Does My Auto Insurance Provide Coverage for Drivers?

Auto insurance is designed to protect vehicles in multiple situations, and the flexibility of this policy makes it such a great asset to acquire. However, some situations demand further clarification. For instance, what happens if your vehicle suffers damage when you aren't behind the wheel?

Perhaps a unique situation has arrived, and your friend needs to borrow your vehicle. Maybe it's an emergency, and you want to help your friend. Unfortunately, your friend got involved in an accident while driving your vehicle. You should know if your auto insurance policy covers the vehicle or the driver in this situation. Are you still responsible if an accident occurs while someone else is driving your vehicle? You also have to determine if your insurance rates will increase moving forward.

1. Research Your Policy In most cases, traditional auto insurance policies cover the vehicle. By adding complementary policies, you can ensure that you or other drivers are covered in the event of an accident. Consider adding a named driver policy. This allows you to cover another driver when they are operating your vehicle. A non-owner policy is another option. This type of policy covers someone who drives your car regularly but does not stay at your residence. Non-owner policies were designed to cover vehicles not owned by the driver, which adds an extra layer of liability insurance. Adding extra coverage takes the pressure off your traditional policy.

Here 's a look into the different auto insurance options to cover drivers:

1. Named Driver Policy A named driver 's auto insurance policy covers the driver directly listed on the policy. If a driver uses your vehicle and gets involved in an accident, they are only covered if their name is listed on the policy.
2. Collision/Comprehensive Collision and comprehensive coverage protect your vehicle against physical damage. Perhaps the damage occurs due to a collision with an animal or another object, and your vehicle is vandalized. You can alter the coverage based on the needs of your vehicle. Generally, collision and comprehensive policies require your family members to be listed on the policy if they live with you and share your vehicle.
3. Liability Liability insurance is designed to protect you in the event of an at-fault accident. Liability coverage would cover the medical treatment if your vehicle caused a bodily injury or damaged any property.
4. Things to Consider If you are the parent of a teenage driver, they'll likely drive the family car. If your teen driver is involved in an at-fault accident, your insurance will cover any damages. While it may seem like a huge risk, it's a better idea to have a teen driver on your policy compared to them getting their coverage. Having your teen drive without insurance is also a huge gamble. If you add your teen driver to your policy, be sure to contact your insurer about potential discounts. Perhaps your teen driver may qualify for a discount because they are a good student, which helps you save money.

In most cases, you will have to adjust your auto insurance coverage to avoid a potential financial catastrophe if someone else is involved in an accident while driving your vehicle. If you have any questions, contact our experts at Kneller Insurance Agency.