Insured vs Uninsured

by letully32138 » Thu Jul 09, 2009 09:23 pm

If I am using my father's car temporarily as a "backup" if mine doesn't start. I'm not a listed driver nor do I live with him. However, my car insurance was canceled 3 days ago. His is current. If I get an an accident, would anything be covered? We both live in Florida.

Total Comments: 4

Posted: Thu Jul 09, 2009 09:42 pm Post Subject:

If I get an an accident, would anything be covered?

Insurance stays with the vehicle, so even if you did have an active policy the policy on the vehicle (Dad's) would always be primary...so yes, if you get into an accident you are covered as an 'insured driver' under your dad's policy as long as you have permission to drive the vehicle.

Posted: Fri Jul 10, 2009 04:20 am Post Subject:

OK, gotta make a comment.

Coverage through dad's policy under the permissive use doctrine only applies if the car is used "occasionally" by another non-named driver. I get the impression from the OPs post that he is going to have regular use of the car for a period of time.

Regular use drivers need to be named and a premium paid for the risk presented. If the OP has the car for any period of time and isn't named, and gets into a wreck or a ticket situation, there might be issues depending on how the insurance company interprets the use of the vehicle.

They could, and I've seen it, deny any claim stating it wasn't "occasional" use and then make you fight it out with them. If they do provide coverage, they're entitled to the pro-rated premium for that time period.

So...just be careful with this.

InsTeacher 8)

Posted: Fri Jul 10, 2009 07:04 am Post Subject:

Hello OP,

I'm not a listed driver nor do I live with him.



You are not listed, but are you excluded too?

I think it'd be wise to check the policy verbiage again. It might happen that your father has had you excluded in his policy but has forgotten all about it. Now, if you remain an excluded driver and still drive the car, the insurance company might decline a claim when situation arises.

How long are you going to use the car, anyway?

Posted: Fri Jul 10, 2009 11:56 am Post Subject:

Ins teacher is of course correct. We each got a different impression from your post. I read it as, 'I'm borrowing Dad's car, while mine isn't working and getting repaired'

If I am using my father's car temporarily as a "backup" if mine doesn't start.

If it's available for your 'regular' use. Then yes, you should be added as a driver.

I've personally not seen any of these claims denied. I have seen it proven that the driver had regular use of the vehicle and they were required to pay the premium back thru the exsisting policy period before I could proceed with the claim. Not to say they couldn't be denied 'if' the carrier could prove differently. However, since you are not in the same residence with Dad this might be a difficult task.

Explain exactly what you mean by a 'back up' ... Is the car at your house all the time 'just in case'? Or Dad has this extra vehicle and on the 'rare' occasion your car won't start you drive it for a day or two then right back to Dad? How often does this happen? How many days in the past six months have you driven this car and why?

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