As a good friend or family member, you are open to lending your car to someone in need. What happens if that individual gets involved in an accident and your vehicle is badly damaged? What are the consequences from an insurance standpoint? You may wonder if your car insurance in Edmonton will cover the loss; or if you will have to shoulder the burden out of pocket. The only way to know for sure is to review the details of your automobile insurance.
Automobile Insurance May or May Not Cover the Damage
Damage to your vehicle when another driver gets into an accident may still be covered under automobile insurance. However, this depends on the type of policy you have. In this instance, if the person driving your vehicle was responsible for the accident, you would need to have collision insurance coverage. This would apply to both, a vehicle that is beyond repair and one that needs repair.
Most auto insurance policies only allow you to add other drivers if they are frequent and regular; not random. Instead, your policy would consider this driver a permissive use driver and that means they should be covered as long as you have the right coverage. If the other driver was at fault, their insurance would likely be paying for the damage; regardless if your friend or family member was driving your car.
Are there Exceptions?
There are always exceptions to policies and coverage, which is why it is important to fully understand what your auto insurance policy covers (and more importantly, what it does not). Some instances where a driver may not be covered include:
- The driver was excluded. If you specifically excluded a driver from your policy (due to a poor driving record or another reason), then they drive and wreck the vehicle, the damage may not be covered.
- You did not give permission. In some cases, if someone borrows your car without permission, you may not be liable for the damages.
- The driver was not licensed. Any time you lend your vehicle to a friend or family member, make sure they have a valid driver’s license. If the driver is unlicensed and wrecks your vehicle, insurance may not cover the damage.
As a car owner, it is always best to think twice about who you lend your vehicle to. If someone has a history of poor driving, it may be best to not let them use your vehicle. If you do loan it out, know who you loan it to and realize that an accident can happen to even the best of drivers.
Being covered in situations like this comes down to the policy you choose. Capital Insurance Brokers can help you find vehicle insurance in Edmonton that covers instances just like these as well as other unexpected situations. Get the most out of your policy with the best rates by contacting our friendly, knowledgeable brokers today.
Our team offers you a no-obligation automobile insurance quote and we will also look for discounts so that you get the best possible rates. Call us at 780-476-1600 or request a quote online.
