Can Someone Drive My Car if They’re Not on My Insurance?

If you’ve ever asked to borrow a friend’s car, they probably told you they would but couldn’t because you’re not on their insurance. A lot of people think that, if someone else is driving your car, they won’t be covered for an accident. This isn’t true.

For the most part, insurance follows the car, not the driver. This means that, if someone else is driving your car and get into an accident, their injuries will be covered. As long as you have insurance on the car, any injuries caused by an accident will be covered.

One reason people don’t realize this is because they know they’re the only person listed on their insurance policy. It makes sense that an insurance company would limit coverage to the person listed on the policy. That’s why they ask who lives in your household, right?

If you’ve been injured in a car crash and your claim has been denied, you should call a car accident lawyer in Texas. They can deal with the insurance company on your behalf.

Is it Smart to Loan Your Car Out?

Sometimes, you don’t really have a choice when it comes to loaning your car out. Your wife may need to use the car to go to work. Or, one of your kids’ cars are in the shop and they need to go to school. When these things happen, it’s kind of hard to say no.

But there are times when it may not be the best idea to let other people drive your car. You have no idea what’s going to happen while they’re in your car. Your friend may ask to borrow the car to run some errands. You find out that he actually stopped at the bar and had a few shots. On his way home, he gets into an accident and kills someone.

Even though you weren’t the one driving, your insurance will have to cover the other person’s damages. If this happens, the insurance company will either jack your rates up or even drop you from their company. The insurance company doesn’t care who was driving. They just know that they had to pay potentially millions of dollars in a drunk driving accident.

What if the Other Person Has Their Own Insurance?

Even if the other person has their own insurance, you’ll still be the one on the hook. If the accident took place in your car, it’s your insurance that will have to cover the damages. Regardless of who’s driving, the primary insurance policy on the car is the one responsible.

There are situations, however, when the driver’s personal insurance will kick in. Let’s say that your policy only covers $500,000. The drunk driving accident resulted in the other driver’s death. The damages are well over $2 million. Once your policy’s limits are reached, the other driver’s insurance will kick in. It will cover as much of the remaining damages as possible.

When it comes to any damages not covered by the two policies, the person you loaned your car to will be personally responsible. If the defendant’s family believes you were negligent in loaning your car to the driver, you may be named in the lawsuit. For example, if you give your car to someone you know has been drinking, you could be held liable.

What if You’re the Victim in a Car Accident?

If you’re hit by a car driven by someone other than the driver, you need to call an experienced Texas car accident lawyer. They’ll review your case and make sure all the necessary parties are named in your lawsuit.

Your lawyer will gather the necessary evidence to prove your injuries. For example, they’ll submit the following types of evidence to prove the other driver was responsible:

• Medical records showing your injuries
• The police report which includes pictures of the accident scene, witness statements and other valuable information
• Expert testimony
• Video recordings

If your lawyer discovers that the person driving the car wasn’t the owner, they’ll make sure they name both parties. You’ll need to file a claim against both insurance companies just in case. Your Texas car accident attorney will make sure every basis is covered. You need to make sure there is enough coverage to pay all of your damages.

Contact an Experienced Car Accident Lawyer in Texas Today

If you’ve been injured in a car accident, you need to call an experienced car accident attorney in Texas at Brent Coon Law. They can review your case and let you know how much it may be worth. They can also answer any questions you may have. Call and schedule your free initial consultation today.