The Dangers of Letting Someone Else Drive Your Car

Imagine this scenario, you let someone else take the wheel of your car, and suddenly, there’s an accident. Whose insurance will pay for the damages? Does your car insurance cover other drivers? Unraveling this puzzling question involves understanding several factors that influence the extent of your insurance coverage.

Legally, auto insurance is designed to safeguard both you and other drivers on the road. Every Texas driver must possess liability coverage to handle property damages or medical expenses of others involved in an accident. Liability coverage may be a bare minimum requirement, but it won’t provide cover for your own injuries or vehicle damage.

Types of Insurance

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, back to our pressing question: does car insurance cover other drivers? Generally speaking, yes.

When a family member or buddy takes charge of your car, your insurer remains responsible for almost anything that could happen. Liability coverage foots the bill for another driver’s losses, while collision coverage (assuming you have it) covers repairs to your own vehicle.

However, it’s essential to remember that some policies may specifically cover only designated family members and exclude drivers not listed in the policy.

Who or what is insured? The car? The driver?

You might be surprised to learn that car insurance is not simply about insuring the driver, but focuses on the vehicle itself. So, let’s dive deeper into what that really means for you and your insurance company.

Picture this, you’re driving along, and suddenly an accident occurs while you’re behind the wheel. Fear not! Your insurance company has your back – they’re responsible for covering any mishaps. However, if you’re not the one at fault, the at-fault driver’s insurer should step in and take care of some, if not most, of the damages.

However, determining fault can be a tricky affair, this is why you need an experienced Dallas personal injury lawyer on your side. Accident fault is more like a complex equation than a simple black and white fact. Imagine someone merging into your lane and colliding with your car – even then, you might be found partially liable if you were speeding or distracted at that time.

So what happens when someone else borrows your beloved set of wheels? If an accident occurs while they’re driving your car and it’s not their fault, rest assured that your insurance still has your back. The other driver’s insurer will likely be held liable.

Keep in mind though, a lot of individuals who don’t own a motor vehicle, very likely don’t have car insurance. If someone who is uninsured uses your vehicle and causes an accident, they will be liable and you may be as well.

If someone was hit while driving your car, contact us today

Named one of the “Best Car Accident Lawyers in Dallas” by Expertise.com, Brian Brunson is Texas personal injury lawyer 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 his 5-star, A+ rating by the Better Business Bureau and 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. We can help, when no one else will.