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Who covers my medical bills if I borrowed a car?

I borrowed a car from a friend who has State Farm full coverage insurance. While I was driving, a deer jumped into the road. I swerved to avoid it and oncoming traffic, hit a telephone pole, and broke my back in four places. What can I file a claim under?

Jul 16, 2026 Wayne, WV

Answer
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Beth Swanson
Insurance Analyst

Beth joined The Zebra in 2022 as an Associate Content Strategist. A licensed insurance agent, she specializes in creating clear, accessible content t…

Credentials
  • Licensed Insurance Agent — Property and Casualty
  • Associate in Insurance (AINS)
  • Professional Risk Consultant (PRC)
  • Associate in Insurance Services (AIS)

Because you were driving a borrowed vehicle, the coverage available to you will depend on both your friend's State Farm policy and whether you carry any auto insurance of your own, but there are a few options for you to look into.

Your friend's State Farm policy is the first place to start. A full coverage policy typically includes collision coverage for vehicle damage and bodily injury liability for injuries sustained in a covered accident. If your friend added medical payments coverage (MedPay), that can also help cover medical bills regardless of fault. West Virginia doesn't require MedPay, so whether it's available depends on what your friend actually purchased.

If you carry your own auto insurance, it may provide secondary coverage for your injuries, particularly if you have MedPay or uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage on your own policy.

Given the complexity of this situation and the severity of your injuries, I'd recommend reaching out to your friend's State Farm agent directly to walk through what's covered. It would also be worth consulting with a professional who can look at the full picture and advise you on next steps.

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