What If A Friend Crashes Your Car?

​Do you ever wonder what happens if your friend drives and crashes your car? It’s safe to assume that maybe he and his car insurance will pay for the damages. But that’s not always the case.

Moreso, lending your car to a friend can be an expensive favor if they get into a car accident. It’s safe to think the accident and resulting costs will fall on your friend’s car insurance policy. Again, it’s not always the case. Therefore, it will fall on your insurance coverage, paying the bills for your friend’s driving setback. 

Car insurance follows the car in most circumstances. So, if someone else drives your car and is unfortunately involved in an accident, your insurance will primarily cover the damages. This means that all claims will go through it until the coverage limits.

What Does “Permissive Drivers” Mean?
Being a permissive driver means being able to let other motorists, ones not listed on your policy, drive your vehicle regularly. Regularly means less than 12 times a year. For instance, your roommate drives your car regularly, and you should include them in your policy. It will more likely increase your premium.

Named driver policies are fairly rare as this type only covers drivers who are precisely named on the policy. Additionally, it’s also possible for an insurer to lower coverage levels when you let an occasional driver take the wheel. 

Anyone could be a permissive driver, such as a family member already listed on your policy. Or a friend that you are allowed to drive. Your insurance is the primary insurance when a permissive driver takes the wheel. Nevertheless, whether or not you are in the car with that person, whether or not the person has an insurance policy.

On the other hand, your collision insurance may pay for the damages to your vehicle if a friend crashes your car. That’s if you have that type of coverage on your policy, given that collision policy is optional. In contrast, the liability part of your policy pays for any damage that the driver of your vehicle did to another person’s vehicle. 

Be Careful Who You Hand Over The Keys To
It’s always better to be safe than sorry, so think about the consequences before allowing anyone to drive your vehicle. It could cause many legal problems and serious costs in dealing with an accident. Your auto policy follows your vehicle, regardless of whether or not claims arise after a friend wrecked your car. Consequently, it may affect your future car insurance rates.

Conclusion
Consider the implications before letting anybody drive your car. In some places, you may be fined by the authorities if the driver is unlicensed, and your insurer may refuse to pay for accidents if the driver is unlicensed.

At Kapasu Insurance Services Inc, we do our best in making sure that our clients are well-protected with affordable and comprehensive policies. We make sure to go the extra mile to help you with your needs. To learn more about how we can help you, please contact our agency at (760) 995-3853 or Click Here to request a free quote. The coverage discussed in this article is not guaranteed. Please call our agents, we are happy to help you learn more about your plan and make sure you have the coverage you need.