It is possible to have your car insurance cover other drivers. However, it depends on the car owner’s insurance policy, the insurance company that issues it, and the state where the accident occurs.
If you have a question about car insurance policies and how they may impact your car accident case, contact a Washington, DC car accident lawyer with Chaikin, Sherman, Cammarata & Siegel, P.C. today for a free consultation. We value the attorney-client relationship, and we will work to protect your rights and obtain the compensation you deserve.
Liability Coverage
Your liability insurance will cover your vehicle when another person drives it in many cases. If the person that drives your car is determined to be at fault, this coverage usually will pay for repairs to the other vehicle involved in the accident, as well as for injuries caused to other drivers, or passengers in your vehicle If the other driver is at fault, their liability coverage should pay for repairing your car, and for any injuries suffered by anyone in your car
Liability insurance does not usually pay medical expenses that the person driving your car has due to the accident.
Collision and Comprehensive Coverage
Collision coverage covers damages your vehicle sustains due to a collision. If you have collision coverage, it can help pay for repairs to your car regardless of who is at fault. If the other driver is at fault, your insurance may not need to help as the bill will be sent to the at-fault driver’s insurance provider. However, if the driver of your car is at fault, you’ll have to meet your deductible before you receive payment for the property damage.
Comprehensive insurance coverage pays for a wide range of other damages outside of an accident. This may include fire, theft, or vandalism. Similar to collision coverage, comprehensive follows the vehicle. Check with your policy and state laws for specific coverage information.
Permissive vs. Non-Permissive Use
Whether your auto insurance policy kicks in when another person gets in an accident in your car depends on if you permitted them to borrow it. This is referred to as “permissive” or “non-permissive” use.
Permissive Use
Your car insurance policy may cover drivers you have listed on the policy or anyone permitted to drive your car. Your insurance will likely cover another driver in an accident as long as they had permission to drive your vehicle.
Non-Permissive Use
If someone uses your car without your permission, insurance will not cover them. This is called non-permissive use. If someone is driving your car and gets into an accident, you will not be responsible for the damages. However, you will still likely need to file a claim with your insurance company to get your vehicle repaired.
When is Someone Not Covered by My Car Insurance?
There are situations where someone can drive your car with your permission and still not be covered by your own insurance. This is usually the case when:
- They are expressly excluded from your policy
- They are not licensed to drive
Driver Exclusions
Driver exclusions are established to avoid insuring a high-risk driver. For example, if your teenager has had numerous accidents and is too expensive to insure for a few years, you may want to exclude them to prevent your premiums from increasing.
Need a Car Accident Lawyer?
The Washington, DC car accident lawyers with Chaikin, Sherman, Cammarata & Siegel, P.C. have a proven track record of success helping clients obtain the maximum compensation possible for injuries they have suffered due to the negligence of others. Our firm has consistently demonstrated we have the expertise needed to help our clients see that justice is served. We have the resources needed to conduct thorough investigations of all the circumstances contributing to a motor vehicle accident, gathering the evidence to establish liability and negligence.
Chaikin, Sherman, Cammarata & Siegel, P.C. has achieved more than $500 million in verdicts and settlements, and our attorneys have more than a century of combined legal experience. Two of our partners are certified by the National Board of Trial Advocacy. Our firm has also earned the highest AV® Rating from Martindale-Hubbell®, one of the most respected attorney-ranking service organizations in the United States. Chaikin, Sherman, Cammarata & Siegel, P.C. attorneys work passionately on behalf of our clients to help them secure fair compensation – there is no type of case that is too complex for us to litigate.
How Much Is a Car Accident Claim Worth?
The best way to find out what your case might be worth is to speak with an attorney with Chaikin, Sherman, Cammarata & Siegel, P.C. Our accident lawyers have obtained settlements for various car accident cases.
Here are a few of our case results:
- $6 million for a client who suffered a brain injury after being involved in a rear-end collision.
- $4.8 million for a severely injured client after another vehicle struck his motorcycle.
- $1.9 million for a client who suffered a permanent back injury due to a car accident.
- $1.5 million for a client who had to undergo multiple surgeries after a negligent motorist cut off his motorcycle.
- $1 million settlement obtained on behalf of our 19-year-old client who was a passenger in a car in which the driver lost control, causing a collision. As a result, our client suffered extensive brain damage with cognitive impairment. He was in a coma for an extended period of time. Although he has regained consciousness, he is unable to care for himself. The law firm asked the Court to appoint him a guardian to care for him. The law firm is helping to establish a special needs trust so that the proceeds from the settlement will be protected against any medical liens.
- $1 million settlement on behalf of a client who suffered a brain injury when the driver of the car in which he was a passenger lost control of his vehicle.
Contact a Washington DC Accident Lawyer Today
If you are looking for the highest level of representation available for your personal injury case, turn to Chaikin, Sherman, Cammarata & Siegel, P.C. Our firm has helped clients recover more than $500 million in compensation, and we have more than 100 years of combined experience. All of our partners are recognized by Washington, DC Super Lawyers®, and our firm includes three past presidents of the Trial Lawyers Association of Metropolitan Washington, DC.
We work to help our clients obtain fair settlement offers to compensate them for the injuries they’ve suffered, but our attorneys are extremely well-equipped to go to trial if needed. Call (202) 659-8600 or contact us online to get the proven legal representation you deserve.