Car accident by another party driving my car?

Question

I helped somebody with my car this weekend and they got into an accident with my car. the thing is this person also had their own car and they have insurance on it but at that time they were driving my car. I am just wondering on whose insurance is reliable to pay for the damages. also what would you consider is the best way out? this person is my friend and I dont want to take them to court.

thank you

Answer 1

In general:

Insurance follows the car - not the driver.

Therefore, your policy is primary. Your collision pays for your car and your liability pays for the damage/injuries to the other party.

If the other person's damages exceed your policy limits - then the drivers policy comes in on an excess basis.

This is why you are very careful when you loan your car out.

Answer 2

you'll have to make the claim, but your mate will pay the excess and lose their  no claims.

Answer 3

Make a claim on your insurance.  The insurance follows the car & when you loan your car, you loan your insurance.  Also, if your friend caused damage to someone else, your liability will pay them up to your limits.  If damages to the other party exceed your limits, your friend's insurance may come second (if he had higher limits than you did) and if your vehicle was NOT available for his regular use (meaning, you didn't tell him "you can use my car anytime you need to").

If you had collision, your friend should offer to pay your deductible, that would be the right thing to do but he is not obligated to do so.

Answer 4

tell them and ask them for it politely

Answer 5

You should call your insurance today and find out exactly what they recommend.  I don't know what state you are in so this may make no sense, but who was at fault in the accident? If it was the other driver and not your friend their insurance should pay and you wouldn't even have to worry about it.  If it was your friends fault or your state is "no fault" then I would ask your friend to call their insurance or pay your deductible.

Answer 6

Your insurance may pay first, depending on how often your friend drives your vehicle.  Their insurance would be next...

Answer 7

Afraid Sue's right - it hurts, it happened to me and is on my insurance history with no mention to the fact I wasn't the driver.



Good Luck  and ask your mate to pay any charges you have to pay.

x

Answer 8

Your insurance would be prime, then the friends insurance.  Best way out is to call your agent.