Car insurance generally covers any accident that occurs, no matter who is driving. There are exceptions; for example, if the person driving was specifically exempt from the car insurance policy, the policy doesn't cover any damage they cause while driving the car. Some states have different laws about what insurance a borrowed car covers, so check local laws to make sure you understand how they'll cover you. It doesn't matter if someone else was driving; car insurance policies cover the vehicle, not the driver.
If the driver of the borrowed car is a little bit at fault, things get even more confusing without a car accident lawyer to figure it all out. In the meantime, the landlord's insurance company will contact the at-fault driver's insurance company for reimbursement. The car owner's insurance policy remains the main coverage if the person who borrows the car also injures or kills someone. Your insurance company will work with the negligent driver's insurance company to get the driver reimbursed for medical bills, lost wages, and possibly mental distress and, possibly, mental distress and suffering.
If you're currently a Geico customer and want rideshare coverage, you can purchase a commercial policy separately or you can switch to a company that offers rideshare insurance. If the accident occurs when they are in a borrowed car, they will file a claim with their own insurance company, not with the car owner's insurance company. After an accident, no matter who was driving, the car owner should seek the advice of an attorney and then file a claim with his own insurance company. By completing a Geico defensive driving course, drivers receive a discount of up to 5% or 10% on their Geico car insurance premium.
If the at-fault driver doesn't have sufficient insurance to cover damage to both the car and the victim or victims who were injured, they are personally responsible for paying. Unlike Geico, insurers like State Farm and Allstate offer rideshare insurance promotions that you can add to a personal auto insurance policy. If the friend or family member who borrowed your car is at fault for an accident, sadly your insurance will be involved.
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