Car Insurance Question...

[rlism]

I got into an accident driving someone else's car. There were no other vehicles involved. The damage is probably near $1200.

Do I go through my insurance agency? or the car owner's? In a situation like this, should can insurance be claimed it at all?


edit: Thanks everyone.

 

[notfred]

That depends on the terms of both your and the owner's insurance policies.

 

[pulse8]

Well, if your insurance policy covers you driving other cars, they you should probably claim it with yours. If it was your fault, no sense in giving your buddy that mark with his insurance company. If your policy doesn't do that and his covers when other people drive his car, then you'll have to make the claim there. Not all policies do this. You may have to just foot the bill if neither your policy or his covers the situation.

 

[snakesnfrogs]

The car owner's insurance should cover it unless their policy has excluded anyone else from driving the car.

 

[shifrbv]

I thought insurance always followed the car, not the driver. I may be wrong, but I was always told that's why people should be careful about letting other people drive their vehicles.

Just like with rental cars. Your car insurance won't pay it if you have an accident. That's why you need to get their temporary insurance when you rent.

 

[frizzlefry]

I believe most insurance companies have their policies trsnferrable. Which means that as a driver, which ever car you are driving, your insurance company will cover it.

Take for instance if you were to rent a vehicle but refused the renting company's insurance (which usually doubles the rental cost). If you were to get into an accident, your insurance company would be liable for any costs if it is your fault. You do not have to get their insurance if you do not want it.

No difference if you were driving someone else's car. The driver exclusion on most policies is to exclude drivers within your own household (like a roommate for taking it for a spin w/out permission or kids or what not).

I would check with your insurance company about their policy (or jsut read through your policy) and find out about your buddy's too. Either way, if the damage is not extensive, just pay off the damn thing so you don't have a mark on your record and possible raise in rates.

 

[StageLeft]

I think it depends where. As Shifvrb said it can follow the car. My brothers girlfriend just put $7k damage onto his car and apparently its going to affect his record because it was his car as opposed to her record. Pretty dumb eh? In Canada I know for sure - at least with my policy - that it covers driver.