Damage to a borrowed car: who pays, and what do you write in the accident report?

Who pays when you damage a car you have borrowed?

The starting point in Norway is that it is the car (the owner's car insurance) that is insured, not the person driving. Therefore, the damage is normally reported on the car's insurance – regardless of whether you borrowed the car from a friend, a neighbor, or family.

However: Who ultimately "pays" can practically be about deductibles, loss of bonus, and any recovery claims. Conditions vary between companies, so always check the car's insurance terms.

Typical scenarios

• You back into a pole (single vehicle accident): The damage is usually covered by the car's comprehensive/partial comprehensive insurance (if it exists). The owner often has a deductible to pay and may incur loss of bonus.
• Collision with another car where you are at fault: The other party's damage is covered by the car's liability insurance (mandatory). Damage to the borrowed car requires comprehensive insurance to be covered.
• The other party is at fault in the accident: The other party's liability insurance usually covers the damage to the borrowed car, and the owner's bonus is typically not affected (but handling can take time).

What about deductibles and loss of bonus – who gets the bill?

Even though the insurance settlement occurs through the car's insurance, it is often the owner who is charged for the deductible and possibly loss of bonus. Many who lend their cars therefore have a clear agreement: "If you borrow the car, you cover the deductible if something happens."

This is a private agreement between you. The insurance company primarily relates to the insurance agreement, while you can settle among yourselves later on.

Important: In cases of gross negligence, intoxication, or violation of terms, the insurance company may in some instances demand money back (recourse) or reduce the compensation. Both the driver and the owner may be affected. Contact the company early if this may be relevant.

The first step after an incident with a borrowed car

What you do in the minutes afterward often impacts how straightforward the settlement will be.

• Secure the scene: Stop, use a warning triangle, and ensure safety.
• Help in the event of personal injury: Call 113 if necessary.
• Document immediately: Pictures of damages, position, road markings, and overview pictures from multiple angles.
• Exchange information: Names, phone numbers, registration numbers, insurance companies, and driver's birth dates.

The police have their own recommendations for what you should do in the event of a traffic accident and when to contact them. See Police: traffic accident.

What do you write in the accident report when the car is borrowed?

When the car is borrowed, it is especially important that the accident report is clear on roles and consistent in the description. The aim is for both the owner's insurance company and the other party's company to understand exactly what happened.

1) State the correct owner and driver

• Owner: The person who is registered as the owner of the car (and usually the policyholder).
• Driver: The person who was actually driving when the damage occurred (you, if you borrowed the car).
• Briefly explain that the car was borrowed: For example, write: "The car was borrowed from the owner, and I was the driver at the time of the incident."

Do not "gloss over" who was driving. Incorrect information can cause delays, reductions, or in the worst case, denials.

2) Describe the sequence of events without interpretation

Write concretely and objectively:

• Date and time.
• Location (address/road, direction, lane).
• Speed (approximately), visibility, road conditions, and lighting.
• What happened step by step: "I turned out…", "the other party came…", "contact occurred…"

Avoid phrases like "I think" or "he must have." If something is uncertain, write: "Unsure about whether…".

3) Create a simple sketch that actually explains

A sketch should show:

• The design of the road (intersection, roundabout, parking lot).
• Direction and positioning of both cars.
• Point of contact (mark with X).
• Signals, give way lines, and lane choices.

4) Include witnesses and extra documentation

• Witnesses: Names and phone numbers (especially in case of disagreement).
• Pictures/videos: Damages, traces on the road, signs, and overview.
• Dashcam: Note that there are recordings and how they can be shared.

That's why joint filling out and digital signing is smart

Many conflicts arise because parties end up with their own version of what happened. On Skademeldinger.no, you can fill out the accident report together with the other party, receive a joint version, and sign digitally right then and there. This makes it easier to:

• avoid misunderstandings about who was the driver and what happened
• quickly share the accident report with the owner and insurance company
• have a clear basis that is ready to be submitted

When should you contact the police?

In many minor collisions, an accident report and good documentation are enough. But contact the police in case of personal injury, suspicion of intoxication, aggressive behavior, or if someone flees the scene. The police regularly update their recommendations, so use their overview: Police: traffic accident.

Practical tips when returning the car

• Notify the owner early: The sooner the owner is informed, the faster the process goes.
• Agree in writing on the deductible: A short SMS may be enough to avoid regrets later.
• Do not repair "in secret": The insurance company may require documentation and assessments.

Summary

If you damage a borrowed car, it is usually the car's insurance that handles the settlement – but costs such as deductibles and loss of bonus may still fall on the owner (and are often settled privately between you). The key to a smooth process is a precise accident report that clearly distinguishes between the owner and the driver, as well as good documentation with pictures, sketches, and witnesses. When you fill out together and sign digitally on Skademeldinger.no, you are much stronger if there are later questions about what actually happened.

Sources

• Police – traffic accident (advice and when to contact the police)

Note: Coverage, deductibles, and bonus rules vary between insurance companies and agreements; check the terms that apply to the car in question.