Auto Insurance FAQs: Can Someone Uninsured Drive My Car?
The only people that should drive your car are those listed on your insurance policy. Many insurance companies require that any driver living with you to be on your insurance. This could put you in a ‘grey area,’ though. What if you have someone living in your home that doesn’t have the best driving record?
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Sometimes, though, we let people that don’t live with us drive our cars. If the person that drives your car doesn’t have insurance, what happens if they get in an accident?
The Insurance Company May Deny the Claim
Depending on the insurance company, your claim may get denied. If the uninsured driver caused an accident or caused property damage, the financial responsibility could fall on you. Your car caused the damage. It’s your responsibility to tell the insurance company about anyone that drives your car. If you let someone else drive it, you are responsible.
You Can Add an Uninsured Driver
If you know you’ll have an uninsured driver often, such as a relative or friend living with you and driving your car, add them to your insurance. This way you eliminate the risk of serious financial ruin if he or she got into an accident with your car.
You can call your insurance company and ask to add a driver to the policy. Of course, this will increase your premiums, which you could take up with the uninsured driver. Either way, if you know that you have insurance protection while he or she drives your car, it is worth it. A few hundred dollars is nothing in comparison to the thousands or even millions of dollars an accident could cost.
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Do Your Research First
Before you add an uninsured driver to your insurance, though, figure out why they are uninsured. Is it financial reasons or will insurance companies not insure him or her? If it’s financial, then there’s no issue putting him or her on your insurance.
If the driver can’t get his or her own insurance because of a bad driving history or license suspension, you could find yourself in hot water. What if he or she got into an accident with your car? Your insurance company may deny the claim. If you know the uninsured driver has a history of DUIs, reckless driving, or has a suspended license, don’t add him or her to your insurance. It’s also wise not to let him or her drive your car.
The Occasional Driver
If you have someone that occasionally borrows your car and it’s not a regular thing, your insurance may cover him or her while driving your car. It’s best if you check with your insurance agent to make sure this is the case, though. The driver must have your consent to drive the car, of course. If you didn’t provide consent, then the insurance company won’t take responsibility.
In general, letting an uninsured driver drive your car isn’t the best idea. You put a lot at risk. If you have to do it, talk to your insurance company first. Learn what the insurance company will cover and what they won’t cover. This way you can determine if it’s a good idea to let an uninsured driver behind the wheel of your car.
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