Car accident claims can be complicated even when you’re the one who’s involved. If someone else driving your car gets into an accident, the situation can become tricky, especially if they aren’t listed on your insurance policy. This is a common scenario that many of us find ourselves in. What if we lend our car to a friend and they get into an accident?
Whether it’s a friend, family member, or someone you lent your vehicle to, understanding how your car insurance applies when another person is behind the wheel is essential. The details of your policy, the circumstances of the accident, and the type of coverage you have all play a significant role in determining what happens next. We’re here to walk you through this situation.
What Happens If Someone Wrecks Your Car and They Aren’t on Your Insurance?
The positive news here is that insurance policies typically cover the vehicles not the drivers so if the driver of your car isn’t covered, your coverage may still apply. However, it comes down to the specifics of your insurance policy as well as the nature of the accident.
What Happens If Someone Gets in an Accident Driving My Car and It’s Not Their Fault?
If the person driving your car gets into an accident but is not at fault, the situation can still get tricky. In this case, the other party’s insurance should ideally cover the damage. However, if the other driver does not have adequate coverage or if there are complications with their insurance, your own coverage will likely kick in to cover the costs, depending on the specifics of your policy.
If you have collision coverage, your insurance may cover your car’s damage even if the accident wasn’t your fault. If you don’t have this coverage, you may need to rely on the other party’s insurance (assuming they are found to be at fault).
What Is Permissive and Non-Permissive Use?
When it comes to letting others drive your car, your insurance policy will generally distinguish between permissive and non-permissive use.
- Permissive Use: This refers to when you give someone permission to drive your car. If the person driving your car has your permission and they get into an accident, your insurance will likely cover the damages. However, the extent of coverage will depend on the type of insurance you have.
An example of this would be your sibling asking you to use your car for a few hours. You give them permission, and if they accidentally hit another car, your insurance would likely kick in because they were permitted to use your vehicle.
- Non-Permissive Use: This is when someone drives your car without your permission. In this case, your insurance may not cover the damage. If the driver was unauthorized, you could be left to deal with the financial consequences, and the at-fault driver may be personally liable for the damage.
An example of this would be a neighbor taking your car without your consent or if a friend drives your car anyway after being told not to do so. These are clear scenarios of non-permissive use, and it is unlikely insurance would step in to cover it.
Types of Insurance Coverages
Understanding the different types of insurance coverage is key when considering what will happen if someone else gets into an accident while driving your car.
Read More: Tips for Dealing with Insurance Companies After an Accident
Liability
This is the most basic type of coverage and is required by law in most states. Liability insurance covers damages and injuries that the driver causes to others in an accident. However, it won’t cover damages to your own vehicle or injuries to the driver. If someone else is driving your car and causes an accident, their liability insurance may cover the other party’s injuries or damages, but it won’t pay for the repair costs of your car unless they have collision coverage.
For example, Missouri requires its residents to carry a minimum level of liability coverage in the event of an accident.
Learn More: Understanding Car Insurance Policies in Missouri and Kansas
Collision
This covers damage to your own car resulting from a collision, regardless of who is at fault. If someone else is driving your car and causes an accident, collision insurance will cover the repair costs for your vehicle. However, if the other driver is at fault and has their own insurance, you can also pursue their liability insurance for compensation.
Comprehensive
This type of coverage protects your car from non-collision events such as theft, vandalism, or natural disasters. If the accident involves one of these types of incidents (e.g., someone driving your car hits a deer), comprehensive insurance will cover the damage.
Trust DM Injury Law’s Car Accident Attorneys to Represent Your Claim
If you’ve found yourself in a situation where someone else is driving your car and gets into an accident, having experienced legal representation can make all the difference.
DM Injury Law’s skilled car accident attorneys can guide you through the complexities of insurance claims and help ensure you get the compensation you’re entitled to. Whether the driver was at fault or not, understanding the nuances of insurance coverage and legal processes is crucial. Trust DM Injury Law to advocate on your behalf, protect your rights, and work toward a favorable resolution for your car accident claim.
Get in touch with our legal team today for a free consultation.
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