Car Insurance SR22 San Francisco CA

Reader’s Question:

The insurance coverage on my car has lapsed so basically it is currently not insured at all. My brother has a non-owners insurance policy with the sr-22. Can my brother drive my vehicle legally in San Francisco CA with only the non-owners insurance, or is my car required to have its own car insurance policy if it is to be driven? I’m in California.

Amy

San Francisco, CA

The California state law states that which is similar to most states, every car owner and motorist of a vehicle must maintain financial responsibility (insurance). If your brother get involve in an accident that was their fault the car’s insurance (thus you as the owner) would be primary. If the car did not have insurance the person hit could go after you, the owner, personally for the cost of repairs, medical bills etc.

Your brother’s non-owner SR22 will be secondary on whatever car he drives. So your brother will need to make certain that the car has insurance on it as well.