Insurance normally follows the car, not the person. If someone else is driving your vehicle and gets into an accident, they'll be covered by your insurance in most cases. Make sure they know to file a police report right away after an accident occurs, as well as photograph the scene, damages, and any injuries sustained.
In most cases, the insurance follows the car, not the person. If someone else is driving your vehicle and gets into an accident, the at-fault driver's insurance is responsible.
If the at-fault driver is the other driver, their insurance covers damages, including any medical bills for the person driving your car. If the person driving your car is the cause of the accident, your insurance covers the damages.
Coverage may differ depending on your insurer and policy. If you're uncertain of anything, contact your insurance agent.
Since your car insurance follows the vehicle, damages are typically covered no matter who's driving. However, there are some clear cut cases where the other driver is automatically covered.
Spouses and family members usually are listed on the insurance policy with you. If they are, they receive the exact same coverage you do if they were to get into an accident.
By giving someone (like a friend) permission to use your vehicle, they become a permissive driver. They receive the same coverage you do from your insurance. However, if they cause an accident, becoming an at-fault driver, your insurance only covers damages they cause up to your policy limits.
If the damages your permissive driver causes is more than your policy limits, the permissive driver is then responsible for paying the difference. If they have their own insurance, the extra damages are covered. If they don't have insurance, they may be on the hook financially to pay the remaining amount.
Below we cover some exceptions to the "insurance follows your car" rule.
If someone borrows your vehicle without permission, they're liable for any damages caused while driving your car. However, you need to be able to prove that they borrowed the car without your permission.
An excluded driver is someone that you've intentionally listed as a driver you wish to exclude from your policy. This is usually done in the case of an inexperienced or high-risk driver (like your teen), to avoid an increase in your premiums.
If this is the case, your insurance won't cover them in any capacity, and they'll be responsible for paying any damages themselves— even if you gave them permission first.
There are a few other instances in which your insurance is likely to refuse coverage when someone else is driving. This includes letting an impaired person drive your car or someone who doesn't have a license.
Accidents happen. If someone else wrecks your vehicle, don't waste time taking the proper steps to protect yourself and get your vehicle fixed.
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