Car Insurance Generally Follows The Car Not The Driver
Lets say you dont have auto insurance but want to borrow your friend Jessicas car, which is insured in her name, to run a few errands. Jessica gives you permission to borrow her car. As long as youve got Jessicas permission, its usually legal to get behind the wheel of her car, even though youre not insured. Why? Because auto insurance generally follows the car, not the driver.
However, the more important issue is whether Jessicas insurance would provide coverage if you, for instance, crash her car. Theres no clear answer in this case.
According to Claims Journal, the issue of whether damage or injuries sustained while you were driving Jessicas car depends on the details of her policy, the place where the accident happened , and the facts surrounding the incident.
Typically, your use of Jessicas car would be covered by the liability portion of her policy, Claims Journal says. Yet thats not always the way it works.
Some car insurance companies and policies wont cover a driver whos not named in Jessicas policy, according to Claims Journal. In fact, if you, the uninsured driver, are living temporarily with Jessica and are regularly driving her car, then her insurance company will expect you to be added to her policy, the journal says.
What Happens If Another Driver Caused The Accident
When another driver causes an accident with someone else driving your car, the other driver is liable for damages. You would then have the right to file a claim for damages from their insurance company according to the Official Code of Georgia Annotated § 51-1-6. When filing, all you would need to do when filing is show that you were less than 50% responsible for your accident.
Can My Child Drive My Car Without Insurance
If theyre living at home, you should be sure to include them as a driver on your policy because if they are not, and they get into an accident, you run the risk of them not being covered.
Your agent can add your teen driver to your existing policy so you wont have to worry about whether your teen is covered or not. Even though insurance follows the car, household members who are regular drivers should always be listed on the policy to ensure optimal coverage.
If you have the MyAmFam app, you can easily add or remove a driver from your policy to ensure your teen is covered under your insurance. Download the MyAmFam app today.
Read Also: What Is The Least Expensive New Car
Can I Drive Someone Elses Car Without Doc Cover
If you dont have DOC cover, here are some other options that allow you to legally drive someone elses car:
-
Add your name to the policy: If you plan to use another persons car regularly, or even occasionally, ask for them to add you as a named driver on their insurance policy.
-
Depending on your driving experience, it could even help to cut the cost of their cover.
-
Temporary car insurance: Alternatively, you could consider temporary cover if you plan to borrow their vehicle as a one-off. You can even get one-day cover to drive someone else’s car.
How Often Can Someone Else Drive My Car
Lending your pick-up truck to a friend for a few hours to move a couch is a lot different than letting him borrow your car to go to work once a week. If the person will be driving your car regularly, or they live in the same household, you are obligated to inform your insurance company. Withholding information about regular drivers is not a good idea. Its called material misrepresentation. And it will result in denied claims and/or policy cancellation.
Don’t Miss: Where To Get My Car Detailed
How Can I Drive Another Drivers Car Without Insurance Of My Own
All you have to do on your part is ask the owner of the car to borrow their car. Once you get approval, the insurance policy that they put on the car now applies to you as the driver. Think of it this way when you use someone elseâs car, youâre also using their insurance policy. This includes their liability coverage for damages and injuries you cause to another. This kind of coverage is usually required by law, so you may not be able to drive without insurance in some states.
This is what is called âpermissive use,â and itâs valid for all types of auto coverage. If the owner of the car has collision and/or comprehensive insurance, then youâll be covered on those fronts, too, while youâre behind the wheel, as long as you have their permission to use it. Comprehensive coverage would insure you if the car is damaged by an outside factor while itâs parked anything can happen while youâre running an errand. Collision coverage would cover damages to the borrowed car regardless of fault. If the policyholder also has uninsured motorist coverage, that would also apply to you while driving.
You Both Have Separate Insurance Policies
Chances are, you’re covered. But, which company will actually handle the claim and send payment for damages can vary based on the accident, damages, who is officially at fault, etc. Plus, coverages can vary at different insurance companies.
Next up: If you’d like to receive payment for the damages, then it’s best to contact both insurance companies to simply discuss the details of the accident. Then you’ll know whose insurance applies and which company to file the claim with.
You May Like: How To Recharge Your Ac In Your Car
Contact Our Las Vegas Auto Accident Lawyers For Immediate Help With Your Case
At Ladah Law Firm, our Las Vegas personal injury attorneys have extensive experience handling complex auto accident injury claims. Your rights and your interests matter to us. If you have any questions about how to handle a situation where another person got into a crash while operating your vehicle, we are more than happy to help. Call our legal team right away to set up your free, no commitment initial consultation. From our Las Vegas office.
No Recovery, No Fee. Call :
Las Vegas Personal Injury Lawyer Office
How Is Driving Other Cars Cover Different From Temporary Car Insurance
DOC cover is the lowest level of cover . If you have an accident, the policy only covers damage to the other car. You might be liable for the damage caused to the car youre driving.
Temporary car insurance is another option. With this type of cover you get a fully comprehensive policy for another car for a short time, from 1 hour to 28 days. And once youve bought the policy, you should be covered instantly.
You might want to consider temporary car insurance if:
- Youre buying a new car and you need car insurance to get it home
- Youre a young driver who doesnt have a car but can use a friend or relative’s car
- Youre looking for a new car and you need temporary cover while youre test driving a new cars
- Youre a car enthusiast who owns a convertible or sports car and lets other people use it for the weekend or special occasions
- Youre moving house and you need to borrow a larger car or van
- Youre going on a road trip and borrowing a car or you want to share the driving
- There’s an emergency and you need immediate cover to drive a friend or family member’s car
- Your car is in the garage and you need to borrow a car until yours is back on the road
Also Check: How Do I Get Plates For My Car
Are There Situations Where The Car Owner Can Exclude Someone From Coverage
In addition to including certain drivers on an insurance policy, a vehicle owner can also exclude certain drivers. This situation could occur if a parent elects to exclude one of their children from their policy due to reckless driving behavior. If the child then borrows the vehicle and has an accident, the childand their insurerwould be liable for damages.
If someone else crashed your car, such as an excluded child, contact us today. We can help protect you from liability for the related damages.
Will Someone Else Crashing My Car Raise My Insurance Rates
Having an accident on your record, regardless of who was driving, can definitely raise your insurance rates. They are more likely to go up if your cars driver was at fault for the accident.
The penalties for not-at-fault accident varies depending on your insurance provider, so you will have to view your specific policy to know for sure. However, if you are able to file a claim with the at-fault drivers insurance, your rates are less likely to go up.
In addition, you might be able to avoid higher rates if you added accident forgiveness to your policy, which some providers offer.
For a free legal consultation, call
You May Like: How To Clean Your Car Engine
Does My Car Insurance Cover Other Drivers Who Operate My Vehicle
Your car insurance typically will cover other drivers operating your vehicle if theyre listed on the policy. This may include your spouse or significant other, your parents, your siblings or your children. It also may include other household members.
For others not listed on your policy like friends or extended family members the issue becomes murkier. Whether the policy provides coverage in these situations typically depends on consent. If other people drive your car with your permission , then typically they should be covered under the terms of your policy.Drivers who are not on your policy might also be covered in the following situations:
- When extended family members visit you or stay with you at your home.
- When sharing the driving responsibility on a road trip or a long drive.
- When friends and family members borrow your car when theirs is being repaired.
There are a few scenarios in which certain drivers and activities will generally not be covered by your policy. These include:
Recommended Reading: Why Is Car Registration So Expensive In California
Car Insurance Falls Into Three Main Types:
- Third party, fire and theft
Third party covers you in the event of an accident for any damage caused to someone else’s car or property not your own. With third party cover you will have to pay for any damage out of your own pocket. Third party, fire and theft also covers you for damage to your car as a result of fire or theft.
Comprehensive cover provides cover for damage to your vehicle, and the third partyâs car or property. Comprehensive may also cover you for personal injury, personal belongings, windscreen damage or emergency assistance. It is the fullest cover available.
This is a snapshot of what these different types of car insurance offer. It would be wrong to assume, however, that because you have the fullest level of cover available youâre entitled to drive someone elseâs car.
Here at MORE THAN we only provide fully comprehensive car insurance to ensure that you get the cover to suit your needs.
You May Like: Can You Get Bed Bugs In Your Car
Texas Mandatory Auto Insurance Coverage
Texas law requires all drivers with cars registered in Texas to maintain the following mandatory auto insurance coverage:
- $30,000 coverage for bodily injury per person,
- $60,000 total coverage for bodily injury per accident and
- $25,000 of liability coverage for property damage.
Other forms of insurance, such as uninsured motorist coverage, are available but voluntary.
Who Is Liable If The Other Car Owner Causes A Car Accident
If the other car owner causes a car accident, they will be liable. If they’re not insured, you can sue them and try to collect them from their personal assets. However, if the other driver doesn’t have any assets, pursuing a lawsuit may not be worth your time and money.
When lawyers talk about “liability” for a car accident, they’re referring to the legal responsibility to pay financial compensation for the injuries inflicted on an accident victim. Usually, the payment comes from the at-fault driver’s insurance.
Read Also: How Much Does A Car Depreciate Per 1000 Miles
For More Questions Contact Your Agent
With all of these types of potential damages and coverages, its helpful for policyholders to to verify exactly what their policies cover and what damages trigger auto coverage. Insurance policies vary from company to company. Even within a single company, policyholder choices affect their individual coverage.
Ask an agent what additional coverages are available. Its often much less expensive to add coverage than most consumers realize and over time the saving can be considerable.
Myth : I Have Doc Cover So I Dont Need Temporary Insurance
FACT: While DOC and temporary insurance are used for similar purposes, they actually exist for very different reasons.
DOC is intended for emergency use only and will only cover you for third party damage to other vehicles.
Temporary cover is for short term use, can be fully comprehensive and added for up to 30 days.
It can be useful if your son or daughter is home from university, and you want them to have use of your car, or if you and a friend are sharing driving responsibilities on a road trip.
Read Also: What Car Can I Buy For 1000
If Youre The One Borrowing The Car Ask:
- Do I have permission to borrow the car? If not, you could run into legal trouble. In many states, if youre a direct family member of the cars owner, its assumed you have permissionbut its still polite to ask.
- What are the regulations in the state where Ill be driving? As the driver, its your responsibility to know the local rules of the road, from licensing requirements to speed limits and whether right turns on red are allowed. You should also check insurance requirements to make sure youre properly covered, and be sure to ask the owner. Some states require the car owners insurance to cover any accidental damage, so if theyre not insured or dont have the right coverage, as the driver you may end up being liable.
- What kind of gas should I fill up with? They were generous enough to loan you a carthe least you can do is return it with a full tank.
- Where do you keep the registration and insurance information? Its best to be prepared, instead of rummaging in the glove compartment if something goes wrong.
- Where do you usually take the car for maintenance? Get the name and number of their mechanic shop or dealership in advance for peace of mind while youre on the road.
- Can I eat and drink in the car? A vehicle is a personal space, so show it the same courtesy you would someones home.
Before you hit the road , make sure you have the right car insurance coverage. Get a fast, free quote at geico.com and see how much you could save!
Will The Vehicle Owners Insurance Policy Cover My Damages
As long as you had permission to drive the other persons vehicle, their insurance should cover the accident. If the total damages exceed their policy limits, you would then file a claim with your own insurance company for the remaining costs.
Who has permission to drive someones else vehicle? Generally, one of three situations must apply. Either you are a member of the same household, you are specifically listed on their policy as a covered driver, or the car owner expressly permitted you to drive their car.
Recommended Reading: How To Get Rid Of Spiders In Your Car
What Happens When You Let Someone Else Drive Your Car
In most cases, if you give permission to someone else to drive your car and they cause an accident, your insurance will cover the costs. If the person who was driving your car doesnt have their own insurance, they may be on the hook financially for damages to the other party.
Can someone drive your car if not on your insurance?
If a friend or a family member has an accident and isnt insured, then you will have to use your insurance. Unless you have expressly denied that driver permission to use your vehicle.
What Should You Do If You Are Hit While Driving Someone Elses Car In Texas
Jason Stephens | August 7, 2022 | Car Accidents
A car accident while driving someone elses car raises questions about liability that do not arise when you are driving your own car. Texas is an at-fault auto insurance state, meaning that injured people can file third-party insurance claims and lawsuits against the at-fault driver.
Read Also: Where To Charge Electric Car
You Don’t Have Insurance But The Car Owner Does
As long as you have permission to drive this car, then you should be covered. Typically, their policy extends to cover you when driving their car. Damages you cause to others’ cars, property, or even injuries are covered. If they have collision, damages to their car are covered. Collision is an optional coverage, but most drivers do add it.
Next up: If you’d like to receive payment for the damages, contact their insurance company to file a claim.
See more on what collision insurance covers.
The Driver Who Borrowed Your Car Causes An Accident
More:Does car insurance cover theft?
If you lend your car to a friend or family member and that person is in a car accident, you can expect to pay for it.
Even if your insurance covers all the bills and fees associated with the accident, you can expect to pay higher rates for coverage because you filed a claim with your insurance company.
Don’t Miss: How To Get Out Of An Upside Down Car Loan
When Your Car Insurance Doesnt Cover Someone Elses Accident
In some instances, the driver’s insurance company may not cover the expenses of repairs. Before you give someone else access to your vehicle who isn’t covered by your policy, it’s a good idea to double-check for any exclusions, exceptions, or limitations.
- Lack of permission
- Household members
- Commercial activity
“One issue you may not have expected is if someone steals your car and causes an accident. If it’s a stranger, you will not be held liable for the other person’s injuries, if there are any. Still, your collision coverage will be used to pay for your car’s damages.”- Tad Thomas, Personal Injury Attorney
