Insurance question

by Guest » Sun May 11, 2008 04:59 pm
Guest

Hi all,
I accidentally wrecked my best friend's car (front bumper, side door, etc)... his insurance covers fully the vehicle (it is a new car) and my question is - if his insurance pays for the body shop work - is his rate going to go up since I was the driver?! I cant do that to him ... I am in Southeast Virginia ...

Thanks for your answers in advance,
J.W.

Total Comments: 16

Posted: Sun May 11, 2008 06:17 pm Post Subject:

It is possible. It's treated as if he were driving and caused the accident.

Posted: Mon May 12, 2008 11:03 am Post Subject:

is his rate going to go up since I was the driver?! I cant do that to him ... I am in Southeast Virginia ...

Yes, but not because you were the driver, rather because (if) the accident were your fault...if his vehicle was involved in an accident and it was determined that his vehicle was the 'at fault' party, then more than likely he will see (at renewal) a rate increase...you don't discribe the accident facts....so I'm assuming you were at fault...so yes, he will have to pay is deductible and then ''if'' a chargeable at fault loss then his rates will go up...unfortunately you have zero control over this...I suppose you could offer to pay for all the damages yourself thus keeping his carrier out of it, or pay his deductible and rate increase (which may last three years)....you cannot however (for example) say 'use my ins' it doesn't work that way...insurance typically stays with the vehicle.

Posted: Mon May 12, 2008 01:11 pm Post Subject:

I agree. You cannot really help the fact in any way. The insurance is with the car and you are not able to transfer your insurance to pay for the damages. His insurance will pick up everything and as Lori states, if "at fault" his premium will go up. If you are interested...I would offer to pick up the increase in premium and pay for the deductible if you are interested in helping out since you were involved.

Posted: Mon May 12, 2008 05:15 pm Post Subject:

Thanks, for your answers. Here are the details:

I lost control and hit a fence. There were no other vehicles involved. The estimate damage is ~ $2000 and our plan is his – insurance to cover the repair and I will pay the deductible, the difference in the rate increase as well as some amount of money when he decides to sell the car … because the value of the car would certainly decrease due to the accident. Very unpleasant story and can only say – don't drive other people's cars because anything could happen.

By the way, can someone clarify the term “at fault?”

Thanks again

Posted: Mon May 12, 2008 07:38 pm Post Subject:

At fault is when you are legally held responsible for the accident. You can take responsibility or a court or adjuster can assign responsibility for an accident. Responsibility can be assigned to both drivers if they are both the cause of the accident but then you get into percentages and who pays what. The main at fault means that you did it and claim you did it. As simple as that.

On a side note...you are a stand up person. More people than you know will not offer to do anything for another like you have done...especially to the extent that you have. I'm impressed.

Posted: Tue May 13, 2008 11:17 am Post Subject: insurance

WoW!! Ok...I guess people need to be 'picky' who they let drive their vehicles. Please don't think, J.W. that I am stating anything negative about you! I'm sure you were not in a 'malicious' state of mind ( lack of a better word). Accidents DO happen and it sounds like your taking responsibility for your 'part' in it. I have a neighbor, who doesn't own a car and claims she "can't drive because of Drs orders." She asked me one time if she could use my car. I 'don't know her THAT well' to let her drive my car. I recently found out, she wasn't on "Drs orders,".....she lost her license ( I don't know if it was Suspended or ..what?) because of a DUI. She actually had the nerve to get upset because i wouldn't let her drive my vehicle! "Family members let me drive their cars ALL the time!" Boy....some nerve some people have!!

Posted: Tue May 13, 2008 11:20 am Post Subject:

OP, just a small word of caution...find out the actual ''percentage'' that his premium will increase...this increase could last for three years (or maybe there will be none :wink: )....during this period there will more than likley be 'across the board' increases as well that have absolutely nothing to do with the accident...everyone in that company will have it...I just don't want you signing up to pay every increase that comes his was, that wouldn't be fair either....

Posted: Tue May 13, 2008 11:21 am Post Subject:

SD that would be a 'former' friend to me !!! geeeeeeeeeze what nerve! :shock:

Posted: Tue May 13, 2008 11:31 am Post Subject: insurance

YEP...LORI...know what you mean. She can get mad ALL she wants to!! Thsi is MY vehicle!! She "Boo-Woos" cause she " can't do this", or, she " can't do that." She just blames everyone but herself, for this 'problem.' :shock:

Posted: Tue May 13, 2008 11:40 am Post Subject:

gotta love (and eventually cut from your life IMO) those ''professional victims"

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