Like most people, you let a friend or family member borrow your car occasionally. Usually, nothing happens and your car and the driver return safely. But, what happens if they have an accident or get a ticket? Do you know whether your car insurance will cover the costs? Should you have added the driver to your insurance first?
Knowing when to add someone to your car insurance is a confusing topic. In most cases, your insurance will cover a temporary driver for infrequent use. But, certain conditions apply. For instance, the driver must have your permission to drive the vehicle.
If you are confused about adding someone to your auto insurance, here are a few FAQs:
Who Is and Isn’t Covered While Driving My Car?
Your car insurance covers your vehicle, not the driver. The Insurance Information Institute says that your insurance is the primary insurance, regardless of who is driving. So, when you allow someone else to borrow your car they also borrow your insurance. However, if the individual drives your car without your consent, your insurance may not cover them. Furthermore, if a person is excluded from your policy, your insurance will not pay if they have an accident.
Your insurance typically provides the primary coverage. But, if the person you loan the car to has an accident, their insurance might provide secondary coverage. For example, your coverage limits aren’t high enough to cover the damages to the other driver’s car or their medical bills. In this instance, the secondary coverage would kick in.
Keep in mind that frequent claims may affect your rates, according to the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC). So, if your friend or family member drives your car and has an accident, and your insurance covers it, your insurance premiums could increase.
Can I Add a Roommate to My Insurance?
You may be allowed to add your roommate to your policy since you live at the same address. If you own a car but your roommate doesn’t, they will likely use your car often. In this scenario, you should check with your agent to find out if they should be added to your policy.
If both you and your roommate own a car and are likely to borrow each other’s cars, check with your agent to learn whether you should be included in each other’s policies.
Who Should I Add to My Car Insurance Policy?
Although you may exclude some people from your car insurance, it makes sense to add certain individuals. For example:
- Your teen who has just gotten their learners permit.
- A relative moves in with you and does not have their own car.
Check with your agent to see if adding these individuals to your policy is an option.
What Happens If the Driver Gets a Ticket?
Before lending someone your car, you should consider what happens if they get a traffic violation while driving your vehicle. Since traffic violations follow the driver, your insurance rates won’t increase. However, the ticket means the driver is considered high risk, and their rates will increase even though they weren’t driving their own vehicle.
Who Should Not Be Allowed to Borrow My Car?
You can lend someone your car and they will be covered by your insurance. Of course, some people should not be allowed to drive any vehicle. Before letting another person borrow your car, make sure they are not:
- Underage to drive
- Driving without a license or with a suspended license
- Under the influence of drugs or alcohol
If you avoid adding someone to your policy who should be added, repercussions are likely. This applies to people who live with you and drive your car frequently. For instance, the insurance company may not cover the driver if you do not name them as an authorized driver on your policy.
Think of it this way. You don’t need to add a friend who visits once or twice a year and uses your car. But, if you have someone in your home who uses your vehicle regularly, they should be on your policy.
The best way to know when to add someone to your policy is to talk with your insurance agent. Insurance providers vary widely in the coverage offered, so you want to be sure you have the coverage you need for your specific circumstances.
Get Affordable, Reliable Car Insurance With Sandifer Insurance Agency
If you’re shopping for car insurance, the knowledgeable agents at Sandifer can help make the process easier. We have over 40 years of experience in finding affordable, trustworthy insurance for our clients. Our team will assess your needs and recommend the right coverage to fit your situation and your budget.
Contact Sandifer today by phone, email, or online to learn more about adding another driver to your car insurance. Please do not hesitate to contact us if you have any questions or need assistance.
Sources:
iii.org/article/ – 8 Auto Insurance Myths
insureuonline.org/ – 10 Things You Should Know About Buying Auto Insurance
scdmvonline.com/ – SC DMV: Points System