2007-08-07 05:50:08 · 11 answers · asked by melimae81 1 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Insurance & Registration
Once again I see that a bunch of people who must not be in the insurance claims business are giving bad answers.
Knowingly borrowing your car to an unlicensed driver is really dumb but your policy would cover it.
I am in the insurance claims business and have been for 20+ years. I have paid many claims where the driver never had a license, had a suspended license, had a revoked license or had a learners permit.
Generally your insurance would provide coverage for any damages the unlicensed person caused as long as they had your permission to use the car. Here are some reasons why;
- There is no idiot exclusions in an automobile policy.
- There is no exclusion to deny coverage in the standard or auto policy for the driver not having a license.
- Most states would not allow an exclusion for this situation as it would be considered against the "Publics best interest" to deny coverage to innocent people who are hit by unlicensed drivers.
Insurance companies would love an exclusion like this, think of all the money that could be saved if they could deny claims because the driver didn't have a license.
If you are really concerned about and are looking for confirmation call your insurance companies claim dept and tell them you would like to talk to a claim adjuster about a general question.
EDIT
Hey sensible_man feel free to argue with me all you want. It is a great way to learn new things and I'm never opposed to that. I have copies of or am familiar with the policies of about 12 different companies and none of them have wording or exclusions about unlicensed drivers (or drunk drivers) not being covered. If you don't mind let me know what state you are in and what part of your policy talks about no coverage for unlicensed drivers. Thanks
2007-08-07 06:12:57 · answer #1 · answered by fighting saints 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Fightingsaints seems to be the authority here, BUT...
You must call your insurance company and ask. My experience is that most insurers do NOT provide any coverage for any unlicensed driver. The only exception is a comprehensive loss resulting from a non-permissive driver. This means (for example) if your car is stolen and then damaged, the insurance would pay for the damage to your car.
In regards to an unlicensed friend borrowing your car WITH your permission, the best advice is to double-check with your insurance company before handing over the keys. As stated in some other answers, the vehicle owner (you) is primarily liable for any accident. This means if your insurer does not cover your friend and he hits someone, you're responsible for the injuries to the other party and any repairs out of pocket.
Only your specific insurance company can answer this question.
2007-08-07 07:58:47 · answer #2 · answered by Brad D 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
call your insurance agent and ask him, and make sure the guy has a drivers license or you will be screwed. The problem is some insurance companies are changing the wording so you must be careful when buying insurance. Some insurance companies now will only allow a insured driver with a valid license to drive your car. (so he must have a car already) some insurance companies will allow any licensed driver. One way is el cheapo insurance, the other way is the good insurance company. Double check and make sure you are covered , just in case.Insurance compaines are a lot more picky about some things than they used to be.
2016-05-20 23:27:38 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Call your insurance company and ask. I hate to argue with Fighting Saints, but my insurance states that they do not cover unlicensed drivers or anyone under the age of 25 that drives my vehicles.
2007-08-07 06:48:45 · answer #4 · answered by sensible_man 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
In California, the owner of the vehicle is financially responsible for any damage done by an unlicensed driver. The exception MAY be if the car was taken without your knowledge or permission.
2007-08-07 06:00:52 · answer #5 · answered by Vince M 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
No. Insurance does not cover non-licensed drivers!
2007-08-07 05:53:06 · answer #6 · answered by I ♥ old VW's 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Most insurance policies will not cover unlicensed drivers. You may well be screwed.
.
2007-08-07 05:54:28 · answer #7 · answered by Jacob W 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
there is only one insurance that will cover that, but it costs a lot to insure. if it is any other company, then you are the one liable.
2007-08-07 05:53:46 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
no, you will be left to pay the bill and suffer the increase in your insurance rates.
2007-08-07 05:54:38 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
NO. Never let some unlicensed indiv. drive your whip!
2007-08-07 05:53:06 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋