What If Someone Else Crashes My Car?

If someone else drives your car and causes an accident, your insurance covers the damages most of the time. According to insurance consultants, coverage follows the car, not the driver. Your insurance covers any damage when you loan your car to a family member, friend, or work colleague. Ohio calls a person who is allowed to use your vehicle a “permissive driver.”

There are other situations in which the permissive driver’s or a third party’s insurance might apply.

When the Other Driver’s Insurance Applies

If the other driver also has insurance, their coverage could become secondary.

Damages That Exceed Your Policy Limit

When damages exceed your insurance policy limits, the permissive driver could use their coverage for medical bills, repairs, and other losses. If the other driver doesn’t have insurance, you might have to pay out-of-pocket should you exhaust your insurance.

You’re Still Required to Pay the Deductible

Of course, you are on the hook for the deductible. You may ask the other driver to pay the deductible. Still, the ultimate financial responsibility is on you as the policyholder.

Increased Insurance Rates

Your insurance rates might increase after a bad accident from someone crashing your car. Your carrier could lower your coverage levels to Ohio’s minimum requirements. In other words, you’ll pay more for less insurance.

When Your Insurance Won’t Cover Damages

Be careful when you loan your car to other drivers. Your insurance doesn’t always cover damages if someone crashes your car:

• There is no coverage if a driver does not have a valid driver’s license or is underage.
• If someone takes your car without permission, your insurance won’t apply.
• If you loan your car to someone who has a revoked or suspended license, there is no coverage.
• If you loan out a vehicle that requires a special license to someone who does not hold a special license, like a CDL license, there is no coverage.
• There is no coverage for using your car as a Lyft or Uber vehicle unless you have an endorsement on your policy to cover ridesharing.

When a Valet or Auto Mechanic Wrecks Your Car

Ohio requires valet parking operations to carry insurance. If a valet at a club, hotel, or restaurant damages or crashes your car, their employer can be held liable for the damages.

The same applies to a mechanic who takes your car on a test drive to check a repair. The repair shop or dealership should have liability insurance. If they don’t have insurance, you could probably use your comprehensive coverage. However, your insurance company will likely increase your premium.

Get Help if Someone Else Crashes Your Car

Most of the time, your insurance covers a permissive driver who crashes your car. When your insurance doesn’t cover a specific incident, you might have to file a lawsuit to get reimbursed. The attorneys at Kisling, Nestico & Redick can investigate the details of your case to determine who’s liable.

To get help after someone else crashes your car, call Kisling, Nestico & Redick today at 1-800-HURT-NOW for a free consultation.