Borrowed Car Got Involved in an Accident – What Happens Next?
Reader’s Question:
I borrowed my boyfriend’s car and just ran out of luck. I crashed his Chevy down the road in Akron, Ohio. How will that position us with her car insurance policy?
Arnie
Akron, OH
So who will foot the bill now? If you’re not sure of any or all of these questions, then you’re like the vast majority of car insurance policyholders who would have this as a scary thought.
Most people frequently let others borrow our cars without considering the insurance ramifications. Lucky you, for I can give you some answers right now, which you might want to tell you aunt and friends.
If you borrowed your boyfriend’s car with permission, your boyfriend is taking on what is known in insurance-speak as “vicarious liability”. This means that your boyfriend will be responsible for both property damage and bodily injury, and his insurance will have to cover the damages. You are off scott-free, although you might get a cold shoulder or never get to drive your boyfriend’s car ever again.
The “insured” does not have to own the auto involved in an accident in order for liability coverage to apply, and the “insured” is defined not only as the named “insured” and his or spouse, but also any child (including foster child) or anyone related to the named “insured” by blood, marriage or adoption who is a resident of the named “insured’s” household in Akron, Ohio. It is very important to understand just who and what is covered by your car insurance in Akron, Ohio.
Will My Auto Insurance Policy Pay For My Friend’s Car If I Wreck it?
Reader’s Question:
I live in Ohio. I just want to know If I damage my friend’s car, will his insurance cover it or mine? Thanks.
Joel
Thank you for asking Joel.
The Auto Insurance Buyer’s Guide on the Ohio Department of Insurance website states that the individual who are typically covered on an insurance policy is you, family members who live with you (that you have listed on your policy) and in general any licensed driver that you permit to operate your car unless your policy rules out this provision.
Normally it is the car owner’s insurance that would be primary and the driver’s auto insurance would be secondary. This means that his car insurance would pay on the damages first. If his insurance policy did not cover all of the damages then your insurance could be used for excess cost for the damages.
Goodluck!
MariCAR
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