Permissive use means that you have given another individual permission to use your car. In most cases, when this occurs the person and your vehicle will be covered by your insurance policy if they are involved in an accident. Non-permissive use indicates that someone is driving your car who does not have permission to use it. In this case, you may not be held accountable for any damage they cause while driving it. The driver's policy, in that case, will serve as primary insurance. If they don't have insurance, or if a thief takes your vehicle and damages it, you may still need to file a claim with your own company.