Friend wants to borrow your car? Think twice before handing over the keys.

We’ve all had a friend at one time or another ask to borrow the car to run a quick errand. So, you allow them to drive your car, and out of nowhere, an accident occurs. Who is responsible for covering the damages through insurance? Will your car insurance extend to other drivers? Figuring out this tricky question requires a grasp of various elements that affect the scope of your insurance protection.

Legally, car insurance is meant to protect you and other motorists on the road. Every driver in Texas is required to have liability insurance to cover property damage or medical costs for others in the event of an accident. While liability coverage is the minimum requirement, it does not cover your own injuries or damage to your vehicle.

Forms of Insurance Coverage

Here’s a breakdown of policies that protect you and your car when someone else is driving:

Collision coverage: This type of insurance covers the cost of repairing your vehicle—after meeting a deductible—saving you from significant financial burden.
Underinsured motorist coverage: This policy safeguards you when an uninsured driver crashes into your car, sparing you the cost of repairs.
Medical bills coverage: Should you or another driver cause an accident that results in injury, this coverage helps with medical expenses.
Gap coverage: If your car is totaled and its worth is less than what you still owe, gap policies bridge the monetary gap—particularly crucial when leasing or taking a loan on a vehicle.
Comprehensive insurance coverage: As the ultimate package, comprehensive policies include all the above benefits plus more, making it highly recommended for all drivers.

So, the all important question… does car insurance protect other drivers? In most cases, the answer is yes. If a family member or friend uses your car, your insurance company is still liable for nearly any incidents that may occur. Liability coverage pays for the damages caused to another driver, while collision coverage (if you have it) takes care of the repairs needed for your own car. However, it’s crucial to keep in mind that certain policies might only cover specific family members and may not include drivers who are not named in the policy.

Is it the driver or the car that’s insured?

You may be surprised to find out that car insurance isn’t just about covering the driver; it also emphasizes the vehicle and who is responsible in an accident. Figuring out who is at fault can be quite complicated, which is why having a skilled personal injury lawyer from Dallas is essential. Determining fault in an accident resembles a complicated equation rather than a straightforward yes or no situation. For instance, if someone merges into your lane and hits your car, you could still be deemed partially responsible if you were speeding or not paying attention at that moment.

What occurs when someone else is driving your car? If they get into an accident while driving your vehicle and it’s not their fault, you can be confident that your insurance will still cover you. The insurance of the other driver will probably be responsible for the damages. However, remember that many people who don’t own a car likely don’t have car insurance. If an uninsured person drives your car and causes an accident, they will be held responsible, and you might be too.

IF YOUR OR SOMEONE YOU KNOW HAS BEEN INJURED IN A CAR, TRUCK, OR MOTORCYCLE ACCIDENT, CONTACT US TODAY.

Named one of the “Best Car Accident Lawyers in Dallas” by Expertise.com, Brian Brunson is Dallas personal injury attorney who is dedicated to helping clients who have suffered a car, truck, or motorcycle injury through the negligent or wrongful conduct of other drivers. In addition, his professionalism is unmatched and the firms’ client reviews speak for themselves.

We proudly serve the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex and surrounding areas, our office supports the legal needs of a wide variety of clients. Let the Law Office of Brian Brunson be your advocate in your time of need and help you put your life back together. If we can’t win or settle your case, you don’t pay a dime! We know it can be daunting to take that first step after you’ve been hurt. Contact Brian Brunson today via email or call us toll-free at 1-844-41-WRECK. Big or small, we handle it all.