Getting In An Accident In A Vehicle That Is Not Yours

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Getting In An Accident In A Vehicle That Is Not Yours

via FIQ Car Blog by Mitch on 11/21/11

 claims car insurance

If you find yourself as the driver of a vehicle that isn't yours, and you get in an accident, things can get very complicated when dealing with the insurance companies. It's especially hectic since the vehicle isn't even insured by you. Before taking any action, be sure to contact your insurance company and the vehicle's insurance company to see what options are available. You didn't plan to be in an accident, but you will need to take responsibility to see it through when getting the car repaired.
If you have your own car insurance, there could be provisions within certain coverages that covers any liability in an accident involving you, but not your car. This is especially the case with car rentals. Your insurance company will pay for any claim a rental car company may place upon it. Many people don't realize this, and opt instead to purchase additional coverage when they rent the car. In any case, this coverage is usually provided by your insurance company. Ask your insurance company for any additional coverage for damage to other vehicles caused by you, the driver.
All vehicles will be covered by its' own insurance. In the unlikely event that you crashed a car that isn't yours and you don't have your own insurance or your insurance won't cover it, you really need to take the responsibility on yourself to pay for everything. Pay for the entire cost of the deductible that is needed to pay for the repair of the car. However, there are other things to also consider like paying for any increases in the owner's insurance premiums that may result from the accident. This may include the fact that they may have to pay an increase in any deductible the next time they may have an accident themselves. In other words, you want to make the person and the property whole again before the accident ever happened. Therefore, you need to be financially responsible to make the situation as it way before the accident.
Whether you have your own insurance to cover such accidents or you are depending on the vehicle's insurance to cover the costs of repair, you need to take financial responsibility for your own actions. Under no circumstance should the owner of the vehicle have to pay any money out of pocket to cover the costs of any repairs, any deductibles, any increase in premiums and any car rental. Before you decide to drive a car that isn't yours, you may want to consider if it's worth the risks. A good rule of thumb would be to only drive a car which you are insured by.

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