In situations where someone borrows your car and ends up in an auto accident, the insurance rights and claims become fairly complicated. Regardless of whether the accident was the fault of the driver behind the wheel of your car, or the other driver, it may not be simple to decide who is responsible.
Regardless, most state laws govern that the car insurance follows the car and not the driver. What this means is, that if your car has been in an accident, your car insurance will cover the damages of the vehicle regardless of who was driving it and whether they are insured or not. This is especially true in cases where the accident was not the fault of the person driving your car. If the damages exceed the limit of your coverage plan, then the insurance of the driver may cover the additional costs.
You may, however, become a liability in cases where the accident was the fault of the person driving your car. In such cases, if you have liability insurance then the insurance may cover the costs of the other driver’s damages. If you do not have liability insurance or the damages exceed the limit of your coverage plan, then you may have to pay for all the damages yourself, including those of your vehicle as well as the damages incurred by the other vehicle and possible injuries to the other driver.
For these purposes, it is wise to think before letting other people drive your car. Accidents may not always be avoidable even with the safest or drivers. However, be careful who you allow to drive your car. This may prevent you from becoming a liability and help you avoid complicated situations. If such a situation does arrive, you will surely benefit from the advice of an attorney.
