It’s not always clear whether or not your car insurance covers other drivers who get behind the wheel of your car. In a best-case scenario, the coverage you purchased would protect your children, spouse, and other permissive drivers from the financial fallout of a collision.
However, your right to extend your car insurance to other drivers depends on what protections you purchased – and, unfortunately, the mood of your insurance company. Many insurance claims adjusters may try to obscure the reality of your coverage so they can later deny you or the people around you support.
However, you don’t have to untangle the mysteries of your insurance coverage alone. An experienced Long Island car accident lawyer can elaborate on the nature of your coverage while simultaneously protecting you from insurance companies’ bad-faith conduct.
Understanding Car Insurance Coverage in New York
New York is a no-fault state. As such, the insurance you purchase before hitting the road represents the only support you’ll intrinsically receive immediately after an accident. New York’s insurance requirements require you to invest in at least the following:
- $10,000 for property damage for a single accident
- $25,000 for bodily injury and $50,000 for death for a person involved in an accident
If you fail to carry the required insurance coverage, the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) can suspend your vehicle registration and driver’s license.
Who does Your Car Insurance Policy Cover?
When answering the question, “Does my car insurance cover if someone else drives your car?” you have to consider your relationship to an active driver, the circumstances under which they’re driving, and the terms of your insurance policy.
Our Long Island personal injury lawyers can elaborate on these points as you explore your right to support.
Permissive Use
In most cases, if you give someone permission to drive your car, they are covered under your car insurance policy. This concept is known as permissive use. If the person you allow to drive your vehicle has an accident, your insurance policy would provide coverage just as if you were driving.
However, there are some caveats to consider:
- Primary and secondary coverage
- Limits of liability
- Exclusions for certain drivers
Named Drivers
Some car insurance policies specify certain drivers by name, known as named drivers, who are the only ones covered under the policy. If you have a named driver policy, only the individuals listed are insured to drive your vehicle.
Allowing someone who is not named in the policy to drive your car could result in a denial of coverage in the event of an accident.
Household Members
If you live with other adults or teenagers who may drive your car, they may need to be listed on your insurance policy to be covered. Many insurance companies require all licensed drivers in your household to be included in your policy.
If you fail to list a household member who drives your car and they are involved in an accident, your insurance company might deny the claim.
Exclusions for Specific Drivers
Insurance policies may have exclusions for certain types of drivers. For example, some policies exclude coverage for drivers under the age of 25 unless they are specifically listed on the policy.
Similarly, someone with a suspended license or a history of DUIs may be excluded from coverage even if you give them permission to drive.
What Happens When an Uninsured Driver Uses Your Car
Allowing an uninsured driver to use your car can have serious consequences. If an uninsured driver causes an accident, you may have to provide victims with financial support, including enough coverage to pay for their property damage and medical bills.
Your insurance may cover the initial costs, but if the damages exceed your policy limits, you could be sued for the remainder. Moreover, if the uninsured driver is found to be at fault, your insurance premiums can increase significantly.
In some cases, your insurance company might even cancel your policy if they determine that you knowingly allowed an uninsured or unlicensed driver to operate your vehicle.
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How to Ensure Proper Coverage for Other Drivers
If you want to make sure your car insurance covers other drivers who get behind the wheel, make sure you take the following steps:
- Regularly review your policy: Car insurance policies can be complex, and coverage terms may vary from one insurer to another. It is important to review your policy regularly, looking for any exclusions or limitations that might affect coverage for other drivers, especially if you anticipate other people driving your car.
- List all household members: If you live with other adults or teenagers who have access to your car, make sure they are listed on your insurance policy, as this ensures that they are covered if they drive your vehicle. Failing to list household members driving your car could result in denied claims or policy cancellation.
- Consider higher liability limits: If you frequently allow others to drive your car, it may be wise to increase your liability limits. Higher limits provide more protection in the event of a serious accident, reducing the likelihood that you will be personally responsible for additional costs.
- Add a named driver endorsement: If you frequently allow a specific person, such as a friend or relative, to drive your car, consider adding them as a named driver on your policy. This can provide additional peace of mind and ensure that they are fully covered whenever they use your vehicle.
- Understand the consequences of exclusions: Be aware of any exclusions in your policy that might apply to certain drivers. For example, if your policy excludes drivers under a certain age, make sure that those drivers do not operate your vehicle, as violating exclusions can result in denied claims and significant financial liability.
Our Long Island Car Accident Lawyers Can Help You Protect Yourself in Case of a Car Accident
To learn more about what happens when you let someone else drive your car, consider booking a free case consultation with Levine And Wiss’ car accident attorneys in Long Island, NY. Your consultation does not obligate you to take legal action against any of the parties involved in a recent accident.
Instead, you can use a consultation to explore the nature of your insurance coverage and your right to hold a provider accountable for your financial recovery.
We have a history of satisfactory case results and offer continual representation to New Yorkers in need of legal advice. You can reach out to learn more about our services today.
