What Happens if Someone Else Is Driving My Car and Gets in an Accident?

Usually, the aftermath of an auto accident can leave you distraught. It may get more complicated if a friend is behind the wheel. Most drivers need more information on whose insurance may cover accident-related losses.

An insurance company can cover the injury, bodily injury and property damage if someone drove your vehicle with permission and caused an at-fault accident. However, you may be liable for injuries and property damage if you knowingly allow an irresponsible or incompetent driver to get behind the wheel.

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Gary Burger

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More importantly, auto insurance applies to the car but not the driver. Therefore, a friend’s insurance wouldn’t cover the damages from a crash when driving someone else’s vehicle.

Consider speaking to our trusted St. Louis car accident attorneys for legal advice related to car accident claims.

What If a Friend Crashes My Car?

An insurance company generally caters to losses of a car accident caused by a friend as long as they’re licensed and do not regularly borrow it. If they’re a regular driver, you should have listed them on the policy.

Further, your friend policy may cater to the damages if the coverage limit is exhausted and accident-related loss exceeds your insurance. Whenever you’re looking for insurance, be wary of insurance providers who exclude everyone unless you specifically list someone on the auto policy.

In other instances, you may not be liable for accident-related damages even if your friend was behind the wheel. If the crash isn’t your friend’s fault, the at-fault party will compensate for the damages.

When Will an Insurer Reject The Claim?

If the friend was at fault for a car accident, an insurer may fail to provide coverage for the following reasons:

• Non-Permissive Use: If your friend drives your car without permission, their auto insurance will kick in as the primary coverage. However, if your friend has no issuance, you may have to use your insurance cover to cater to the property damage and injuries.
• Excluded Driver: Some insurance companies give you the option to exclude specific people who may be a friend or a member of your family. In addition to being excluded from insurance coverage, you and your friend may be held liable for the injury.
• Driving Under Influence Violations: You may be liable for bodily injuries and property damage if you allowed a friend to drive, knowing they weren’t fit to drive. 
• Texting and Driving: If your friend was texting and driving as the accident occurred, the insurance provider may deny a claim for the property damage or bodily injury related to the accident.

Get in Touch With an Experienced Car Accident Attorney to Discover Your Options

You may be liable for accident-related damages if someone sustained an injury while a friend is driving your car. A court order may sanction the sale of your assets to cater to the settlement If your coverage is limited.

Consider speaking to a professional from Burger Law with a proven track record of representing injured victims.

Contact us online to get a free consultation today.

Gary Burger

Founder | Injury Attorney
Gary Burger has dedicated his career to standing up against bullies. The founder and principal attorney of Burger Law | St. Louis Personal Injury Lawyer has helped hundreds of Missouri and Illinois individuals and families recover th …
Years of experience: 30 years
Location: St. Louis, MO

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