If someone borrows my car and causes an at-fault accident, and it turns out nobody in that accident has insurance, will I then be held accountable for the property damage and personal injury if I was not present?

Your car insurance would pay for the damages and injuries caused by the accident. Your policy insures your vehicle and "you, any relative, and anyone else using your car if the use is (or reasonably believed to be) with your permission."

Even if your friend had car insurance, your insurance would pay the cost of damage, and you'd have to pay your deductible. However, if your insured friend caused a serious accident with injuries, the driver's policy would cover bodily injury liability, and the insurance companies could share the cost of property damage in what's known as a "pro rata" case.

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In the instance you're describing, though, when the driver has no insurance, then you're in a tough spot. Your insurance would pay out, but if the damages exceed your policy limits, then the other accident victims could come after you to pay for repairs and medical bills.

This is why it's a terrible idea to loan a car to someone who doesn't have car insurance. You're put in a position of grave responsibility once you hand over the car keys.

For more, read when your friend crashes your car: the rules of auto liability.