Will My Insurance Cover Me If I Drive Someone Else's Car in Nevada?
Borrowing a car from a family member or friend may seem like a simple transaction - until you have an accident in their vehicle. Nevada’s car-based insurance system offers primary coverage from the car’s policy, but permission, named drivers, and policy limits are where things get a little tricky. Below, we explore Nevada’s car insurance laws, how they impact coverage when driving another car, and what steps you must take to ensure you’re properly insured.
Does Insurance Follow the Car or the Driver in Nevada?
Car insurance in Nevada follows the vehicle, not the driver. This means the primary source of coverage in an accident will likely be the insurance policy of the car owner, even if someone else is driving the car with permission. However, specific policy wording, driver eligibility, and coverage limits all need to be considered.
Understanding this concept is essential when determining who will be financially responsible if you get into an accident while driving someone else’s car. It’s important to note that “following the car” typically relates to liability insurance (property damage and bodily injury). Other coverage types like Personal Injury Protection may follow the driver.
The best way to know where you stand with insurance companies is to contact a car accident lawyer Las Vegas NV.
Types of Insurance Coverage and How They Apply
Knowing the different types of insurance coverage is essential if you’re involved in an accident while driving someone else's car. Here are the different types of coverage to be aware of:
● Liability insurance. This is the primary coverage in Nevada, and it “follows the car”. It protects the owner of a vehicle from financial responsibility for bodily injuries or property damage caused to others in an accident, even if someone else was driving with permission.
● Collision coverage. This coverage pays to replace or repair your vehicle if it’s damaged in a collision, regardless of fault. This type of cover only accounts for the vehicle listed on the policy - not vehicles you may drive with permission.
● Comprehensive coverage. Like collision coverage, comprehensive cover protects the owner against damage from other events including theft, fire, vandalism, and certain weather events.
● Non-owned auto coverage. This optional coverage offers some protection if you’re involved in an accident while driving someone else’s vehicle. The extent of coverage will depend on your chosen policy limits.
● Personal injury protection (PIP). This is another optional coverage that helps to pay for medical expenses, irrespective of fault. If you’re driving someone else’s car, PIP can be crucial if your policy doesn’t extend liability coverage.
This offers a general overview of insurance coverage types in Nevada. However, specific policy wording can be complex. Speaking to a car accident attorney Las Vegas NV will guarantee a 100% understanding of your rights and options for compensation while driving someone else’s car.
Factors Influencing Coverage When Driving Another Car
Despite Nevada insurance coverage “following the car”, there are many factors that can influence the extent of coverage you have when driving someone else’s car. Aside from the type of coverage the vehicle owner has, the primary factor is having a permissive driver status, meaning you must be authorized by the owner to drive the vehicle when you get into an accident.
Driver eligibility is another consideration taken into account. Depending on the owner of the vehicle’s policy, there may be certain criteria that permissive drivers must meet. For example, they may need to be a certain age, have a valid driver’s license, and not have a history of major driving violations. If you don’t meet the eligibility criteria of the vehicle owner’s policy, your coverage options will be limited.
To avoid any confusion when making a claim following an accident in someone else’s car, contact a vehicle accident lawyer for advice.
Tips for Ensuring You’re Properly Insured When Borrowing a Car
Borrowing a car can be convenient, but understanding car insurance coverage can be confusing at best. Here are some general tips for ensuring you’re properly insured when buying a car in Nevada.
- Clear communication. Have a clear conversation with the vehicle owner to discuss reasons for using the car, insurance coverage, and any limitations surrounding permissive drivers.
- Review policy details. If possible, have a look over the vehicle owner’s insurance policy to verify specific coverage for permissive drivers.
- Check your insurance policy. Review your insurance policy for non-owned auto coverage. You can add this for peace of mind.
- If you borrow frequently, add yourself as a driver. Being added to the vehicle owner’s policy can provide more comprehensive cover, but only do this if you’re a frequent driver.
- Maintain a clear driving record. Having a spotless record makes you worthy of being added to someone else’s policy, and it could lower your insurance.
- Don’t assume coverage. Never assume you’ll be covered as a permissive driver. Take steps to ensure you have the necessary cover in place to avoid having to pay out of your own pockets.
What to Do After an Accident While Driving Someone Else’s Car in Nevada
If you’re involved in an accident while driving another person’s car in Nevada, the priority is ensuring your safety. Move the vehicle out of traffic, stand away from the road, check yourself for injuries, and call 911. You can now take photos of the scene, exchange information with other drivers, and collect witness details.
After being told you can leave by the police, have a medical assessment and maintain records. At this point, we recommend contacting the owner of the car. Reassure them that you’ll work alongside their insurance company, but don’t admit fault. Even if you believe the other driver was at fault, it’s a good idea to inform your insurance company.
To help navigate the complexities of car accident claims while driving someone else’s vehicle, contact a road accident lawyer to discuss your rights and what steps to take next.
Now you can answer the burning question, “Will my insurance cover me if I drive someone else's car in Nevada?”. For a free consultation, contact Karns & Karns Personal Injury and Accident Attorneys today.
