by JD farmer » Mon Oct 19, 2009 03:16 pm
Hello
I have an unusual situation that I need some advice on before I make a decision. Please bear with me,as I am sure some of the first responses will be that I should not do this!! I know I should talk with my agent first, but since it is unusual, I would like to hear an opinion before I bring it up to them.
The basic situation is this. I own a car, but I are considering letting a friend (non-relative) use the car on a day to day basis.
Do I have to add this person as a driver on my insurance policy or can I just let them use the car and have the same coverage as if I was driving?
I assume as the car owner, I will have the coverage on my policy, but I don't know what the effect of this other driver will be on my policy/liabilities should there be an accident.
Can this driver get some sort of policy on their own that would cover any liabilitys from driver my car?
If the other person does not have a license, would that make a difference?
Any thoughts or suggestions? I really appreciate you taking time to try and help me.
I have an unusual situation that I need some advice on before I make a decision. Please bear with me,as I am sure some of the first responses will be that I should not do this!! I know I should talk with my agent first, but since it is unusual, I would like to hear an opinion before I bring it up to them.
The basic situation is this. I own a car, but I are considering letting a friend (non-relative) use the car on a day to day basis.
Do I have to add this person as a driver on my insurance policy or can I just let them use the car and have the same coverage as if I was driving?
I assume as the car owner, I will have the coverage on my policy, but I don't know what the effect of this other driver will be on my policy/liabilities should there be an accident.
Can this driver get some sort of policy on their own that would cover any liabilitys from driver my car?
If the other person does not have a license, would that make a difference?
Any thoughts or suggestions? I really appreciate you taking time to try and help me.
Posted: Mon Oct 19, 2009 05:06 pm Post Subject:
Please bear with me,as I am sure some of the first responses will be that I should not do this!!
Why would you think this...If the other person does not have a license, would that make a difference?
:roll:If this person cannot legally drive a vehicle then an insurance company is not going to issue them a policy or add them onto a policy. If this person does not have a license its not a question of them crashing your car... it's _when_ its going to happen. I'm betting this person does not have a license for a reason.
If this person does have a license it's still a bad idea. As the owner _you_ might be held liable for the use of the vehicle (depends on the state the accident happens in). If the person driving your vehicle is not listed on your policy some states will allow the insurance company to lower your limits to the state minimum (usually only when the owner cannot be held responsible). In some cases if the person is using your vehicle often the insurance company will require that they be listed on the policy. This is a big grey area but there would be a good chance that they might deny _all_ coverage if the vehicle is in an accident.
The driver could obtain a non-owners policy but from what I read, its hard to find a company that writes these policies and also, they only protect the driver so they are secondary... the owners insurance is primary if the state allows the owner to be held liable.
Are you getting the idea that you really do need to sit down with your local agent and discuss this? :wink:
Posted: Tue Oct 20, 2009 06:00 pm Post Subject:
Another potential problem with the non-owners policies is that there is normally an exclusion for a vehicle that is available for regular and frequent use.
Posted: Tue Oct 20, 2009 06:31 pm Post Subject:
Another potential problem with the non-owners policies is that there is normally an exclusion for a vehicle that is available for regular and frequent use.
Good call!Add your comment