If another individual is involved in an accident while driving your automobile, whether or not your insurance coverage kicks in may be impacted by whether or not you permitted them to borrow it. This type of use is known as “permissive” or “non-permissive.”
Non-Permissive
Assume a friend or family member steals your automobile and causes an accident without your permission. In such instance, you might be held blameless since your friend’s insurance could be deemed primary if they drive your vehicle without your permission and cause an accident. Even if your buddy does not have insurance, the accident may be covered by your coverage. If, on the other hand, a criminal steals your automobile and causes an accident, you will not be held accountable for the damage and repairs to the other vehicle. You may, however, need to make a claim with your insurance provider to pay the cost of auto repairs.
Permissive
Most vehicle insurance policies include drivers you name on the policy or anybody you let to drive your car. This implies that if another motorist is involved in an accident while driving your car with your authorization, they will very probably be covered by your insurance. However, keep in mind that some jurisdictions may give less coverage if you allow others to drive your vehicle.
Check the terms and conditions of your policy or speak with an insurance representative to ensure you understand what is covered in your state. You should also discuss with your insurance agent the idea of omitting drivers from your coverage.
How Do You Show That You Have Permission?
It’s really difficult to prove that someone has authorization to drive your automobile. If an accident occurs and you are unable to demonstrate that you consented, you may be obliged to pay for the resultant damage.
Assume someone has a bad driving record and you are aware that it will raise your insurance prices. If permitting someone else to drive your car results in an accident, you may choose to drop them from your coverage. The damage will not be covered by your insurance company.
Finally, if the driver of your vehicle commits a crime, you may be held responsible for their actions. Driving while inebriated or without a valid driver’s licence are two instances of this.
Driver’s Insurance Supplemental Coverage
If the person driving your vehicle has their own auto insurance, you may be able to use it as extra insurance. Although this is a common misconception about automobile insurance, a non-owner driver is not totally accountable. The principal coverage in this situation would be provided by your motor insurance.
Another motorist, for example, might be to blame for an accident involving your vehicle. Your insurance company is responsible for the damage because the other motorist was at fault in your car. Nonetheless, your coverage covers damage up to a specified limit. If your policy limitations are surpassed, the remaining expenditures may be covered by the driver’s insurance.
What Happens If Your Insurance Company Refuses to Pay?
Damages to your car may not be covered if someone else was driving it at the time of the accident and any of the following conditions apply:
Your vehicle was confiscated without your consent.
Your insurance coverage does not cover the driver of your car.
The driver is under the influence of drugs or alcohol, or he or she does not have a valid driver’s licence.
