If a driver other than driver named on car insurance drives our car, are they covered fully by Farmers policy?

Question

If a driver other than driver named on car insurance drives our car, are they covered fully by Farmers policy?

Answer 1

If they aren't a household member, and don't have regular access to the car, yes.

In other words, you can let your neighbor drive to the store.  But if you're letting your grandkid use the car regularly (usually defined as more than once a month, or more than 10 times a year), you have to list them if you want there to be coverage.

Answer 2

Depends. Look on your declerations page or call the company. There should be a clause in the contract called "permissive use." If permissive use (which is ok as I used to work for Farmers Ins.) is an option, then any driver "not" living in your household drives the vehicle, it is covered. But I used to be a claims rep, so I will give you the skinny:

1. Make sure the driver does not, or ever, live in your household. Insurance companies use what is called a CLUE (Comprehensive Loss Underwriters Exchange) report to determine if the driver in the accident lives or ever lived in the house. They even have info on the people that used to live there before you! So as long as the ID on the drivers license does not match and they have proof of residence, then they are ok.

2. Under permissive use, the deductable is doubled if the driver is not on the policy.

3. Insurance companies will investigate if the driver has the same last name or has been involved in any accidents within the previous 7 years.

4. The driver will not be covered if he is on the vehicle registration or on the former chain of title. Example: If your brother sold you the car, you get it insured, he drives it and gets into an accident. He will (in 99% of the cases) not be covered and the insurance company will investigate.

Hope that helps. I know it is alot of extra info, but in case you ever leave Farmers now you will know what to ask the insurance agent.

Answer 3

Does the other driver have permission from the insured?

If the vehicle is operated without the insured's permission, forget about normal auto insurance from any company covering a loss.

There are riders (to the policy) that can improve coverage.

Your agent or another agent from the same company can let you know where to look on your policy to see about the riders.

Hope this is good news to you.