exposes you to significant personal liability. Step 2: Verify Permissive Use Coverage Have your friend call their insurance agent to confirm their policy covers "permissive users." California law generally requires auto policies to cover drivers who have the owner's permission to use the vehicle. However, it is critical to verify this, as some policies may have specific restrictions or exclusions. Step 3: Understand the Policy's Coverage Limits Review the policy declaration page with your friend to see the coverage amounts. Pay close attention to the limits for Bodily Injury Liability (per person/per accident) and Property Damage Liability. The state minimums are low ($15,000/$30,000/$5,000) and often insufficient to cover costs in a serious accident. Also, check if the policy includes collision and comprehensive coverage, which would cover damage to your friend's car. Step 4: Check Your Own Insurance Policy If you have your own auto insurance policy, it may act as secondary coverage if damages exceed the limits of your friend's policy. Contact your own insurance agent to ask how your policy works when you are driving a non-owned car. Important Details and Nuances: In the event of an accident, your friend's insurance is the primary coverage. If the costs of the accident exceed their policy limits, you can be held personally and financially responsible for the remaining balance. The other party's attorneys can pursue your personal assets. Warnings and Limitations: Do not borrow a car from a friend who is uninsured or only carries the minimum required liability coverage, as this presents a major financial risk to you. Ensure you have explicit permission to drive the vehicle for each specific trip. Using the car for business purposes, such as for a delivery or rideshare service, is typically excluded from a personal auto policy and will likely not be covered. This is general information and does not constitute legal advice. For complex situations or if you have been in an accident, consult with a qualified California attorney.