Although lending out your vehicle seems like a harmless gesture, navigating who to lend it out to is confusing. Understanding the rules of the road and how your insurance policy applies in situations when you lend your car out is important to protect yourself and your assets. Here, we’re going to take a look at what you should know before you let someone else drive your car.
Why Is The Other Driver Borrowing Your Car?
If a friend, family member, co-worker, or acquaintance asks to borrow your vehicle, the first thing you need to ask is “why?” When someone else is driving your car it is your right to know:
Where they are going
Who else will be in the car
If they are transporting any cargo
Why they need to use your car instead of their own (if they have one)
As soon as someone else gets behind the wheel of a vehicle you own and insure, you become partially liable for any damage they cause. Therefore, if you are uncomfortable with anything that person intends to use your vehicle for – you should say no.
Do You Know Their Driving History?
Any time someone asks to borrow your car, you should consider your confidence in their driving skills before you lend it out. If your friend or a family member has a driving record that includes and of the following offenses, you might want to think twice before you hand them the keys.
Red flag driving offenses:
Speeding tickets
DUI
Reckless driving
Distracted driving
Although the driving history of the person driving your car doesn’t affect you if they get pulled over, a history of serious offenses increases the likelihood that they will not act responsibly behind the wheel of your vehicle.
Will My Insurance Cover An Accident?
Insurance is one of the most confusing factors involved in letting someone else drive your vehicle. Most people believe that whoever is driving the vehicle must also carry insurance. However, that is not the case. As long as you carry an active insurance policy on your vehicle and you gave your friend/family member permission to drive it, your coverage will apply in the case of an accident.
If the driver also carries insurance, their policy will act as additional coverage if the accident causes severe personal injury or property damage above the limits of liability in your policy. Therefore, it is a good idea to ask that anyone who drives your car to have their own insurance but it is not essential.
Trust The Lawyers At Patch & FitzGerald With Your Car Accident Claims
If you or someone you know has been in a car accident in New Hampshire, you can count on the law firm of Patch & FitzGerald. We are laser-focused on securing the best possible outcomes for our clients, swiftly, efficiently and cost-effectively. Relentless advocates, winning results!
To schedule a free case evaluation call 603-647-2600 or contact us online today.