Auto insurance providers tend to sign their policies with the understanding that a lot of people loan their cars out to family and friends. A policy is not immediately invalid because someone else is driving your car. However, there are plenty of good reasons why some people won’t let anyone else behind the wheel of their car. If you had an accident in a friend’s car, here’s what you need to know:
Liability Insurance
- If you are not at-fault, the liability insurance of the party who caused the accident pays for the damages, just like it would in any other accident.
Car Insurance
- If you are at fault, car insurance tends to follow the car. This can be a little confusing, since you can cover a rental car under your own car’s policy, but when it comes to borrowing a car, you’re relying on that owner’s insurance. But in this instance, the owner’s insurance will cover most of the costs involved the accident.
Risk of Lending
- The lender is knowingly taking responsibility for their friend when loaning the car. This means that their rates often will go up following an at-fault accident, even if it was their friend driving the car.
Liability Protection
- If you are injured driving a friend’s car, their liability protection will cover the costs.
Driver’s Insurance
- In instances where the claims exceed the owner’s insurance limits, the driver’s insurance may be tapped to make up the difference. If the driver is uninsured and unable to cover the costs, litigation against the driver, the car-owner or both may follow.
A lot of trust goes into the act of lending someone a car, and both the driver and lender take on a fair share of risk. Generally, it’s a good idea to only borrow or lend a car when all other options have been exhausted. If a trip can be made by bus, carpool or bicycle ride, then it’s a good idea to do just that, and only borrow a car as a last resort.
FAQ’s About I Had an Accident in My Friend’s Car, Now What?
Will my friend’s insurance cover the damages if I had an accident in their car?
Generally, if you had permission to drive your friend’s car, their insurance may cover the damages resulting from the accident. However, it’s important to review the specific policy details with the insurance provider.
What should I do immediately after having an accident in my friend’s car?
First, ensure everyone is safe and seek medical attention if necessary. Then, exchange information with the other party involved in the accident and document the incident by taking photos and obtaining witness statements.
Will my friend’s insurance rates increase if I had an accident in their car?
It’s possible that your friend’s insurance rates could increase if they file a claim for the accident. However, this depends on their insurance company’s policies and the specific circumstances of the accident.
Should I report the accident to my friend’s insurance company?
It’s generally advisable to report the accident to your friend’s insurance company, even if you believe the damages are minor. Failure to report the accident could lead to complications later on.
Can my friend sue me for damages if I had an accident in their car?
Depending on the circumstances, your friend may have the right to pursue legal action against you for damages resulting from the accident. It’s important to communicate openly with your friend and their insurance company.
Will my own insurance cover the damages if I had an accident in my friend’s car?
Your own insurance may provide coverage for the damages, but this depends on the specific details of your policy. It’s best to consult with your insurance provider to understand your coverage options.
What if I was at fault for the accident in my friend’s car?
If you were at fault for the accident, your friend’s insurance may still provide coverage for the damages. However, this could impact your friend’s insurance rates and future coverage.
Can I be held liable for any injuries sustained by passengers in the other vehicle if I had an accident in my friend’s car?
Depending on the circumstances of the accident, you could be held liable for injuries sustained by passengers in the other vehicle. It’s important to seek legal advice and cooperate with the insurance investigation.
Will my friend’s insurance company communicate with my insurance company if I had an accident in their car?
It’s likely that your friend’s insurance company will communicate with your insurance company, especially if there are potential liability issues or if your friend’s insurance needs to recover costs.
Will my insurance rates go up if someone else crashes my car?
If someone else crashes your car, your insurance rates may go up depending on the circumstances. If the accident was deemed your fault, your insurance company will likely increase your rates. However, if the accident was not your fault, your insurance rates should not be affected. It’s important to note that if the person driving your car was not listed on your insurance policy, your insurance company may not cover the damages.
Can I sue my friend if they crashed my car?
Whether or not you can sue your friend for crashing your car depends on the circumstances of the accident. If your friend was driving negligently and caused the accident, you may be able to sue them for damages. However, if the accident was caused by factors outside of your friend’s control, such as bad weather or a mechanical failure, you likely would not be able to sue them. It’s important to consult with a lawyer to determine if you have a valid case.