If someone else is driving your car and gets into an accident, your insurance pays for the accident. Auto insurance typically follows the car, so your auto policy covers accidents involving your vehicle regardless of who’s driving. Because the car is yours, the accident can impact your insurance coverage and rates.
Navigating the fallout of car accidents presents specific challenges, especially if you weren’t the driver when the accident happened. A car accident lawyer can answer your questions and investigate the next steps to take.
Liability for an Accident With a Borrowed Car
In most states, the laws on car insurance hold the car owner responsible for accidents. If you lend your car to a friend or family member and they get into an accident, you are legally responsible as the owner of the vehicle. It doesn’t matter if you weren’t in the car when the accident happened; an accident in your car is your responsibility, legally speaking.
For example, if you lent your car to a friend for a day and they caused an accident, your insurance coverage would be the primary policy to pay for losses. Your insurance will generally cover anyone who has your permission to use your car, although there may be specific exclusions and exemptions, depending on the policy.
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How Does Insurance Work When Someone Else Is Driving My Car and Gets in an Accident?
The way insurance works after a car accident depends on the state. In an at-fault state, the injury victim would file a liability claim against the driver responsible for the accident. They could file a lawsuit to pay for their medical bills, lost work income, pain and suffering, and other injury-related losses.
In a no-fault state, your personal injury protection (PIP) coverage would be the first line of compensation for the victim’s injuries. PIP coverage pays for vehicle occupants and anyone authorized to drive your vehicle. If injury losses exceed PIP coverage, the victim could file an at-fault lawsuit against the responsible driver.
Insurance can be complicated, and some policies may have exclusions that limit coverage availability. A lawyer can assess your policy language to determine how to approach a case where someone else was driving your car and got in an accident.
What if the Driver of My Car Was at Fault for the Accident?
If the driver of your car was responsible for the accident, then the crash counts as an at-fault incident against your insurance policy. This means that your car insurance rates will likely go up, and the insurer could drop you from your policy.
The other driver could also file an at-fault lawsuit against you. Under a lawsuit, your liability policy could be required to pay for the victim’s remaining expenses, including additional medical expenses, lost work income, and pain and suffering.
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What Should I Do if Someone Gets Into an Accident Using My Car?
If someone gets into an accident while using your car, you need to take quick steps to keep the situation under control. Taking steps now can defend your legal rights and navigate liability issues effectively and without any surprises.
Get the Other Driver’s Contact Information
As soon as you learn about the accident, you need to get the other driver’s contact information. This includes their name, address, phone number or email address, and insurance information. If the police made an accident report, you should also request a copy for additional contact information.
Ask About the Full Story
You also need to ask for the entire story from the person who was driving the vehicle. If possible, obtain pictures and videos of the accident, and find out if there were any eyewitnesses. Having more details can lead to stronger claims.
Contact Your Insurance Provider
Once you have the story, you need to contact your insurance provider. It’s important that you not delay this part, as many insurance companies have time limits for reporting accidents. The exact time limit differs based on the policy, but you’ll generally want to report the accident within 48 and 72 hours (two to three days).
Get in Touch With a Lawyer
Next, you can contact a personal injury lawyer. A lawyer can guide you on the next steps and gather additional evidence for the case. An attorney can also represent your side of the claim during insurance negotiations.
Contact Our Offices to Speak to a Car Accident Lawyer
Dealing with an accident where you weren’t driving your car is much more complicated than navigating a typical crash. For a better outcome, you need to seek the help of an experienced attorney. A lawyer can assess your case and provide guidance on the next steps.
Do you have any more questions about how auto insurance works when someone else is driving your car and gets in an accident? Contact Postman Law online or reach out by phone today to speak to a car accident lawyer. Others promise, but Postman Delivers.