What Happens If Someone Not On Your Insurance Crashes Your Car?
Your car was crashed by an unlisted driver. Understand how your insurance policy applies and the essential steps for navigating the claim process.
When someone not listed on your insurance policy crashes your car, it raises concerns about responsibility and financial implications. Understanding auto insurance principles clarifies how such incidents are addressed. Your insurance policy is usually designed to provide coverage, even when an unlisted driver is behind the wheel with your permission.
Immediate Actions After the Incident
After a car accident, taking specific actions can significantly impact the claims process. Prioritize safety by moving the vehicle to a safe location if possible, and checking for any injuries among occupants and other parties.
Contacting emergency services, including the police, is a necessary step, especially if there are injuries or significant property damage. A police report provides an official, unbiased account of the incident for insurance purposes. Exchange information with all involved parties, including names, contact details, insurance information, and vehicle specifics. Gather contact information from any witnesses present at the scene.
Documenting the scene thoroughly is also important. Take numerous photos of vehicle damage and the surrounding road conditions. Avoid admitting fault at the scene. Finally, notify your insurance company as soon as reasonably possible; this initial notification informs them of the incident.
Determining Insurance Responsibility
Insurance coverage when an unlisted driver crashes your car centers on “permissive use.” Auto insurance generally “follows the car,” meaning your policy extends coverage to anyone driving your vehicle with your permission. This permission can be expressed, such as a direct verbal or written grant, or implied, based on a relationship or past behavior.
Your auto insurance policy’s liability coverage, which includes bodily injury and property damage, is the primary source of coverage for damages caused to other individuals or their property. If you carry collision coverage on your policy, it addresses the damage to your own vehicle. Additionally, coverages like medical payments or personal injury protection (PIP), if included in your policy, can help with medical expenses for you or your passengers.
If the driver who crashed your car has their own auto insurance, their policy might act as secondary coverage. In situations where the unlisted driver is uninsured, your uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage might apply to cover your damages and injuries.
Be aware of certain exclusions that could affect coverage. Policies do not cover incidents if the driver was operating the vehicle without a valid license, engaged in intentional acts causing damage, or was using the car for commercial purposes without appropriate commercial insurance. Regular use of your vehicle by an unlisted driver may also require them to be added to your policy.
Filing an Insurance Claim
After an accident, formally initiate the claim process by contacting your insurance provider. This can typically be done through their online portal, a dedicated mobile application, or by calling their claims department.
During this stage, you will provide all the information gathered at the accident scene. This includes the police report number, photographs of the damage, and contact details for all parties involved.
After filing, an insurance adjuster will be assigned to your case. The adjuster’s role is to investigate the accident, review the provided information, and determine the extent of damages and applicable coverage.
The adjuster will also guide you through assessing vehicle damage. This usually involves taking your car to a repair shop to obtain estimates for the necessary repairs. The insurance company will review these estimates before authorizing repairs or a settlement.
Navigating the Resolution Process
Once an insurance claim is filed, a deductible commonly applies to collision coverage for damage to your own vehicle. This is a pre-determined amount you are responsible for paying out-of-pocket before your insurance coverage begins.
Subrogation is a legal process where your insurance company seeks reimbursement from the at-fault driver’s insurance company for the amounts they paid out on your claim. If the other party is found to be at fault, your insurer will attempt to recover the funds, and this process can also include seeking reimbursement for your deductible.
Settlements for vehicle repairs, medical bills, and other property damage are reached based on the adjuster’s assessment and the terms of your policy. Your insurance company may pay the repair shop directly or reimburse you after repairs are completed. While a claim could potentially influence future insurance premiums, this outcome is dependent on various factors, including the specifics of the accident, your claims history, and your insurer’s policies. If disagreements arise regarding the insurance company’s findings or settlement offer, consumers have options, which can include seeking legal advice or filing a complaint with the state insurance department.