If someone else is driving your car and causes an accident, your insurance policy is typically the primary coverage. That means it will generally cover damages up to your policy limits. However, the specifics can vary depending on your policy and state laws.
You may still be responsible for deductibles, and if the damages exceed your coverage limits, the driver’s insurance (or even the driver personally) could be on the hook for the remaining costs. Consult a car accident lawyer in Washington, DC, to clarify your responsibilities.
Understanding Your Auto Insurance Policy
Most policies protect the vehicle itself, not just the person driving. This means that anyone driving your car with permission may be covered, but there are limits and exceptions you need to understand.
Typical types of auto insurance coverage include:
- Liability: Covers damages or injuries you cause to others in an accident. This is required by law in most states.
- Collision: Pays for damage to your own car if you’re in an accident, regardless of who is at fault.
- Comprehensive: Covers non-collision incidents, such as theft, vandalism, fire, or natural disasters.
Insurance may not cover certain drivers, such as those not listed on your policy, unlicensed drivers, or those using your car without permission. There may also be specific restrictions, like coverage limits for business use or excluded regions.
Learn more about different types of insurance and how they work together.
How Liability Works
When your car is involved in an accident, your auto insurance is usually the primary coverage that pays for damages or injuries you cause to others. This means your liability policy typically steps in first, up to the limits you selected.
However, if the cost of damages exceeds your policy limits, the driver may be personally responsible for paying the remaining amount. This can include medical bills, property damage, pain and suffering, and other losses.
What if the Person Driving Your Car Has Their Own Insurance Coverage?
If someone else is driving your car and has their own auto insurance, your policy usually acts as the primary coverage, meaning it will handle the claim up to your policy limits. Once your coverage is exhausted, the driver’s insurance may step in as secondary coverage to pay any remaining costs.
Liability can still fall on you if damages exceed both policies’ limits or if the driver was not authorized to use your car. Additionally, certain restrictions (like using the car for business purposes or driving in excluded areas) can affect which insurance applies.
What Should I Do After Someone Else Crashes My Car?
If someone else crashes your car, act quickly and carefully to protect yourself, your vehicle, and your insurance coverage:
- Ensure safety first: Check that everyone involved is safe. If anyone is injured, call 911 or local emergency services right away. Move to a safe location if possible, but don’t leave the scene of the accident if you are already there.
- Gather information: Collect all the details you’ll need for your insurance claim, including the other driver’s name, contact information, and vehicle insurance details; vehicle information, including make, model, and license plate number; and witness statements, if anyone saw the accident happen.
- Document the scene: Take clear photos or videos of the accident scene, including all vehicles involved, damage to the cars, skid marks, traffic signs, and any other relevant details. This evidence can help support your claim.
- Keep records: Save copies of all reports, photos, repair estimates, medical bills, and any communication with insurance companies. Organized records make the claims process smoother and can protect you if disputes arise.
Taking these steps ensures you handle the situation responsibly and safeguard your rights and coverage after someone else crashes your car.
Reporting the Accident
One of the most important steps after a crash is notifying your insurance company immediately. Prompt reporting ensures your claim is handled quickly and accurately, and it helps protect you from potential claim denials or penalties for late notice.
When you contact your insurer, be prepared to provide key details:
- Who was driving at the time of the accident
- Accident details, including the date, time, and location
- Damages to vehicles or property
- Injuries to anyone involved
Provide complete and accurate information from the start to make the claims process smoother, help your insurance company investigate effectively, and safeguard your coverage.
An Experienced Personal Injury Lawyer Will Tell You More About What Happens if Someone Else Driving Your Car Gets in an Accident
Any car accident can be overwhelming, but it can be even more confusing when someone else was driving your car. At Kitchel Injury Law, we help you understand exactly what happens in these situations and what steps to take to protect yourself and your coverage.
With 28 years of combined experience in personal injury law, our team guides clients through every stage of the process. We make sure you’re fully informed and up to date on your case so you always know what to expect. Call today with any questions; we’re here to help.