Have you ever wondered about the legal and financial consequences that can arise from having someone else drive your car? For example, what happens if someone else crashes your car and gets into a car accident? What happens next depends on various factors, including your insurance policy and the driver’s policy. Let’s explore the outcomes you might encounter if someone else is involved in an accident while driving your vehicle. Understanding these potential scenarios can help you take the necessary precautions and make informed decisions about car insurance.
So, if you’ve been looking for the answer to, “What happens if someone else is driving my car and gets in an accident?” you’ve come to the right professionals.
What happens if someone else crashes your car?
You’re probably on this page because you have a lot of questions like, “If someone crashes your car who pays? What happens to your vehicle if someone else crashes it?” For starters, car insurance typically covers the car regardless of who is driving. But of course, there are exceptions to this. In order to truly understand what happens if someone else crashes your car, you’ll want to learn about collision coverage, liability, property damage, underinsured motorist insurance, deductibles, and more. Check out some of the necessary information below.
Collision Coverage
If you’re asking, “Does car insurance cover car or driver?’ In most cases, if you have collision coverage as part of your car insurance policy, it will likely cover damages to your car regardless of who is driving it. Collision coverage reimburses you for damages to your car caused by a collision. This applies whether it was with another car, a stationary object, or if you rolled over. But keep in mind that collision coverage typically has a deductible. A deductible is the amount you’ll have to pay out of pocket before your insurance kicks in and covers the damages.
Liability Coverage
If you lend your car to a family member or best friend and they end up getting into an auto accident, your liability coverage may come into play. Liability coverage within an auto insurance policy typically provides financial protection in case you’re held responsible for causing bodily injury or property damage to others in a car accident.
Insurance Coverage Exceptions
Some insurance policies have exceptions and may not cover damages when another driver is using your vehicle. Every car insurance provider and policy will differ, so you need to familiarize yourself with the terms of your specific insurance policy and who qualifies as a “covered driver.” In case of an accident, you’ll want to consult a car accident lawyer and seek legal guidance about what your policy covers. An attorney will be able to help determine the answer to what happens if someone else is driving my car and gets in an accident.
What happens if someone wrecks your car and they aren’t on your insurance?
Now that you’re aware of the types of coverage available, you may be asking, “What happens if someone wrecks your car and they aren’t on your insurance policy?” This may be considered an uninsured accident, and the process for handling this type of situation can vary depending on the specific details of the incident and the terms of your insurance coverage. Furthermore, if the person driving your vehicle didn’t have permission to use your car or doesn’t have a driver’s license, they may be considered an uninsured driver. So, you’ll need to consult with a car accident lawyer. To truly understand what happens if an unlicensed driver crashes your car, whether it’s an uninsured accident, distracted driving accident, or cellphone car accident, an experienced attorney can answer questions and concerns regarding your case.
Contact an Illinois Car Accident Attorney
As you can see, car accidents involving other drivers typically qualify as grounds for a personal injury lawsuit. Now that you know the answer to, “What happens if someone else is driving my car and gets in an accident?” you’ll need an experienced injury lawyer to guide you through the process. It’s vital that they gather photographs, witness statements, and other supporting evidence for your claim. If you’re not quite sure how to choose the right personal injury lawyer, feel free to contact us and learn more about our team of legal professionals.