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Accident With a Borrowed Car
Whose policy pays? If you loan your car to a friend and your friend has an accident, it's your insurance that's on the hook. "The insurance follows the car" is the general rule of thumb. Might there be circumstances where the borrower's insurance would become involved? Yes. Suppose you borrow a friend's car and have a serious accident. If your friend's (the owner's) coverage (called the primary coverage) is used up, then your own coverage (the secondary coverage) would step in. Or suppose you borrow your friend's car, have an accident, and then find out your friend did not have insurance in force on the car. Then your insurance may step in and become the primary coverage. All these rules go out the window in many cases if the person whose car you borrow happens to be a relative who resides in your household. Remember these two things: First, always exercise caution when it comes to lending your car. Second, if you're ever in doubt about whether you or another driver is covered in any given situation, please call us.
Rental Cars: Should you purchase rental agency coverage?
If you have collision and comprehensive ("other than collision") coverages on your own car, you are most likely covered if you're traveling in the United States, its territories and possessions or Canada (for example, travel in Mexico, the Bahamas or Europe would not be covered). Most policies (except business policies) cover any rental car that you drive at no additional premium. Business cars frequently require an extra premium to afford the same coverage. Give us a call before you leave for your "fun in the sun and/or snow" to confirm your coverage.
What to do after an accident?
You've been in an accident. Here are some general guidelines about what to do next. Stop at once: Never leave the scene of even a MINOR accident. Seek medical assistance and summon police. Do not admit fault: Do not comment about the accident to anyone but your insurance representative and the police. Never accept or make an offer of cash, check or "private" settlement. Gather accident information: Note the date and time of the accident. Obtain information on the other driver including: name, address, phone number, make of car, vehicle license number, insurance company and agent's name and telephone number. Record a description of what occurred. Draw a diagram of the accident showing the direction of both cars and the point of the accident. Include street names and location of traffic signs/signals. Report the accident promptly to your insurance agent.
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